Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Chevy 1/2 ton Leafs...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 01-11-2008
4x4offroad99's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Athens GA
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Chevy 1/2 ton Leafs...

So I found a set of 1/2 ton leafs off a '95 Chevy 1500. Do the factory blocks come out? Whats the advantages/disadvantages of these leaf packs? Im not looking for a dramatic lift, just a few inches will be fine. I cranked up my tbars already, just need a lil more clearance in the rear. My Ranger is a '99 4x4, any help is appreciated.
 
  #2  
Old 01-11-2008
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PUEBLO, CO
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
theyre flexier mainly cause of the length gain. blocks do come out but if you are looking for something simple and cheap I would just get some AALs...
 
  #3  
Old 01-11-2008
zabeard's Avatar
who?
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: IN
Posts: 26,044
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
is the chevy 4wd or 2wd? you want the 2wd ones.

the 2wd ones will lift the truck to the point of not needing the stock lift blocks.
 
  #4  
Old 01-11-2008
4x4offroad99's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Athens GA
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by SuperGildo@RRP
theyre flexier mainly cause of the length gain. blocks do come out but if you are looking for something simple and cheap I would just get some AALs...
Thats the thing, I can get these leaf packs for free. So better articulation , huh? Thats good...
 
  #5  
Old 01-11-2008
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PUEBLO, CO
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
for me the made it about stock height without the blocks...
 
  #6  
Old 01-11-2008
4x4offroad99's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Athens GA
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Its a 2wd C1500.
Do I need to use the Chevy shackles?
 
  #7  
Old 01-11-2008
V8 Level II's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Michigan
Posts: 7,910
Likes: 0
Received 23 Likes on 20 Posts
Originally Posted by 4x4offroad99
Its a 2wd C1500.
Do I need to use the Chevy shackles?
You can use the stock Ranger shackles but they end up at a strange angle. Using longer aftermarket Chevy lowering shackles (such as Beltech 6400) will put them at a better angle and give ~1" extra lift on a Ranger.
 
  #8  
Old 01-11-2008
83project's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: AL
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Icon11 Sorry for the Hijack but...

do you have to relocate the hangers or anything or is this a bolt on application. I like the idea of the spring swap with belltech shackles to rid the blocks...
 
  #9  
Old 01-11-2008
4x4offroad99's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Athens GA
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by rwenzing
You can use the stock Ranger shackles but they end up at a strange angle. Using longer aftermarket Chevy lowering shackles (such as Beltech 6400) will put them at a better angle and give ~1" extra lift on a Ranger.
Sweet...can you post up a link so I can find em? Preeshiate it...
 
  #10  
Old 01-11-2008
V8 Level II's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Michigan
Posts: 7,910
Likes: 0
Received 23 Likes on 20 Posts
Originally Posted by 83project
do you have to relocate the hangers or anything or is this a bolt on application. I like the idea of the spring swap with belltech shackles to rid the blocks...
The front spring mounts have to be moved forward on the frame. This requires removing rivets, drilling holes and using bolts instead.
 
  #11  
Old 01-11-2008
V8 Level II's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Michigan
Posts: 7,910
Likes: 0
Received 23 Likes on 20 Posts
Originally Posted by 4x4offroad99
Sweet...can you post up a link so I can find em? Preeshiate it...
You can get the Belltechs or equivalent at many auto parts stores or online.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...on/3403C2.html
 
  #12  
Old 01-11-2008
4x4offroad99's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Athens GA
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for all yall's help. Im not installing them till I git new tires...255/85R16 BFG MT's.
 
  #13  
Old 01-11-2008
zabeard's Avatar
who?
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: IN
Posts: 26,044
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
why not some 265x75/16s?

I would brace the frame where the new spring perches are. that is how my frame got tweaked.
 
  #14  
Old 01-11-2008
83project's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: AL
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hijack

is this bolt on with the bell tech's????
 
  #15  
Old 01-11-2008
V8 Level II's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Michigan
Posts: 7,910
Likes: 0
Received 23 Likes on 20 Posts
Originally Posted by 83project
is this bolt on with the bell tech's????
The Belltech 6400's are bolt on but the Chevy springs are not.
 
  #16  
Old 01-14-2008
4x4offroad99's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Athens GA
Posts: 648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by zabeard
why not some 265x75/16s?

I would brace the frame where the new spring perches are. that is how my frame got tweaked.

I may get those, I was just tryin to fit a taller tire...
 
  #17  
Old 01-14-2008
DaGGer's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: East Windsor, CT
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
when you move the front spring hanger up on the drive side don't you have to do something with the gas tank.
 
  #18  
Old 01-14-2008
zabeard's Avatar
who?
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: IN
Posts: 26,044
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
No, maybe unmount it and slide it over for a bit to give you some more room
 
  #19  
Old 01-14-2008
DaGGer's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: East Windsor, CT
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ah ok, someone that done it can chim in and let us know. I'd love to do this to because the rear springs are so stiff and the ride sucks unless you have a done of weight back there.
 
  #20  
Old 01-14-2008
zabeard's Avatar
who?
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: IN
Posts: 26,044
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
I have done it on 3 trucks, no modifications to the gas tank or the location of it.
 
  #21  
Old 01-14-2008
DaGGer's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: East Windsor, CT
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Oh ok, you didn't sound like you knew exactly. Well then I'd love to do this, as more flex no blocks so less wheel hop (most likely none), and a better ride are all great things.
 
  #22  
Old 01-14-2008
zabeard's Avatar
who?
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: IN
Posts: 26,044
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
well i was not sure what you meant about the gas tank. last time i took the brackets off i moved the tank to the side some. its only 2 bolts to do so.

I just installed my 63" Alcan springs last weekend, rides kinda low so i am going to lower the brackets 3" to ditch the block at add the height back.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
93mk8
OLD - Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
0
02-19-2012 12:28 PM
Hawklore
eBay & Craigslist Finds
2
06-19-2011 06:32 PM
n3elz
Suspension Tech
48
05-29-2008 02:44 PM
lifted97ranger
General Ford Ranger Discussion
22
10-10-2006 08:59 PM
flynryan
Suspension Tech
5
09-29-2006 04:33 PM



Quick Reply: Chevy 1/2 ton Leafs...



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:20 AM.