Eliminate Rake

[expated]

I have a 1996 Ford Ranger XLT 4WD 4.0L Auto 145K miles that needs new shocks all around. Currently the fronts are KYB Gas Adjust (second shocks on vehicle) and the backs are original (long overdue for replacement). I am thinking about eliminating the front rake. The current height from the ground to the bottom of the fenders is 32.5” front and 35.5” at the rear. I’m running 265-75-15 tires. It’s a daily driver and I don’t off-road at all. What are some of the things I need to consider? Springs or spacers and how will this affect my shock selection. FYI-when I do this project I’ll be installing new hard brake lines too. Original ones are starting to rust and I like stopping.

 

[Jsommers]

You have 2 choices. You can lift the front or lower the back.

If you were going to use it offroad id say leveling kit but i think taking the factory lift block out of the back might be a better solution if your just daily driving the truck. Anything you do to the front is going to require an alignment on it and they can be a pain on the ttb trucks.

 

[cocoasranger]

On my Ranger the rear was 3 inches higher than the front which looked cool, but caused the rear wheels to lock up and slide due to not enough weight on them. I bought six 50# bags of sand and put them over the rear axle. This eliminated all rear wheel lockup and evened out front and back heights.

 

[4x4junkie]

I'd go with spacers or washers up front to level it provided the springs are still in decent shape. You shouldn't need different-length shocks for it.

Realigning it shouldn't be an issue as long as you don't go more than 2" height increase (or a 1.25" thick spacer).

 

[expated]

Thanks Junkie!