86 ranger lift questions

[Hrphilipson]

So my 86 xlt 4x4 has a 2" block in the rear, is that standard oem?
Also im wanting to do a 4" lift would i do 4" lift coils in front and 3" lift leafs in the rear and eliminate the "oem block"?

 

[franklin2]

Usually the block is factory, it has the suspension bumper wing on it?

You cannot just lift the frontend with coils. You have to get a kit with the drop brackets. If you do not believe me, take a floor jack and jack up the frontend 4 inches and watch what the front tires do. And the frontend alignment guy will not be able to get them back in staight, you have to use a kit with the proper drop pieces to make it line back up.

 

[Hrphilipson]

Yes has the bumper wing on it.

Oh for sure doing drop brackets, im just wanting to get it semi level after the new lift. Im doing radius arms, drop brackets, etc. I have to order it all seperate due to the axles im gonna use. So want to make sure i order the correct lift amount...front and rear

 

[franklin2]

You will have to adjust the rear to your liking after you get the new springs. I would drive it a couple of months, the new front springs will settle some after the initial installation.
You should keep the factory spacer with the bumper on it. If you lift it with no suspension bumper stop, it's very easy to break a spring with a load on it on uneven ground.

The reason the factory put a rake on these trucks, they used a progressive spring in the rear. The first leaves are very thin and give a good ride. If you put a load in the truck, the thin leaves flatten out quickly and sit on the heavier bottom spring. I do not know what type of spring you are going to swap in,

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Depending on what you do to the rear you don't HAVE to have a block.

I flat out deleted them on mine so now my axle will hit the bumpstop like a 2wd. I attained lift thru other means so it wasn't needed.

 

[Curious Hound]

Depending on what you do to the rear you don't HAVE to have a block.

I flat out deleted them on mine so now my axle will hit the bumpstop like a 2wd. I attained lift thru other means so it wasn't needed.

Just need the right springs.

 

[Hrphilipson]

So the options im considering are skyjacker soft ride 4" coils in front with the original leafs and 4" blocks (oem block removed)
Or
Skyjacker soft ride 4" coils in front and skyjacker 4" lift leafs in the rear (oem block removed). I dont mind factory like rake but level is nice too.

 

[Curious Hound]

I strongly recommend the Skyjacker leaf springs in the rear if you can afford them. Having the right spring is much safer and better engineering than tall blocks. The Skyjacker springs are made to give you the lift while maintaining the OEM block.

 

[Hrphilipson]

Sooo these https://ntwonline.com/83-97-ford-ranger-4-rear-leaf-spring-skyjacker-suspension/ .....will require the oem block with "wing" to achieve the 4" lift?

 

[Curious Hound]

Sooo these https://ntwonline.com/83-97-ford-ranger-4-rear-leaf-spring-skyjacker-suspension/ .....will require the oem block with "wing" to achieve the 4" lift?

Yes. They are arched to replace your OEM springs and give the 4"lift. Since the OiEM springs used those blocks, then the Skyjacker springs do also. I played around with that and verified it when I installed my lift.

 

[Hrphilipson]

Well great to know, thank you. I am glad you chimed in haha. First hand experience is gold. I figure the 1986 leafs have some sag, and im really a "do it right" kinda guy. Just sucks that doing it right isnt cheap haha

 

[Uncle Gump]

Well great to know, thank you. I am glad you chimed in haha. First hand experience is gold. I figure the 1986 leafs have some sag, and im really a "do it right" kinda guy. Just sucks that doing it right isnt cheap haha

It always cheaper then doing it cheap... then doing it again.

 

[4x4junkie]

If you get the 6" lift leaf springs, you should be able to remove the OEM block to end up with close to 4" actual lift.

 

[SenorNoob]

If you get the 6" lift leaf springs, you should be able to remove the OEM block to end up with close to 4" actual lift.

Pretty sure I've seen an 8" leaf at one time just for that reason. Can't find it now tho...

 

[4x4junkie]

Skyjacker did have an 8" lift in the past... My guess is they discontinued it because of too much excitement with the whacked-out steering (giving people heart palpitations) that even the Extreme drop pitman arm could not fix.