What is the best option for lifting the rear WITHOUT using Blocks? I have read about using SportTrac Leafs, Skyjacker 6" Leafs, Add-a-Leaf, etc. Ultimately I will have a Superlift in the front with a Coilover. I want the rear to match up in height. Thanks.

 

With a superlift in the front, the skyjacker springs will be the best to lift the rear and keep her level.

 

Are there any cheaper options? Add a leaf and a shackle or even a SportTrac leaf spring set??

 

Exploder (SportTrac are the same) are one more leaf than rangers. With a shackle you'll get an extra few inches. Thats about as cheap as your going to get, unless you get blocks.

I can get a set of springs around here for less than $300. They won't be new, but i don't know how much cheaper you want to go....

 

I've heard the SportTrac Leafs are about 2" taller than the Explorer leafs from some threads I've read. I'd like to avoid paying $450 for a pair of SkyJacker leafs. If the SportTrac Leafs alone will work (be even with the Superlift on the front) I want to got that route.

 

Even with sport trac leafs, you will only gain an inch at most above stock ride height without the factory block. I just installed the superlift on my truck. With Explorer leaf springs and a 2" lift shackle, I still had to use the superlift lift block in the rear for it to be level. The only option you have other than a block and the skyjacker springs, is to have a set made which will cost more than the skyjacker springs.

You can pick the skyjacker springs off ebay for $400 for the pair. Skyjacker Softride Leaf Spring Rear FR36S | eBay

 

what this dude said

 

I am rocking shackles and sport trac springs, and the shackles kill them almost as fast as they did the stock springs . (my topper and 32" spare in the bed probably don't help spring life any)
You would probably be a bit low in the back with that set up if u didn't have the newer 1.5' block.
My life rule is blocks bigger than 2" shouldn't be used ever, so if I were you id fork out the dough for the skyjacker springs.

 

explorer leafs end up giving you about a 2 inch lift. I installed on my truck and removed the old block and was still sitting at the same height in the rear. but that still wont be enough to get the back to the same height as the front with a superlift.

 

Well it sounds like to get the best ride/performance and matching height, that skyjacker leafs are the way to go. At about $420 for a pair does anyone think differently or is there a cheaper option with comparable performance and height?

 

What type and size of rear shocks are you guys using with the SkyJacker FR36S Leafs??

 

Here is a trick I use, take the explorer springs and use the whole leaf pack, including the main. Just torch the eyes off the explorer main leaf real close to the eyes. Then jack your truck up and undo the u bolts and take the center bolt out of your spring pack. Discard everything but the ranger main leaf, do not unbolt it from the truck. Undo the center bolt on the explorer pack, then using a longer center bolt, bolt the whole explorer pack up to the bottom of your ranger main leaf. Big C clamps are necessary to compress the new spring pack together, unless you use ready rod for the center bolt. Reinstall with new u bolts. Now you end up with the explorer pack plus your old ranger main leaf. Should raise you up about 3 and a half to 4 inches. Basically gives you two main leafs. Ride is good cause you still have stock explorer spring rate.

 

Thanks for all the information guys. For those of you using the FR36S leafs, what size and type of shock are you using?

Thanks

 

Just toss in some Chevy 64" leafs. Can get a good used set for cheap. Better performing, lift, etc. No brainer.