I attempted to remove the blocks from my 2002 Ford Ranger Edge Plus 4x4. I jacked up the truck by its frame. I loosened the U bolt nuts and removed the block on the rear driver side. I lifted the block out of the perch hole on the axle and removed the block from under the leaf spring. I attempted to tighten the nuts on the U bolts but the leaf springs no longer aligned with the axle perch hole. The axle appeared to have moved back about 3/4". I suspect when you remove 3" blocks the angle of the drive shaft is at a lower angle, thus pushing the axle back. If you were to put 6" lift block in, I suspect it increases the drive shaft angle thus pulling the rear axle toward to front of the truck. So removing the blocks, lowering the drive shaft angle, pushes the axle toward the back of the truck. So now the leaf spring pin doesn't fit into the axle perch hole.

Keep in mind I only removed the driver side block and attempted to tighten the U bolt nuts when I noticed the leaf springs were no longer aligning with the axle perch hole. Did I have to remove the rear passenger block (now both passenger and driver side rear blocks removed) as well before tightening the rear driver side U bolt?

I have searched so many forums. Why am I the only one reporting this phenomena? After researching flip kits, which I have no intentions of doing, I only want to remove the rear blocks so getting in and out of the truck is easier for my wife who is 5'2". This is what DJM says about flip kits and how lowering the rear of the truck "extends" the drive shaft length, thus pushing the axle rearward, leaf springs no longer fit into the axle perch holes......
"No. 1 you must move the rear axle back towards the rear of the truck, away from the transmission, around ¾ of an inch. This is done because your drive shaft actually becomes longer when you “flip” your axle. " ( https://djmsuspension.com/flip-kits/)

Is this normal?
Is there a recommended fix for aligning the perch holes after removing the blocks?

I reinstalled everything but still want to make it easier for my wife to get in and out of the Ranger. Do I need to do something different upon removing the blocks and lowering the leaf springs into the axle perch?
Thank You
Jim

 

I also forgot to ask:
1. Where should I buy new U bolts from and length once the blocks are removed?
2. I know I will need new shocks...probably 2wd shocks, right?

Anything else I should consider?