'04 2WD Edge - why is it so high?

[8thTon]

Can someone explain why they raised the 2WD version? I got the truck because it was in nice shape and the price was decent, but it will be used to haul stuff for projects and share commuting duty with my car. I like the sway bars, 10" drums, 4.10 rear 235/75R15 tires, but why block the rear springs? Was it required to clear the torsion spring mounting?

It's a bit of a PITA for loading stuff, and raises the center of gravity for no purpose.

 

[adsm08]

The Edges were built on the 4x4 suspension regardless of 2wd or 4x4. It was just part of the appearance package having that 4x4 ride height, for people who wanted the height, but not the 4x4.

 

[RangerVet]

The Edges were built on the 4x4 suspension regardless of 2wd or 4x4. It was just part of the appearance package having that 4x4 ride height, for people who wanted the height, but not the 4x4.

https://www.ranger-forums.com/suspension-tech-36/2wd-edge-height-vs-2wd-xlt-height-50585/

 

[Ranger850]

On 2wd drives, it's for appearance only and makes the truck handle like ass. You can remove the rear blocks and lower the front with the torsion keys.

 

[Dirtman]

Looks like you could just remove the rear blocks and leave the front alone on that thing... Jeeesh

 

[Craig0320]

Looks like you could just remove the rear blocks and leave the front alone on that thing... Jeeesh

Second that ^.
The front is at a good height. Drop the rear end and it will look a lot better. You adjust the torsion bars to much then you are going to need an alignment.

 

[Uncle Gump]

First off... that truck looks clean.

Secondly... I would embrace it. A little twist on the torsions to level it a bit and a set of 31x10.50x15's. Align it up and drive on.

 

[8thTon]

I did notice the shorter U-bolts are pretty cheap on RockAuto. It seems like it would be level just removing the blocks at the back, without any detrimental effects on load capacity or handling.

Surprisingly the truck handles pretty well as-is.

31's would look cool, and the higher final drive ratio would help mileage, but the speedometer error would make me nuts (lol). Plus 235/75-15's are the most common tire, and the ones that are on it are brand new.

 

[Ranger850]

I removed the blocks from mine, and the front was a little high. Lowered the front about 1" and it leveled to my liking. to each his own, some people like the nose to be a tad taller than the rear, why, IDK. I have basically the same truck, but an '01 and it's white. It handled better for me after lowering it, also this truck pulled a trailer better than my "08 Sport Trac.

Edit: my truck has a 3.0/5spd with 3.73

 

[8thTon]

I removed the blocks from mine, and the front was a little high. Lowered the front about 1" and it leveled to my liking. to each his own, some people like the nose to be a tad taller than the rear, why, IDK. I have basically the same truck, but an '01 and it's white. It handled better for me after lowering it, also this truck pulled a trailer better than my "08 Sport Trac.

Edit: my truck has a 3.0/5spd with 3.73

Cool, thanks for that advice - it's helpful to know someone has done it. I'm seriously considering it as I just see no benefit of having it that high. I have not even begun using it to haul stuff and I have no doubt the liftover height will become annoying quickly.

 

[Ranger850]

Can't believe no "Snoop Dogg" or "Willie Nelson" Jokes came from the question, "Why is it so High?"

 

[Danno1985]

This seems like one of those good problems to have. Stance on that truck is perfect, even with the 235/75r15s. I'd rather have rake unloaded than having a "leveled" empty truck that looks like a lowrider any time it's hauling anything, but that's just me.

 

[Ranger850]

If his was anything like mine, it looks a little silly sitting so high in the back, it's about a 3" difference front to back. Having the nose 3" lower than the rear is just too much, but like I said before, To each his own.

 

[8thTon]

If his was anything like mine, it looks a little silly sitting so high in the back, it's about a 3" difference front to back. Having the nose 3" lower than the rear is just too much, but like I said before, To each his own.

I agree. My old 2WD 1990 long bed Ranger could haul a pretty impressive load, and even loaded up with bags of mortar it sat pretty level. I'll have to measure the suspension travel but I bet even if you squashed this on down on the bump stops it would still be nose down.