springs over spacers

[MFergy]

I know everyone has been saying that longer springs are a better option than spring spacers. My question is that spacer or springs, how much lift is ok without putting in new longer drop down brackets for the axle pivots? Does the angle become too much at any point, or could I use 5.5 in lift springs with an axle pivot drop bracket designed for a 4 in lift? Thanx for all the help.

Matt

 

[Hank]

Hello Matt,

The magic number seems to be around 2". Note that I installed the 1.5" coils from Rough Country and even with the alignment shims I am still between 1 and 1.5 degrees out of camber. (Camber, caster I always get them backwards...Wheels are a bit closer at the bottom than the top.)

As far as the spacers go, I hated them. Look for an old post in the forum called "Cheap way of lifting" where I rambled on in detail about everything I ran into with both spacers and springs.

Best regards.
hg

------------------
'91 EB, 4dr, 2wd
www.grimmick.com
hank@grimmick.com

 

[Ken Cooke]

Hank,

I know you posted "Cheap Way to Lifting", but I could not locate it. This may be due to the fact that I am new here.
What were the problems you experienced? OffRoad General Store installs their own machined spacers with kits that they make for Jeep XJ's, and it seemed to work well from what the reviewers stated. I thought the same results could be carried over to the Ford Ranger and Explorers. You expressed some concerns over difficulty in alignment. Did you eventually go with springs? Did you custom-order coils springs? Please let us know.

-Ken
---------------------------
'94 Ranger XLT w/32" TSL-SX's

 

[Hank]

Hey Ken,

Follow this link for the post. Dead Link Removed

It is not that I experienced any real problems with the spacers but for all the labor and time you spend installing a 1" spacers underneath already worn out springs you could install 1.5"-2" fresh springs. I was surprised how much the old springs has shrunk over time.

I ended up going with the Rough Country 1.5" lift springs and am very pleased. Ride is much better, lean is reduced (will be gone once I machine my own version of the Warrior Shackle) and the alighment came in really close.

You can get all the specifics in the old post. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Best regards.
hg

------------------
'91 EB, 4dr, 2wd
www.grimmick.com
hank@grimmick.com