I can't decide on what to go with. Both will provide roughly 2" of lift.

I'm imagining the AAL stiffens the ride considerably and the shackle remains relatively stock, correct?

~$55 Shackles

~$35 Pro-Comp Short AAL

EDIT: I went with the Belltech 6400 shackles. What is the best way to install this without using a vehicle lift? I have jackstand, a floorjack that lifts pretty high, and other assorted blocks of wood. Tools aren't an issue either.

 

Your correct, I would go shackle.

 

but the aal will help with towing and prevent some ranger lean

 

Well I have really new leaf springs with no 'Ranger lean' and I don't tow anything or haul anything too heavy. I really want it because I'm thinking about putting my cap back on.

 

yea well then aal's are the way to go cuz my shackles have flattened my leafs... but im about to replace mine with skyjacker softride lift springs around christmas

 

I have the aal's Tyler, Ill post pics if youd like. roughly 2 inches of lift then I maxxed out my t-bars. I know Trigger01 has aal's and shackles and his cap is on and its pretty level.

 

Hmm. The only reason I'm hesitant on the AAL is because I plucked the highest rated leaf springs from a wrecked Level II and they're stiff as he** on my 4x2 Edge because it's so light.

You said the shackles flattened your leaves? How so?

Well how is the ride quality Sully? I've seen the pictures from when you did it and I like the way it sits. And Trigger01 has his T-bars maxxed too but I don't really want to. Still I can't decide.

 

Don't go AALs if you want to retain stock ride.

 

I'd do AAL, I don't like the way the big shackle looks.

 

not so positive it was the shackles but ever since ive had them installed my leafs have lost their curves extremely fast i may be wrong because they are the stock springs but their also the high end towing package springs that came with my ranger in 2000 ( might just be wear in tear ) go with what you think you might want or need some people like the stiffer ride some people dont notice it

 

I'm tempted to go the AAL route because it's cheaper. But if I remember correctly, I thought people were having problems with them breaking/snapping?

 

is your ranger a on-road vehicle or a offroad on weekends kinda thing like me i havent know anyone to break their aal's ive heard of stock springs snapping and cracking but if your just gonna be on road and a little off then youll be fine

 

Yeah I haven't heard anything about breaking them either

 

that might be for pure trail rigs that constantly beat and abuse their suspension who break them or a person who tends to ramp their vehicle.. lol well im out for the night hope you decide on what you want but if the aal's dont work out you can buy my shackles for 30$ sometime after xmas cuz ill be upgradin to skyjacker springs WOOT!

 

Well I guess the deciding question is what is easier to install? I obviously know how to replace the whole assembly (leaf spring, spring plate, shackle, etc..) but wouldn't the shackle be a hell of a lot easier to install since I don't actually have to unbolt the spring from the axle?

 

Shackle by far. AAL you have to take the leaf pack apart.

 

my ride quality isnt too aweful different, just the front end rides like a damn brick, but it rides like a truck so you learn to bear with it. I got used to it fast.

 

Shackle it is. Easier install, same ride, and higher stance. Should counter act the weight of my cap if I do put it back on.

 

I'm going to with shackles and AAL when i do mine just because i fill by bed with fire wood and then fill my trailer two so i can haul a full cord of wood almost every weekend and my truck sags pretty bad now with stock springs but cant really complain with have 262k on the springs.


I would say if you tow a lot get AAL but since you already have the highest rated leaf spring i would get shackles it will soften your ride a little and still give you a little lift. the shackles move b4 the leafs move and giving you a little bit more down travel and little more up travel. not as much as if you would be using the shackles that kinda fold up on them selves i cant think what they are called but someone else will know.



(edit)

i was typing this and talking to people on aim b4 you posted but still my 2 cents

 

Ive got the procomp AAL, i like it.
but now, im going with a shackle too, juss a little extra added height

 

I'd go shackle Tyler. I did AAL's AND shackles. The AAL's and maxed out Torsion bars is a miserable ride. You get bounced everywhere etc. For the cap purpose, get the shackles. If you decide you want to go a little higher, you can always add the AAL's and crank the torsion bars.

I'm hoping to find someone to trade me my stepside bed for a regular bed, so I can put my Leer on the 01 for the winter. I was considering pulling the stock block to level the truck out, but I want to see how much it levels it out when I add a fleetside bed (heavier) and a cap.

 

Bump. I decided what I want. Now I need help on the install.

 

Do you have a hitch Tyler? What we did... Put 2 6" pieces of 2x4 on top of the floor jack, and lifted the back of the truck by the hitch. Like it or not, that's what we did... But we also have lifted the back end by lifting the frame up, right behind the cab.

EDIT, any other specific questions, PM me

 

^^ watch out doin that freddie, thats what we did and the truck fell, liuckily we had another jack stand there in case, but my one bedside sticks out a quarter of an inch from where it fell down to the jackstand

 

I understand.. It wasn't the best way, but it got the job done. We had like 5-6 guys around though too, we "he-man" lifted the back end of Dan aka 07Ranger's truck :)