Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Frame Hitting Axle

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Old 04-30-2005
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Frame Hitting Axle

Since I had my truck lowered I find now when I go over dips in the road sometimes the frame will smack the axle since they are about 1-2" away from each other now. Im used to it now and I try to not be going very fast so it doesnt happen as much cuz I know it cant be good for the axle and it's just a really bad noise. Anyway I was wondering can the prolonged touching of the frame to the axle damage the axle in anyway?? I know of 2 guys (one with a blazer another with an S-10) that like fried the hell outta their rear axles and they were both pretty low with no notches.
 
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Old 04-30-2005
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Sounds like you already have your answer. Any time to take two things that aren't supposed to touch and make them touch with great force you're going to break something. Lowered trucks aren't my thing so I can't offer suggestions, but I can say for certain that you're going to break something.
 
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Old 04-30-2005
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bumpstops are your friend

even if u'r riding the 'stops...the ride may be rougher...umm.."tighter"...but the rubber will cushion the frame/axle from the bumps....

re-install 'stops...wether factory or low pro ones...which ever...and stay with that...

or notch the frame..that would be my second option.....

also, daniel's b&m shift kit thing was also a likely contributor to his spiders and etc messing up...as all those kits do are apply more pressure to areas of the tranny and components....
 
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Old 04-30-2005
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Looks like its time to pay to play and notch the frame.
 
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Old 04-30-2005
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i have a bolt in cnotch on my truck... gave me an extra 1-2inch of clearence before i hit the axle, never have and hope to never do
 
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Old 04-30-2005
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Hitting the axle too many times could be really bad news. You will bend the axle tubes and then the axles will be going at an angle into the diff. Good recipe for frying a rear.

Scott's installation looks GREAT! You should probably make some thing like that. Looks plenty strong.
 
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Old 04-30-2005
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well sounds like it's notch time then thanks guys
 
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Old 04-30-2005
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Thats a pretty neat notch. Looks like it does the job quite well.
 
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Old 05-03-2005
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how low can you possibly go before hitting the frame??? i was thinking about dropping it a max of 2", would i have to be worried bout hitting?
 
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Old 05-03-2005
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jack it up...
 
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Old 05-03-2005
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i already have a jakced up offroading toy and want something lower
 
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Old 05-03-2005
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well it hittin the frame....
 
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Old 05-03-2005
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Originally Posted by Gay-briel
i have a bolt in cnotch on my truck... gave me an extra 1-2inch of clearence before i hit the axle, never have and hope to never do
So, how about some links to where you bought those. I have a friend who knows his way around a torch, but I cant find some notches.
 
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Old 05-04-2005
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Old 05-04-2005
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Originally Posted by Gay-briel
i have a bolt in cnotch on my truck... gave me an extra 1-2inch of clearence before i hit the axle, never have and hope to never do

"bolt on are for beginners"
 
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Old 05-04-2005
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Sweet. I appreciate that, Scott. I am assuming that is the cheapest of the best. Let me know, If so, I will be buying it. thanks.
 
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Old 05-04-2005
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Originally Posted by grlz-drag2
"bolt on are for beginners"
ha, well, once i get a welder, ill be the crazy guy welding in a parking lot at my apartment, hell, they already give me dirty looks when i bring out the air compressor


Originally Posted by 3906brad
Sweet. I appreciate that, Scott. I am assuming that is the cheapest of the best. Let me know, If so, I will be buying it. thanks.
well, the DJM one is good as well, but its around 150 a set, so screw that
 
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