Okay so I can't really stick to a decision on what I want to do about lifting the back of my FX4 2008.

I plan on doing the pre key mod and then cranking the bars probably 2 full turns past the stock setting while also keeping in mind to keep the truck level.

As for the back I am unsure whether I want to do the shackle or the AAL.

I want 1.5inch of lift like the shackle say's it will give or the AAL.

I'm not too worried about the stance of my truck since it does not bother me if it sits slightly higher in the rear than the front but I know once the pre key mod and crank are done and the 1.5 inch of lift is done and then my upgrade to 265 size tires, that all around my truck is 3 inches of lift which is pretty good.

Any suggestions about the pros and cons to a shackle OR AAL mod are welcomed!

 

Welcome!

I would go with the shackles over the AAL. Shackles are easier to install too.

 

yeah, shackles - they give you a good chunk of clearance for the cheap - and easy to put in!

 

shackles. Either way your over thinking this.

Just do it...afterwards you'll be like me and realize how much money you spent on such a small difference and wish you would have done more lift with bigger tires.

Its simple.

 

Welcome man. And what exactly is the pre key mod?

 

Shackles.

 

Yup shackles for sure. You would probably not be too happy with the rough ride you get with AALs.

 

Us newer trucks with the torsion bar front ends sit lower from the facrtory due to different torsion keys. We put the pre 06 torsion keys on and we gain 1.5 inches of lift up front without hurting anything. If we want, we can use the rear blocks off of one of the early trucks too to gain another inch or so. Basically it puts us at the stock height of an 06 or earlier Edge.


OP - why not just use the PreBlocks too?

 

The torsion keys on pre 2008 Ranger's are clocked differently, which gives anyone with a 2008 and newer Ranger about 1.5" to 2" of lift. This is why 2008 and newer Ranger's sit lower.

 

glad I bought an 07 for that reason... just 2 turns and mine will be level with no rake...

 

Ford was so stupid for lowering the 08 + rangers.

 

not really. It does help fuel milage. Mine went down slightly after i did the Prekey mod. It was around .5 mpg of a loss or so.

 

It must have something to do with the aerodynamics of the vehicle which gives it an extra benefit in gas mileage. Out of all the advice I've gotten it looks like its the shackles guys. I kind of want that stiff thing from the AAL but just because I like it on a 250/350 does not mean I'm gonna like it on a much lighter truck.

 

Yeah its an aerodynamic thing.

Still... why not just replace your stock rear block with the earlier Edge block? Cheaper to to than the AAL or shacles, plus its still a factory part.

PLUS if you want MOAR lift, you can still AAL or Shackle it later as well. IIRC the 08 blocks are around 1.25 or 1.50 tall and the earlier ones are around 2.5 or something. my memory sucks though. Cheap way to gain an inch of lift in the back and if you are gonna get the Prekeys, why not just grab the blocks while you are under there?

 

There's been something about axle wrap and I am not sure what that is. Some guys have said upgrading blocks will cause that.

 

What exactly is a pre key lift?

 

i pulled the keys and 2.5" blocks out of a 2005 to put in my 2011. simple to change out, factory parts, and looks stock, plus gives me the lift I am wanting. Best part is they were all free as a freind of mine owns the boneyard.

 

I've got a set of 2.5" blocks off my 99' for sale if you decide to go that route.