I recently replaced the stock F bars that were sagging somewhat after 165k. I used as a replacement, Class 1 Torsion Bars and when torqued to the max I got 2.5 inches of lift. Enough to get new 31-10.50-15 Michlien LTX AT tires to fit with no problem at all. Everything clears by a pretty wide margin. But The rear of my truck needs to be elevated to match the front height and maybe 'bout another inch over that. I like a little "rake" on my trucks. I am not too "shot in the head" with the idea of exchanging rear springs. My question is which would be the best...Blocks or Shackles...and why. Anyone got any information or input to help solve this minor problem as to which option would work the best. I figure a few heads are better than just mine.

Another question...I'd also like to add to the width of the running gear as well...I like the stock aluminum wheels and I ain't looking to buy a new set of wheels. How would wheel spacesrs work. I'd use 3/4 inch spacers on all four corners. My main worry is how much extra strain 3/4" spacers might effect the life of my front wheel bearings.

Thanks..

 

The blocks versus shackle mod...lift is equivalent, shackle is easier to do.

As for the spacers, I've heard about the extra strain on the wheel bearing. But I don't beleive that fact. My truck has 90000km on it, put my 1.5'' spacers on at 500km (bought the truck new) and changed the bearing at 50000km.
I find that to be good, as I do alot of offroading in rock, and mud, I don't blame it entirely on the spacers

 

THanks for your input, there, Partner

 

raise the rear of your ranger up by the frame rails until it sits at the level that you want

then take a long thin piece of wood and place it the missle of spring eye bolts

then take a measurement of the required spring arch

i have several leaf spring links with various spring archs that will fit the rangers

 

Shackles. Don't do blocks.

And 50,000 km for a wheel bearing is incredibly bad..... Spacers add to much strain. 3/4" wontbe bad. But holy crap, 1.5" spacers?! Dude that's just stupid

 

a lot of the full size trucks up and around my parts use 1.5 inch wheel spacers

 

A lot of people voted for Obama, just because people do it, doesn't make it a good idea

No spacers for me, and my wheel bearings are just starting to go out. 220,000 kms. Never been done. And I abuse my ****.

Guy above has done them already at 90k..... Sorry, but there's no way around it. Spacers are a shitty product.

 

I get your point there jarrett. But theres no way an '11 Ranger will fit 33x12.5s unless you space out.
And for the sake of my bearings, Ford stealership did have a work bulletin on my year, was told that after changing them

 

that bulletin was for the FAKE chinese bearings in genuine SKF/MOTORCRAFT boxes

 

Yes there is. Lift lol. Or trim fenders.