Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Kicking the idea of reverse lifting...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 02-11-2009
Hillyard's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Evansville, Indiana
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Kicking the idea of reverse lifting...

I'm strongly considering uncranking my t-bars and yanking the 2.5" block out of the back. The ride has been pretty harsh ever since I did the bigger tires, t-crank, Bilstein shocks, and 2.5" block in. Plus people seem to complain about needing a step stool to get into it.

It's a 2wd Edge and I don't go offroading or I would have bought a 4wd. I got a really good price on it and love the truck but I would like it to be a little more comfortable for daily driving. I plan on keeping the truck so I want to enjoy it.

I currently have 2 rotations on both T-bars, not even close to being all the way down to the body. I also have a 2.5" block which gives it a little bit of rake.

I plan on replacing the 2.5" block with a 1.25" and easing the T-bars back down.
What do you guys think? Will the 265/70R16s look too big in there or will it be a nice fit?
Do 2wds have any block spacers? I have Chevy lowering shackles (not installed) so I could regain some height there and just do away with the blocks.




Thoughts? Opinions? Let me know.
 
  #2  
Old 02-11-2009
FullThrottle02's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: McHenry,IL
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think you should leave it the way it is. It looks good and is not too high.
 
  #3  
Old 02-11-2009
Downey's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Muncy, PA
Posts: 8,470
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
its not like you have 8 inches
 
  #4  
Old 02-11-2009
ranger's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Imperial Beach, CA
Posts: 4,502
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Just ditch the block.
 
  #5  
Old 02-11-2009
0RangerEdge2's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,592
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ditching the block will require new u-bolts as far as I know. Unless you have a die set then you could cut more threads into the originals. I would just get a new set.

The Chevy drop shackles are supposed to provide about 1.5" lift over factory. If you lost the block and put the shackles on you would lose an inch. Uncrank the torsion bars a little and it'd be about where you want it.
 
  #6  
Old 02-11-2009
Hillyard's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Evansville, Indiana
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by 0RangerEdge2
Ditching the block will require new u-bolts as far as I know. Unless you have a die set then you could cut more threads into the originals. I would just get a new set.

The Chevy drop shackles are supposed to provide about 1.5" lift over factory. If you lost the block and put the shackles on you would lose an inch. Uncrank the torsion bars a little and it'd be about where you want it.
Ya, I think that's what I'm going to do. It seems like the best long term solution. I also have the James duff traction bars which help stabilize the the shackles flexibility.

Does anybody know what models didn't have factory blocks? I'm on a Ford OEM trademotion website and it's showing even 2wd's have blocks but I don't think that's right.
 
  #7  
Old 02-11-2009
0RangerEdge2's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,592
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2wd COIL SPRING trucks didn't have a block in the rear from the factory. Leaf springs were directly on the axle.
 
  #8  
Old 02-11-2009
rangerboy101's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Winchester, Va
Posts: 8,187
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I vote keeping it the way it is. Its a truck its not supposed to ride smooth. And youre 2wd it cant sit that high.
 
  #9  
Old 02-11-2009
0RangerEdge2's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,592
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rangerboy101. I bet he sits higher than your truck. If you don't have bigger than stock tires, I would bet he sits higher. You know Edge's 2wd have to exact same suspension setup as your 4x4 right?

EDIT: Hillyard, what is your spring code? If you really want a cushy ride you could step down to F torsion bars if you don't already have them.
 

Last edited by 0RangerEdge2; 02-11-2009 at 11:37 AM.
  #10  
Old 02-11-2009
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Haddon Heights, NJ
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
To be honest...tht looks exactly like my ranger...creepy
 

Last edited by ChaosFromAbove; 02-11-2009 at 10:55 AM.
  #11  
Old 02-11-2009
Hillyard's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Evansville, Indiana
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by 0RangerEdge2
Rangerboy101. I bet he sits higher than your truck. If you don't have bigger than stock tires, I would be he sits higher. You know Edge's 2wd have to exact same suspension setup as your 4x4 right?

EDIT: Hillyard, what is your spring code? If you really want a cushy ride you could step down to F torsion bars if you don't already have them.
I believe I have C rated T-Bars. F T-bars tend to sag pretty quickly.

It's not that I want an extremely cushy ride just a little smoother than what it is now (aka brick). I think I will be better off ditching the 2.5" block and running the shackles anyways. Then I can just adjust the t-bars accordingly.

Oh and I sit much higher than the new 4x4s and sit even with stock f-150s.

I don't know if this changes anything but when I had about 5"s of snow in the back it took bumps much easier.
 
  #12  
Old 02-11-2009
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Haddon Heights, NJ
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Hillyard
Plus people seem to complain about needing a step stool to get into it.
...stop hanging around with midgets
 
  #13  
Old 02-11-2009
sullys_ranger's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: NewLexington, Ohio
Posts: 3,615
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
^^ do what I do when they complain to get it, only drive girls around and just go behind em and grab their butt and push them into the seat.... Cant wait to put my body lift in
 
  #14  
Old 02-11-2009
0RangerEdge2's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,592
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Hillyard
I believe I have C rated T-Bars. F T-bars tend to sag pretty quickly.

It's not that I want an extremely cushy ride just a little smoother than what it is now (aka brick). I think I will be better off ditching the 2.5" block and running the shackles anyways. Then I can just adjust the t-bars accordingly.

Oh and I sit much higher than the new 4x4s and sit even with stock f-150s.

I don't know if this changes anything but when I had about 5"s of snow in the back it took bumps much easier.
I'm guessing B bars is what you meant. I don't think C was an option. F's do sag, but it'll be a nicer ride and less height like you want. But cost effective wise, un-cranking your B's will be better.

The truck took bumps better because it had more weight in the back. Almost all trucks are like that.
 
  #15  
Old 02-11-2009
Hillyard's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Evansville, Indiana
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by 0RangerEdge2
I'm guessing B bars is what you meant. I don't think C was an option. F's do sag, but it'll be a nicer ride and less height like you want. But cost effective wise, un-cranking your B's will be better.

The truck took bumps better because it had more weight in the back. Almost all trucks are like that.
When I go to lunch I will double check. You are probably right.
 
  #16  
Old 02-11-2009
Hillyard's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Evansville, Indiana
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by sullys_ranger
^^ do what I do when they complain to get it, only drive girls around and just go behind em and grab their butt and push them into the seat.... Cant wait to put my body lift in
It's the girls that do complain and tend to be 5'5"-7". Most say wow I can't believe your truck sits this high up from the factory. Sigh women.
 
  #17  
Old 02-11-2009
freddie's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: OH
Posts: 2,463
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
SVT pictures and update? Lol Thats what I want!
 
  #18  
Old 02-11-2009
rangerboy101's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Winchester, Va
Posts: 8,187
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by 0RangerEdge2
Rangerboy101. I bet he sits higher than your truck. If you don't have bigger than stock tires, I would be he sits higher. You know Edge's 2wd have to exact same suspension setup as your 4x4 right?
Shoot sorry. I forgot you had an edge. In that case it is a little bit of a pain to get into then.
 
  #19  
Old 02-11-2009
FX2.3's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: College Station
Posts: 2,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Try this, leave it alone for atleast 2 weeks and see how you feel then. I tend to do things on impulse and it gets expensive.
 
  #20  
Old 02-11-2009
Sonic04Edge's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Madison. AL
Posts: 5,718
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by Hillyard
I believe I have C rated T-Bars. F T-bars tend to sag pretty quickly.

It's not that I want an extremely cushy ride just a little smoother than what it is now (aka brick). I think I will be better off ditching the 2.5" block and running the shackles anyways. Then I can just adjust the t-bars accordingly.

Oh and I sit much higher than the new 4x4s and sit even with stock f-150s.

I don't know if this changes anything but when I had about 5"s of snow in the back it took bumps much easier.
All edge/4x4 rangers came with 2.5" blocks from the factory. That was only changed in 08 when they went to a 1.5" block. If you ditch the blocks and put on the drop shackles it will sit the same. However have a slightly better ride. No matter what you do to that truck it will still have a stiff ride. If you only did 2 turns on your tbar bolts that isn't going to give your truck that much rough of a ride then stock. My guess is, if you are comparing it to stock. You probably had blown shocks and when you put the new one's on is where the "rougher" ride came from. I recently changed my shocks from stock to some rancho's. My stock shocks were blown and I had a very soft ride. Once the rancho's were on it got very stiff.
 
  #21  
Old 02-11-2009
Hillyard's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Evansville, Indiana
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by Sonic04Edge
All edge/4x4 rangers came with 2.5" blocks from the factory. That was only changed in 08 when they went to a 1.5" block. If you ditch the blocks and put on the drop shackles it will sit the same. However have a slightly better ride. No matter what you do to that truck it will still have a stiff ride. If you only did 2 turns on your tbar bolts that isn't going to give your truck that much rough of a ride then stock. My guess is, if you are comparing it to stock. You probably had blown shocks and when you put the new one's on is where the "rougher" ride came from. I recently changed my shocks from stock to some rancho's. My stock shocks were blown and I had a very soft ride. Once the rancho's were on it got very stiff.
Not entirely true. My edge had 2" blocks on it from the factory and I didn't get the 2.5" blocks until I installed the FX4 axle. I grabbed all the U-bolts and misc hardware I could at the time. Also I believe the difference is that the 2001-2004 2wd Edges got a 2" block while almost all 4x4s got the 2.5" block.

The 08 Edges have a 1.25" block.

I'm not sure the ryhme or reason to Ford's methods.
 
  #22  
Old 02-11-2009
big-blue-oval's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: alberta
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
are your bilsteins new? they might wear in a little and soften up.

your truck looks good.
 
  #23  
Old 02-12-2009
Sonic04Edge's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Madison. AL
Posts: 5,718
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by Hillyard
Not entirely true. My edge had 2" blocks on it from the factory and I didn't get the 2.5" blocks until I installed the FX4 axle. I grabbed all the U-bolts and misc hardware I could at the time. Also I believe the difference is that the 2001-2004 2wd Edges got a 2" block while almost all 4x4s got the 2.5" block.

The 08 Edges have a 1.25" block.

I'm not sure the ryhme or reason to Ford's methods.
I would just leave your truck be if it was me. It looks great as is. If the ride is to harsh the only way you will really solve that is by running a softer shock. When mine were blown it road like a caddy. Now with my new rancho's it rides more like a sports car.
 
  #24  
Old 02-12-2009
bugz1racing's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I swear I read somewhere on here that it is not as simple as cranking the t-bars down. Something about the lock washer in front of the bolt. I will try to find it.
 
  #25  
Old 02-12-2009
Sonic04Edge's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Madison. AL
Posts: 5,718
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by bugz1racing
I swear I read somewhere on here that it is not as simple as cranking the t-bars down. Something about the lock washer in front of the bolt. I will try to find it.
It is that simple. When we were cranking HozII's tbars we accidently went down first.
 


Quick Reply: Kicking the idea of reverse lifting...



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:47 AM.