Air Shocks?

[Wigifries]

Hey guys I want to raise the rear of my truck about half an inch to an inch, could I get air shocks and just fill them up to lift the rear end? Also I will be hauling my dirt bike around this summer and want a little bit more support in the rear rather than the drop shocks. Is this even possible? Will the shocks bottom out due to my ranger being lowered about 5 inches? Any response would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[low~n~blue]

i don't know about air shocks but they make air bags that go in the back and have a nipple placed by the bumper and u can add air when hauling and keep them empty when your not so keep the nice ride. Super easy and really nice, have them on the diesel and makes ALL the difference. Thought about putting them on my ranger too cuz it's lowered 4 inch's and I haul my quad too.

[JoshT]

You can use air shocks to raise the back of the truck a little but I wouldn't recommend it as an every day solution. I had Gabriel Hi-Jackers on the back of my (stock height) 84 Ranger, mostly for load assist. They could lift the back end 4-5 inches IIRC. That said they were stiff when aired up even a little and made for a poor ride, I pretty much only inflated them when I had a load. You would be better off keeping your slight lift, and your load assist separate. Think about it this way shocks aren't meant to support weight they are only meant to dampen the shocks dealt to the suspension. If you increase the shock's ability to support weight you in turn decrease their ability to dampen those shocks.

How is your truck lowered? You say dropped 5" in the rear so I"m assuming that you have swapped to spring over axle. Based on that I'd recommend the chevy lowering shackles, they will provide approximately 1 or 2 inches of lift on a Ranger depending on which setting you use. Then use a load assist bag as low~n~blue mentioned. You are better off keeping the drop shocks and the load assist separate.

I'm currently in the process (very slow process) of building an 86 Ranger with a drop similar to what you have. I am running DJM beams in front, and an Explorer axle in the rear. The axle got me a 5"+ drop in the rear, but I'm also using the explorer's springs which are a little softer I think. Then I'm using the Chevy shackle to raise the rear back up about 2 inches to match with the front. Still not sure if it'll be enough because I prefer a little rake to being level, I do have a set of 2" drop springs for the front is it's not. I plan to use load assist bags if I need them for towing hauling purposes.

For shocks you'll have to do some research for that. I think most people run a Nissan Hardbody Shock for drops in the range of 3 to 5 inches. If you do decide to go with air shocks this is probably what you'll need to get them for. On my swap I'm going to run a completely different shock set-up from stock and what you have so the shocks that work for me won't work for you. I'll be copying the Explorer's shock mounting design with a shock cross member mounted forward of the axle, and the lower end of the shocks at the explorer spring plates. It'll also be set-up to use stock length Ranger shocks rather than drop shocks.

[low~n~blue]

I run the chevy shackle to raise it up a little bit so it has a slight rake. Mine was bullied after the axle swap and good point about the axle flip. Totally spaced on that, i guess it would depend on how you lowered as putting a bag between a flipped axle and springs would only lower it more haha.

[JoshT]

Originally Posted by low~n~blue

I run the chevy shackle to raise it up a little bit so it has a slight rake. Mine was bullied after the axle swap and good point about the axle flip. Totally spaced on that, i guess it would depend on how you lowered as putting a bag between a flipped axle and springs would only lower it more haha.

Axle flip wouldn't matter with the air bags, except for getting the right set-up. I think normally they would go between the springs and the frame, not the axle and the springs. With the axle flip you would need one that mounts to the axle instead. I know there are enough vehicles out there with the axle over the spring that some company would have one that works.

[low~n~blue]

my vote is pick up one of these little trailers and then your good! haha plus then you can carry other stuff! haha

[Magnetic]

dont mean to cut into wigifries thread but where did you get that trailer low~n~blue? im looking for one

[low~n~blue]

Originally Posted by Magnetic

dont mean to cut into wigifries thread but where did you get that trailer low~n~blue? im looking for one

I got it at Lowe's home improvement store. Its a Polar Bear, 8x4 bed. It weighs nothing but has good size tires compared to some of the ones around. They are around 800-1200 new I believe depending where you go but i've found them on craigslist way cheaper. Can't complain, the front and back of it is removable and also can be flipped so they lay flat which adds nearly 2.5 feet front and back. Sorry hahaha

[Magnetic]

goign to hav eto look aroun phoenix area cause i havnet seen any cheap4x8s down here in tucson

[JoshT]

Check out harbor freight, they have trailer kits at a pretty decent price. IIRC they include everything you need to assemble the trailer frame. You just have to provide the material for the decking (plywood or boards) and add sides if so desired. I know dad used one years ago to build a trailer for a John boat, then when he sold that boat he modified it into a kayak/canoe hauler and it's held up well so far.

[marauderx]

I could drive that up in my bed! It might hang out a little...

[low~n~blue]

Mine is a stepside so it won't fit. The quad is a tick over four feet wide with the extended arms and axle so it won't fit between the bed rails. HAHA i have tried many ways but it's a no go lol. Plus with it being lowered I need to keep weight out back, not over the rear axle or I'll be on bump stops.