87 ranger sagging

[kmack]

im on a small budget and want to be able to stand on my wheel to get in the back. i want about 2-3 inches of clearance between my tire and the top of the fender.

my guess is that my truck didn't come like this off the lot so if i put blocks under my leafs then it will be close to the stock hight or an inch higher..

...so i wont **** up my driveshaft and stuff or need new shocks??

here is a picture to illustrate the situations.

 

[kmack]

anyone?

 

[ILLEGALCONCEPTS]

Well, your theory could be right on. I am sure your springs have sagged over the years and adding block would be a cheap way to regain some of the factory height. New springs, or newer springs from a newer Ranger, would be a better option in my opinion.

Also check all spring hangers and shackles. Mine usted out and caused my already low truck to become even lower.

James

 

[kmack]

my plan was get new leafs from a newer ranger or something, but the chances of me getting a set of leaves off a rusted out junkyard ranger and my own ranger are slim to none.

i had a 90 f150 that i snapped the leaves and they were not removable. had to plasma cut them out and it was estimated 10hrs labour. if i can just cut the U-bolts off then ill order new ones anyways to account for the hight of the blocks.

my guess is a set of 4-6 inch blocks in the back and 0-3 inch blocks in the front if i can find some plastic or something to make them out of.

i'm super low budget here so i might just get a bunch of old coil buckets and flatten them out like big washer/spacers or something and for the back just find some hard plastic and cut some blocks. theres a scrap yard down the street from my truck i'll be looking around.

 

[ILLEGALCONCEPTS]

The work you are going to end up doing is not worth short cutting the parts. You'll end up messing with almost all the same stuff in the end. You bushing are probably shot as well and while you are at it................know what I mean. You'll end up with a better handling truck and be safe at the same time. You current springs are gonna be shot. I don't like blocks for the rear suspension, they create axle wrap. Save your money and get the springs, use a 2-3" block if you must, maybe look into shackles that would raise your truck. For the front, get lift springs. They are about $120 new and you'll be happier in the end.

I understand being on a budget, trust me. I've been putting together my turbo parts for several years now. I lowered my truck one part at a time. I've built my system one component at a time. In the end, it's all worth it.

James

 

[Flash Gordan]

Do what I did and buy up a slighty junked early 90's explorer. They usually have the heavier springs all the way around and everything should bolt up with very little modifications. I'm pulling the entire drivetrain from a 91 explorer sport to drop into my trusty 87 ranger. And using mostly the parts between the two with a few that I'm buying new. Don't be scared if you have to beg, borrow, and steal some things to finish it.