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How to lower the rear?


85_Ranger4x4

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Comparing apples to hammers but I put longer shackles in my '85 to lift it, the rear shackle arrangement is the same as a '19+.

My '02 F-150 is like what @cbxer55 refers to with his Lightning, the shackle is below the spring.
 
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HenryMac

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don4331

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My truck wasn't that clean by the time I had it home from the dealer.

So, like an Explorer with the rear shackle across the frame rail. No opportunity of shackle flip there.
 

55trucker

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Here is a photo of a 2019 Ranger rear suspension.
  • Longer shackles will raise the back of the truck.
A reputable spring shop could re-arch the mono-leaf and that would lower the truck. However that will put the mono-leaf very close to the helper spring. You'll likely lose hauling capacity, towing capacity and ride quality.

Happy Trails!
Aaaaaaaaah........now that I see the mono leaf, that's a somewhat heavy leaf. how much weight can one throw into the box?
 

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Aaaaaaaaah........now that I see the mono leaf, that's a somewhat heavy leaf. how much weight can one throw into the box?
Max payload is like 1800 pounds or something crazy like that.
 

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Aaaaaaaaah........now that I see the mono leaf, that's a somewhat heavy leaf. how much weight can one throw into the box?
Depends on driveline and cab type. Here is the data per Ford.

Capacities.jpg
 

Tinmender1963

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A kit for lowering is supposedly in the works by Belltech with a due date of sometime this summer.
 

Ranger850

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I dont tow trailers, I dont haul much of anything,
What are my options?
Remove the "helper" leaf Looks like there is a small (1/4"?) plate under the helper leaf. ( highlighted in yellow) That plus the helper leaf might give 1"- 1.5" of drop.
60203
 
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HenryMac

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Remove the "helper" leaf Looks like there is a small (1/4"?) plate under the helper leaf. ( highlighted in yellow) That plus the helper leaf might give 1"- 1.5" of drop.
View attachment 60203
Every Ranger has nearly a 3" rake from the factory.

So you are suggesting ruining the rated load carrying capacity for a 1" drop?
 

Ranger850

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My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.
Every Ranger has nearly a 3" rake from the factory.

So you are suggesting ruining the rated load carrying capacity for a 1" drop?
Yes. He said he doesn't tow or haul that much. Which means he is willing to sacrifice load capacity.
 

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Tinmender1963

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I purchased and installed the Belltech kit this past week. The kit is very well made and the installation was pretty straight forward. I lowered the front 2.5 inches and the rear 5.0 inches
 

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Ranger850

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Born with a 3.0, looking for a donor V8
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Total Lift
Stock 2"
Tire Size
Stock
My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.
I purchased and installed the Belltech kit this past week. The kit is very well made and the installation was pretty straight forward. I lowered the front 2.5 inches and the rear 5.0 inches
That is the BEST looking stance I have seen on these "new" Rangers. Great Looking Truck, and thanks for the pics.
 

HenryMac

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2.3 Turbo, 350, 5.0 HO
Transmission
Automatic
Total Drop
Stock, about a foot, about a foot
Tire Size
LT 265/65 R17, P285/70R15 & P195/65R15, 820-15 & 500-15
I purchased and installed the Belltech kit this past week. The kit is very well made and the installation was pretty straight forward. I lowered the front 2.5 inches and the rear 5.0 inches
How is the ride quality compared to stock?

Looks like a great deal... the kit only costs a little more than a factory OEM Ford Muffler (y)

Belltech Lowering Kit.jpg
 
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Tinmender1963

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The ride is improved. Less bounce from the back end and smoother overall. Input from the steering is much more positive and the truck is more predictable. One of the best things is I was actually able to easily hop into the bed of the truck and no climbing needed to get in and out of the cab! If you are curious, I am running 20 x 9 wheels with an ET of +33 with 265/50r20 tires with no clearance issues at all.
 

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