?'s on 97 1/2 lifts

[Tekeman]

OK guys i need some answers. This could be long too. First, has anyone else bought the 3 in ranger body lift like me (not installed yet). I'm looking at replacing my running boards(wimpy) with Westin tube steps. But this would create a 3in gap between the body and the step. Will it look stupid? I'd like to see a pic if anyone has done this mod. Also, the factory cladding needs to be added($200) to cover the factory holes. My body lift instructions don't say i need anything modified or extended ( except the bumper customization) Is this true? Cutting the spacers down an inch is not out of the question either. I just don't want to go 3in., and later do it all over again with cut down blocks. So if there are pics of either scenerio 2-3 in body, show me! Next to my suspension. I'v got the warrior shackles(in the box), a local spring shop can do 1 1/2 to 2 in. springs for $180-$200 for the pair and want to do a twist up front. #1 I was told the torsion could crank up 3 in. to level the front. Though in other threads it says not to go above 2in. #2 I know there are different diameters to torsion bars ( what do i have?) but what about different lengths. Would a longer bar not twisted up so much be better than shorter(stock) and higher twist. Now with this mod what else would need replaced if anything --these mods could total close to 6in.-- Longer shocks,drive shafts,steering linkage,brake lines, axle angle,etc? At this time trying to stuff a certain size tire is not a concern. My 235/75/15 have plenty of tread and not in the budget just yet, along with new gears and that whole dilemma. So if anybody has any experience with what i'm asking or pictures please help me out. Also bring up anything i overlooked or should be concerned with. Thanks everybody


[Edited by Tekeman on 08-03-2000 at 03:32 PM]

 

[GJarrett]

Originally posted by Tekeman
.... #1 I was told the torsion could crank up 3 in. to level the front. Though in other threads it says not to go above 2in. #2 I know there are different diameters to torsion bars ( what do i have?) but what about different lengths....

#1) You cannot crank your torsions up over 2" because they will not be able to handle the increased angle and will bind on you. You could try I guess, but you will probably fry your CVs within a hundred miles. Truthfully though, that is a theory, so I can say no one knows because no one has tried it yet. You could always be the first and let us know.

#2) You need to look at your torsion bars. They cannot be different lengths. They would not fit. Your bars are rated from "B" (stiffest) to to "D" (middle strength) "F" or "H" (weakest). The rating is stamped on the front end of your bar and also on the id tag on your driver's door. The tag will have a column that says "SPR" for spring with two letters under it, like "DF". The first letter is your torsion rating.

I have no firsthand knowledge of your other questions and cannot help those.

 

[WellsLaw]

Spring Sticker

Gerald:

I have a '97 Sport -- the driver door sticker says DL under the SPR heading. I know that means I have the middle strength torsion bars in front. What is the "L" for?

Just curious ...

Also,

Tekeman:

Where did you score the Ranger lift kit and the Warrior shackles. I am on my way down that same road (but I haven't bought anything yet).

Also,

To anyone:

Will the Ranger body lift kit work for a Sport, if anyone knows?

Thank you,

Bobby

 

[GJarrett]

Bobby, the second letter is your rear suspension. Most four-leaf rears of the 4drs are "F" and the single leaf of the Sport is your "L". Air suspensions use an "H" leaf, I think.

Gerald
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[WellsLaw]

Thank you Gerald;

I guess it is F for "four";
and L for "lonely."

But seriously ... Are there any add-a-leaf kits for the L springs -- the threads seem to have mixed answers on this question.. Asked another way, is the longer shackles the only solution for lifting the rear (w/o replacing the entire set of springs w/ OME set).

thanks

bobby

 

[Tekeman]

Wells, I got the shackles from Desert Rat and the body lift from Off Road Warehouse (ask for mark) both sights I'd seen in other threads- check it out !!