I did some searching and couldn't find this answer.

Are there smaller than the 2 1/4" block for the 4wd? I measured mine today, and it was slightly larger than 2", so I was thinking... does the Edge model have a 1" block?

Also, I noticed that the factory block is made of cast iron. I realize that aluminum is too soft, but is steel really necessary?

INFO: I'm considering lowering the back of my XLT 4wd 1" to help level it out. I have already cranked the bars 1 1/2" in front.

 

Lift the front with sapcers if you can. Seems to me like your goin backwards lowering it.

 

heh, the front is torsion bar. not coil spring. and I don't want to raise the truck. I want the center of gravity to stay somewhat low (for a truck) as I drive very fast on different terrains. so, I raised the front a little and lower the rear some to level the entire truck. the purpose is for off-road handling. think 'rally' style racing.

 

oooo ok then. I couldnt tell ya.

 

still need help with the original question.

 

2wd edge truck also have 2 inch blocks. Probably your best bet for blocks would be summt or stylin concepts. Get steel, they're worth it and no worries of breaking.

 

or you can take out the block and add an AAL which is 1-1.5" lift or chevy drop shackle which is around the same...but it has 2 settings...but cant remember how much lift...i think its about equal to the AAL...

 

AALs are out of the question, because the rear is already stiff enough.

Drop Shackles are an idea but... I thought that the stock springs, or any leaf spring, needed a certain amount of expansion room for when its compressed. If I shorten the shackle, couldn't that bind up the spring?

I looked at Summit Racing. Belltech has a 1" kit, although I don't know if the u-bolts are the correct diameter, and Superlift sells a 1.5" kit.

 

lots of people here run the shackle...havent heard of any probs like that...i got mine from summit, the part # is 6400

 

cool, this may work. thanks for the pn.

 

Just to clarify.... Rangers use the same shackles as the F-150 (older model)?

 

Almost. Most (including me) use the full size Chevy lowering shackles as lift shackles. Chevy full size are "flipped" compared to ours, so on them a longer shackle lowers them.

The Chevy lowering shackle is 2" longer than stock at the furthest hole, and results in 1" of lift.

 

OH. So a Chevy lowering shackle lifts a Ranger.

 

Yep. Yet another reason the "Chevy spring swap" works on Rangers.

 

Okay, so if I want to lower my rear by 1", what shackle do I use? I know it sounds a little obsessive, but I dont want to lower it 2".

Research is telling me that a shackle flip is at least a 2" drop.

 

take out the block and use the shackle...there are two settings on the shackle to use

 

Yes, I had thought of this, but if I take out the block, I will need shorter U-bolts. And I don't want to use the cheap ones available at Autozone.

So remove 2" block, and intall 1" lift shackles. Netting approx. 1" drop. NICE!

So where can I buy the U-bolts, or does someone want to swap stock for rear 4wd ones? Blocks and all....

 

i would go get some custom made ones...the ones at autozone dont fit (i tried...)

or go to ford and get some from them...