torsion twist and shocks

[damiendrt]

I have a 99 ranger and am planning on cranking the torsion bars for 1.5-2 inches of lift. What should I do with the back to keep everything even and looking right, shackles or add-a-leafs? Also would I need or should I put in shocks? If so do they need to be longer than stock? Also going with 3inch body lift and 33s, where can I find fender flairs, don't much care for the stock ones? Thanks

 

[BrianDye]

I dont know much about lifting or lowering but id probably do AAL and shackles both.

 

[techieman33]

I dont know much about lifting or lowering but id probably do AAL and shackles both.

If you don't know anything about it than why are you advising him on what to do:scratch: other than maybe to get your post count up.

Now to the OP's question, you won't need new shocks, you'll still be within the limits of your current shocks. Is your rear end sagging any? Shackles, add-a-leaf, and blocks are all an option for lifting the rear. Shackles are probably the easiest to install, but your leaf springs may flatten out faster due to using the shackles. Installing add-a-leafs is more difficult and won't give you quite as much lift, and could give you a stiffer ride. Blocks are pretty straight forward and won't really effect the ride quality, but you could have problems with axle wrap. They all have there positives and negatives, and there are writes ups here on the forum about all 3 of your choices so search around a little and see what you feel comfortable with doing.

And a note to those of you with explorers, blocks will not work for you as you are spring under axle. Well unless you want to be cool and lower it

 

[BrianDye]

Um from what ive read in other forums; plus chances are, a new set of shackles couldnt hurt; if alabama's anything like michigan, he needs them.

 

[celly]

if alabama's anything like michigan, he needs them.

How does geographic region of the US affect the shackle vs no-shackle decision? Not following the logic but am trying to.

 

[AMMO_HOOAH]

It depends on what you're wanting from the lift out back. The shackles "push" the rear away from the truck effectively lifting it. An AAL stiffens the spring so the truck doesn't go as far down under it's own weight. IMHO shackles are better.

 

[eXcali]

How does geographic region of the US affect the shackle vs no-shackle decision? Not following the logic but am trying to.

Weather conditions. I've seen the underside of 30 y/o cars that look like they came off the showroom floor last week that have spent their lives in Arizona. I've also seen cars in Michigan that are only 5-6 years old need sheetwork done because of extreme rusting.

OP: You can get by with stock shocks with just 2 inches of lift. I believe the next size up is for 4-6 inch lifts.

 

[celly]

Weather conditions. I've seen the underside of 30 y/o cars that look like they came off the showroom floor last week that have spent their lives in Arizona. I've also seen cars in Michigan that are only 5-6 years old need sheetwork done because of extreme rusting.

I understand the rust thing. I live in Alberta which uses less salt than Ontario, hence far fewer rust buckets on the road here. I had some header work done recently in Kansas and the guys were a bit surprised at how little rust I had underneath. I think they expected a lot of rust because I'm in Canada.

It was as clear as mud in the "Michigan vs Alabama" post what was meant by his statement. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[BrianDye]

(By that I meant...HORRIBLE michigan weather, they put more salt on the road then we get snow; eating the car away from the bottom up LOL

 

[celly]

Alabama doesn't see a lot of snow, so the OP should be OK.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[eXcali]

Alabama doesn't see a lot of snow, so the OP should be OK.
Posted via Mobile Device

That is if the vehicle has spent most of it's life in AL. I know a lot dealers etc sell their slow moving vehicles in different markets. Kinda like all those Katrina vehicles were finding their way all over the US because people weren't expecting to find a flood damaged vehicle for sale in AZ etc.

 

[damiendrt]

Hey thanks guys probably will do the shackles for now. That should get me though till I can do a real suspension lift all the way around. Probably going to put new shocks on so need to know what size and the truck started life in NC and has been in AL for the past few years. Any ideas on the fender flares?

 

[Fabbed4d88]

If this is for a 4X4 Ranger why would you need to do anything to the rear? A TT will get the front up 2" to sit level with the back, putting shackles on will give it that factory rake....Is that the look you're going for or do you want it to sit level?

 

[Red FX4]

Fabbed4d88 is right. Most people crank the torsion bars to level the Ranger. Usually 1.5" is the most you should go to maintain a decent ride and not to stress the torsion bar too much. The extremes of suspension travel does not change so new shocks are not needed unless they are worn.

 

[damiendrt]

I was just trying to get it up so I can get 33x12.5s on them. If I don't need the shackles then all the better. So torsion twist and 3 inch body lift and I am good?

 

[Red FX4]

I would hope so. I run 32x11.5 tires with just a 1.5" tosion bar crank.