Lifting with near-factory ride

[04trac]

2004 4x2 (2WD) XLT Auto

:NOTE: If you have done, or know of anyone on the forums that has done the Ranger Edge Spindle swap, please point me towards any related threads or info. I tried every combination of the search feature but the results aren't very concise.

Ok, so I've come to the conclusion after about 4 years of driving around with a TT/Shackle job that it has killed my ride, and I'm fairly certain, destroyed my bushings (i've got more noises squeaks and creaks than i know what to do with)

My aim is to swap to the Fabtech ranger spindles and turn the torsion bars back down to stock, and use the add a leaf kit in the rear and take out the shackles. The goal being to keep the slightly taller stance i've got now, but come as close to a factory ride as possible.

I have a few questions about the procedure though.

-according to the information on the internet. using the ranger spindles requires swapping to a ranger front brakes. Does that simply mean utilizing the same calipers and using ranger discs? Or would I need to swap the entire assembly? (caliper and disc)

-With the rear lift, is it as straight forward as using the Fabtech Add-A-Leaf or do I need to look for a more vehicle specific part?

-Any other advice? :scratch:

 

[ncranchero]

Guess you're gonna be the Guinea pig ! We're watchin'

 

[Happy Jack]

A long aal will ride nicer I have found. But they cost more. Low cost short aal will be stiffer. Some say the short aal's will hold up longer so if you beat on stuff and catch air that might happen. I have not used one on a 2nd gen but have on BII's, full size Bronco's, and 1st gen. I like Superlifts long aal if they still have them.

Sorry, they are not made by Superlift for 2nd gen and up.

 

[04trac]

I'm not actually as concerned with the add a leaf as I am with the spindles. I don't know for certain that the rear end is the same as the ranger or other explorers, but i'm positive i can find a suitable spring addition of some sort.

what I am more concerned about is the brake swapping. I just need to know if i will need to source both the caliper and disc, just the disc, etc.

I thought for sure someone on this board had done this install before... Bueller...Bueller

 

[tobeybj]

Here's a thought...

Go to OReillyauto.com, rockauto.com or another parts house and look up the rotor and caliper for the edge and your ST. If they are the same PN, then they should interchange. Different PN, you'll need the Edge parts to get your swap done. Bet it takes less than an hour...

 

[JohnnyO]

AAL won't lift a sprung-under axle very much. I would keep the shackles.