Gen 1 Flip Kit

[InadvertentSmell]

My 88 has a 3/4 drop. From the moment I installed it I hated how it sat: too low in the rear. I know to remedy this I can just put lowering springs in the front but I really don't want to go any lower for fear of damaging my rare GT ground effects. What are my options? Here is what I've thought:

1. Take out the flip kit and just remove some leaf springs.

Anyone ever do this? How low will it take me? How's the ride?

2. Add leaf springs to the current flip kit.

Won't this actually lower my truck more?

3. Buy new leaf spring

Maybe the old springs are just worn?

4. Install adjustable air shocks

This was my initial remedy to the solution but I'm awfully unfamiliar with them.

What's my best option? I'm wanting better stance but I'm also hoping to go 300whp with my 2.3 turbo project (so no air ride).

 

[alexp11]

I think the easiest and cheapest option is pull out the flip kit and do a shackle flip. It gives 1.5-2" rear drop, costs little to nothing and is pretty easy to do.

 

[InadvertentSmell]

Is this something that cn be done to Gen 1s? I see that offered to Gen 2s

 

[alexp11]

Not sure. I've only ever tinkered on my 93. I imagine the rear spring setup would be identical though

 

[JoshT]

Yes, shackle flip can definitely be done to any year Ranger. There is a how-to in the tech articles section of the site, under the "Mini Truck - Lowering Suspensions" section. The how to is right, but ignore the before picture it's wrong. You also don't need to worry about which way the shackle is facing as long as both sides are the same, few people have asked about it in the past.

Another option that is fairly cheap and much easier is to leave your axle flip in place and get a set of Chevy lowering shackles to replace you stock shackles. When installed on a Ranger (without the shackle flip) they will raise the back end 1-2" depending on which hole is used. They are available online as Belltech 6400 shackles, but the same shackle can often be found at your local parts house under a different brand and for a little cheaper. I put them on my 99 4x4 for a small lift to match cranked torsion bars. Also have a set on my work-in-progress lowered 86 street truck, but didn't realize how much lift the Explorer springs gave so they might be too much. I got them from my local O'Reilly Auto or Auto Zone for about $30, the brand and part number are below.

Brand: Superior Automotive
P/N: 13-4100

 

[alexp11]

Same set I got earlier for $40. Flip kit dropped it way too low. Was almost on the frame. The lift shackles brought it up about where it needs to be.