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  #1  
Old 07-09-2017, 08:03 AM
peraho peraho is offline
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Default Easiest way to fix slight rubbing on 2wd w/ 31s?

Hi everyone-

Wondering if can help with with a front suspension / tire issue on my '01 2wd 2.5L XLT.

Scoured the web re '31s, internet seemed to agree they'd fit on a coil-sprung Ranger, but on mine some rubbing full lock to the left (General Grabber A2). Bummer. Live in the city, lots of parallel parking. Not the worst, but would like to fix...

What's the easiest way? 1" spacer? Washers?

I do need to get some front end work done (bushings and all sorts of stuff - 3rd owner, 110K, minimal work done to it), figured have them swap in some spacers while at it, and be good to go.

Saw a Doetsch 3" coil spacer lift / rear block combo on ebay! Great! But then learned that's rough on my upper control arm, ball joints, ride quality, and, I mean, it's a 17yr old 4cyl, not looking for more headaches. Not worth spindles...

Could it be that 31s DO fit fine on a stock '01 2wd, but my 17yr old suspension is sagging? Swap in new shocks/springs?

Or, if need at least 2" or so, prob not worth it, so just deal?

Many thanks for any wisdom.

Pete
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  #2  
Old 07-09-2017, 08:15 AM
ford4thot ford4thot is offline
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Default Re: Easiest way to fix slight rubbing on 2wd w/ 31s?

I would guess that it might be related to your old suspension.
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Old 07-09-2017, 08:22 AM
johnday johnday is offline
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Default Re: Easiest way to fix slight rubbing on 2wd w/ 31s?

If I was going to do it again, I'd look into some lift spindles. Your steering geometry would stay the same. If those would lift your front end too high, some rear axle blocks for a 4X4 would likely make it look right again. BTW, blocks from a RWD Edge are the same as the stock 4X4.
Since I already had the block, I used an AAL that raised the rear 2", and IMO, really didn't over stiffen the rear suspension.
http://www.doetsch-shocks.com/21.asp

Are you running aftermarket wheels with a negative offset?

Looks like the OP edited his post.
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Last edited by johnday; 07-09-2017 at 08:35 AM.
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Old 07-10-2017, 05:11 AM
peraho peraho is offline
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Default Re: Easiest way to fix slight rubbing on 2wd w/ 31s?

Thanks ford4thot - for something like that, coils and shocks I presume? Any recommendations? I guess I'll do some more googling - know the basics but not sure what's failing me now...

Johnday - didn't edit anything in the orig post, but was looking first at spindles, then spacers and blocks, but decided not really worth it for what the truck is. I would really like the look of more lift, but can't justify it now. If I were to buy a newer one, bigger engine, but an '01 with the old 2.5, figure save the money. It gets me from A to B.

Wheels are the stock 15s.

Many thanks for the advice.

Last edited by peraho; 07-10-2017 at 05:15 AM.
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Old 07-10-2017, 05:56 AM
johnday johnday is offline
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Default Re: Easiest way to fix slight rubbing on 2wd w/ 31s?

Quote:
Originally Posted by peraho View Post
Johnday - didn't edit anything in the orig post, but was looking first at spindles, then spacers and blocks, but decided not really worth it for what the truck is. I would really like the look of more lift, but can't justify it now. If I were to buy a newer one, bigger engine, but an '01 with the old 2.5, figure save the money. It gets me from A to B.
I can understand that.
Something on this site is screwing with my computer, I didn't see your complete thread starter, then went back, and there it was.
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'04 Edge, Scab/flareside, 2wd, 3.0, 5 speed, 4:10 open. Billet grille, Raceline Raptor black wheels, 265/75/16 DuraTracs. Tbar crank, AAL. Fox shocks, Thrush welded SI/DO swept back side exit. Morimoto projectors, '06 tails and power mirrors. LEDs all the way around. Blacked out fender badge. Access Limited rollup tonneau. 5% tint on back three windows. Airbox mod, FWIW. And a Border Collie that likes it too!!
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  #6  
Old 08-05-2017, 08:24 AM
Tyler46 Tyler46 is offline
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Default

That's normal for 31's to gently rub at full lock on the little 4 bangers. Also remember those AT2's are very "squared off" if that makes sense... the edges of the tire "knobs" stick out a little more than your average All terrain so keep in mind a BFG in a 31 isn't the same 31 as a General or a Falken. Some rub, some won't.

I'd say just don't even touch the truck, let it rub because it's not hurting anything.

If it bothers you that much, buy Maxtrac's 2" lift coils with new coil spring noise insulators and a 2" extended front shock. That's a reasonable lift and you can replace worn out parts while you're at it. The coils are $165
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  #7  
Old 08-05-2017, 10:41 AM
Garfield Garfield is offline
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Default Re: Easiest way to fix slight rubbing on 2wd w/ 31s?

What rims? On my '09 2wd 31s didnt rub with stock rims, but with 15x8s with lower backspacing they did, just slightly.
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