So I've been doing a little research on which one is better and there really isn't too much out there on which one will work the best. Now I understand that an AAL will most likely lift the rear end a little, which I don't mind too much since it sags a little all the time, but it will also make the rear end stiffer all the time too, right? And with just a helper spring, it only affects the ride when there is a load. Keep in mind that all of this is just stiff I read online and am not completely sure about it. I'm wanting to know from people who have had some experience with them. I was planning on just the helper spring, but the more I look, it seems as though the AAL kit is much more popular. Any input would be appreciated.

 

My AAL definitely made my springs stiffer. Have you looked into an Expo leaf swap?

Is your goal to lift the rear or just help with heavy loads?

 

I have heard some stuff about doing an Expo swap, but not too much research. I was looking more for help whenever I pull a trailer, because right now I can barely pull a lawn mower on my little trailer it sags so bad. Then when I load it to pull some weight off the truck and have it mostly on the trailer, it likes to fish tail too easy. It's more of a safety when hauling the mower or the boat for me. But I don't think that it lifting a little would be too bad since I always have the camper shell on my truck and that is a couple hundred lbs. all the time plus my tools and other misc. things.

 

In that case I would get the AAL

 

How much stiffer did your AAL make your ride and what brand did you use?

 

It wasn't a huge difference. I don't remember the brand though

 

I'd go with the AAL and new shocks. if you really want the back to never sag get some bags

 

Okay, Thank you for your input, it was very helpful. I'm also looking into doing a rear disc conversion with either the Mustang gt or cobra rotors and calipers, but that won't be for a while.

 

I really wouldn't mind some sag, but when it sags with 200-300lbs in the back, it is just depressing.

 

mine didnt sag at all towing my lawn mower on a trailer w/ new shocks and an add a leaf kit

I should of taken a side profile picture but you get the idea. And yes, I need a larger drop hitch lol
also if you went with helper springs and eventually wanted to add James Duff Traction bars, you'd have to take off the helper springs and be unable to use them.

 

I'll do the AAL first and then if it still sags too bad, I can get the shocks from work for a descent price.

 

I think I posted some earlier pics of my truck with an AAL and a couple heavy loads.

Search my name in the "latest pic thread"

 

What brand of AAL would you guys suggest. I know that I should get a set that comes with a new center pin, and I will probably need new ubolts, but looking on ebay, prices are all over the place. Thank you

 

I and another member local to me have the Tuff Country 2" AAL from summit racing. It came with new center pins that you'll have to cut down because they're really long haha

 

I just found it, but which part number did you guys use? There are 3 different ones.
TFY-81350, TFY-85250, and TFY 81250. Is there really that much of a difference in all of them?

 

Give me a minute, I'll check my order history.



Edit: TFY-85250

The difference is the amount of lift it'll give and how wide the leafs are. The ones we got are 2" lift and 2.5" wide, they fit great

 

Yeah, thanks. I just found out that too. I asked before I looked. After looking again, they pulled up for a 05 ranger, but the one only fit chevy/gmc and the other fit f-150.
Thank you for looking. Now that I have a part number I can do some shopping.

Also, even though it says for 4x4 it shouldn't matter on a 2wd since its just a leaf spring right?

 

No problem. It took me a while to figure out the difference when i was in the market as well, i had 3 tabs open and found out haha.

and yeah, it doesn't matter 4x4 or 2wd, they should fit. Also, stock spec ubolts will work but there wont be much threaded rod at the top once the nuts are tightened down.

I have custom made to order ubolts but only because I needed them when I installed my traction bars. fairly cheap if you go to a spring shop.

 

Now I need to look for $33 more to spend in order to get free shipping. Summit was actually the better deal than amazon and on ebay it was sold by summit too

 

Lol nice. I need to order some stuff on there before spring.

and if you need it:

https://www.ranger-forums.com/how-di...al-kit-136201/

 

Pedro and I had similar experiences apparently. I had 3 windows open also.

As far as ubolts, like Kewn said. Use a suspension shop. When I was lifting mine I asked the shop who was doing the alignment. $30-40 for all 4.

 

And they're on their way, thanks for the input and the link to the how-to page! Never hurts to double check when doing stuff like this.
I ended up with a trailer light adapter and some Ford salt and pepper shakers to get me over the $100. at least now I've got my dad's birthday out of the way.

 

haha winning

 

What he don't know won't hurt him. (tracking update says they'll be here Friday by end of day)

 

Got them installed this weekend and lifted the rear about 2". It doesn't go down as far when I hop on the bumper, but the ride isn't much stiffer if any.