87 ranger XLT lowering questions

[Clay46]

I have 1987 ranger XLT with the 2.9L v6 and want to lower the front 2 or 3 inches and I was thinking of just flipping the rear axle and just seeing how far that gets me. Here are my questions. Can I just take the mounts for the leaf springs and just put them on the bottom side of the axle without a flip kit or is a flip kit required to do that? What would be the cheapest way to lower the front 2 or 3 inches that is still safe?

 

[Curious Hound]

Moving the spring mounts is one way to do it. Easier, might be to get an Explorer or Mustang axle that is already set up that way and just swap the wheel axle in. If I wanted to lower a ranger, that's the route I would take. No cutting and welding on the axle tube.

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[Clay46]

Moving the spring mounts is one way to do it. Easier, might be to get an Explorer or Mustang axle that is already set up that way and just swap the wheel axle in. If I wanted to lower a ranger, that's the route I would take. No cutting and welding on the axle tube.

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Why would I need to cut something?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The mounts are welded to the axle. Some cut them off and weld them to the other side. Then there are kits that can flip the mount or you could make your own. I made my own.

 

[Clay46]

The mounts are welded to the axle. Some cut them off and weld them to the other side. Then there are kits that can flip the mount or you could make your own. I made my own.

I don't think the mounts are welded but I will check again when I get home from school. If I just get a flip kit will I have to weld it onto the axle? I don't really want to weld or cut anything but I also don't want to spend a lot of money. And are lowering springs just the best way to go for the front?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

No welding on the flip kit.

Mine is redneck but hopefully you get the idea.

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[Clay46]

No welding on the flip kit.

Mine is redneck but hopefully you get the idea.

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I'll just get a flip kit then, do I need to get new u bolts aswell?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

If not in the kit, then yes. Any auto parts should have.

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