Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

block or shackle

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Old 07-07-2009
Billy4x4's Avatar
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block or shackle

hey, im going to be doing the almighty prekey mod very soon ..woohoo(thanks to elanalvey) and i cant decide on what to do with the rear.. i know a lot of guys run the belltech shackles instead of the larger block... would there be any pros or cons to either??

thanks
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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block can cause axle rap.... shackle is the best way to go
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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did you get 'em???

i did the belltechs from summit racing. it was an easy install. i would suggest using two people if you've got a trailer hitch thingy. one to pull down the leaf springs and the other to pull the bolts. i've still got a fudged up finger nail from it.
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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Do shackles. The only reason I would EVER go with a bigger block is if I was really needing more height.
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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Shackle, less axel wrap. Although I think it moves your axel about a .5-1 inch forward.
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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The pre-08 stock 2.5" block isn't really enough to cause bad axle wrap, but I wouldn't go with a block any taller. When I had shackles on my truck, it seemed like it stiffened the rear end ever so slightly.

Just go with which ever one you come across first/is cheaper. You won't know the difference.
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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I'd do shackles....the ride will be better and wont cause additional axlewrap. If you get belltech 6400's, you have the option of 3/4" lift or 1.5" lift. Choose the second the the bottom hole for 3/4" lift.
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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Really? I get bad axel wrap from mine. It might be because my springs are a little worn out.
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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shackles can twist. i use blocks. or add a leaf
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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Originally Posted by chainfire
Really? I get bad axel wrap from mine. It might be because my springs are a little worn out.
Probably your springs, my old truck had mystery 3 leaf springs from some JY truck and had HORRIBLE axle wrap. I threw on a 4 leaf pack from an 04 4wd, and no more axle wrap.
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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Originally Posted by OVERtheEDGE
shackles can twist. i use blocks. or add a leaf

Maybe if you have like a 4 inch shackle, and have like 300 hp but with these? I highly doubt it.
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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oh come on now, you know them rangers can throw out like 3,000hp running on 2 cylinders. geez.
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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either way ill use blocks and add a leafs. shackles will be next if i get more lift
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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neither... skyjacker leafs! lol (ok, totally different price ranger, but best option IMO)
 
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Old 07-07-2009
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Originally Posted by 08XLT4x4
neither... skyjacker leafs! lol (ok, totally different price ranger, but best option IMO)
Would put him way above where he wants to be. He just wants 1.5" or so to put him at older stock height. But, yes lift springs would be better than blocks or shackles.
 
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