New suspension Problems

[bigdan002001]

Okay, I just recently did the new rear leaf spring hanger/shackle install at all four corners because all of the brackets were about gone including shackles. I had some issues with bending the existing rear leaf springs trying to get the old bolts out, so long story short I had to buy new rear leaf springs. I ordered a new set of OEM replacement springs from JCWhitney, but they are the 3 leaf pack plus an overload. So my factory ones are 2 leafs plus the overload. I didn't think that it would make that much of a difference, just be a little stiffer cause of the extra payload it could handle. Well, now that the truck is back togther and bed back on...the rear sits damn near 4" higher than the front. Can I remove the stock block or is it tapered for the axle angle correction? I was going to add about an inch of washers to the front springs, but don't think that will get me anywhere near the rear elevation. Also note, that the truck sat nearly level before I tore it apart. The front coils look like they have been replaced recently as well, so they aren't that old either. I just bought this truck about 4 months ago so I don't know exact history either. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

BigDan

 

[railman]

you could remove the stock block and you shouldn't have any new issues....just may need some new shorter U-bolts is all....

personally i would add some washers up front....if you have a TTB front end....

what year is your truck???

l8r, John

 

[dbp]

That's strange...I've seen before when replacing some of the leafs on Rangers that Ford itself switched and made the leafs skinnier but added an extra leaf...But they always ended up being about the same height.

You're sure that the shackles aren't the issue and aren't longer right?

 

[bigdan002001]

Yeah, it's a 97, and I have bought some 1 1/2" ID and 3.25" OD washers to stack under front springs. However only going to have to lift front about 1" to level it out now that rear blocks are gone. Yeah the shackles are the o.e. lenght because I bought the hanger shackle replacement kit off ebay and shackles look just like the ones that were rusted off the truck. I am going to have to find some new U-bolts though. Can I try to find some off a 2wd Ranger since they didn't have the rear block like the 4wd does? Thanks for the responses guys.

BigDan

 

[railman]

I am going to have to find some new U-bolts though. Can I try to find some off a 2wd Ranger since they didn't have the rear block like the 4wd does? Thanks for the responses guys.

BigDan

you can only if it has the same axle as you do....the 7.5 and 8.8 have different size axle tubes...

l8r, John