Wanted Pre-Keys and Blocks

[cmcolfax]

Quite simply what the title says...

A set of pre-07 torsion bar keys and rear lift blocks.

I've hit up every pick and pull within an hour of me and can't find a freakin' pre-2007 4WD Ranger.

FWIW, I know the rear block is 2.5" vs 1.5" but are the torsion bar keys actually indexed differently?
Or would they need to be cranked to match the rear?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So, I haven’t decided if I want to part with the set I have yet but I could be on the lookout for another set. Weather is improving so I’ll probably start venturing to yards again.

As near as I can tell, the keys are indexed differently. I need to play around with it some more to determine exactly how much of a difference they are. They will still need to be adjusted, it’s not a plug n play like blocks.

 

[cmcolfax]

I'm debating on the keys.

Looked into some of the Key / AAL combination "kits" and most of them claim "up to 3 inches front" but the AAL as 1.5-2"

I know my rear leafs are sagged, I was actually considering replacing them with the 1750# Husky springs but

So now I'm thinking aftermarket keys, with AAL and Pre Block.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I'm debating on the keys.

Looked into some of the Key / AAL combination "kits" and most of them claim "up to 3 inches front" but the AAL as 1.5-2"

I know my rear leafs are sagged, I was actually considering replacing them with the 1750# Husky springs but

So now I'm thinking aftermarket keys, with AAL and Pre Block.

I had thought about aftermarket keys for lowering but there seems to be very little information on the keys and a lot say that they’re for 98-11 trucks and ignore any mention of the 07-11 change. Just seemed safer to stick with a known quantity and use OEM keys. Took me a bit to find a set. I got my workbench a little clean yesterday so if I can maybe see about checking the clocking of the keys here this week.

My personal opinion on AAL is don’t do it. They lift by being a thick and stiff spring, which is hard on the rest of the leaf pack and produces a poor ride. I’ve had better success with combining junkyard leaf packs to build my own packs or reinforcing a weak pack. That also gives a bit of lift. My blue Ranger I pieced together a 5-leaf pack and got about 2-2.5” of lift and I know that because my 2wd shocks became too short and I had to run 4x4 shocks, lol. F-150 has a 5-leaf pack that I put together from F-250 springs and it went up a good 3” or so. Choptop has a 5-leaf pack of Explorer leafs for about 3” (plus 2” shackles). Green Ranger currently has 5-leaf pack of Explorer leafs but I’m not really happy with it. Might go to 1750# springs.

 

[cmcolfax]

Ya.

AAL are known for being a rough ride, I ran one in an XJ Cherokee years ago.

My OE rear leafs are definitely sagged, that's why I was thinking the AAL. To stiffen them up a bit and add a little bit of lift. Then couple with the pre- block. Hoping to net 2.5 - 3"

I would have liked to just go with the pre- block and new 1750# springs but

I went ahead and ordered a set of aftermarket keys. They are all pretty much the same; claiming "up to 3 inches" lift.

I can't afford time-wise to mess with piecing together leaf packs. It's an hour-ish to any yard worth looking for donors. I'm a firefighter and work rotating 24-hour shifts plus a part-time gig, so any project I start has to be able to be wrapped up in 2-3 days. I can't have the truck sitting on jackstands in the driveway for weeks on end.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Using an AAL with worn out leafs may result in spring breakage or accelerated wear on what’s left. It’s an unfortunate situation.

In your position I’d probably look for a decent set of used Ranger springs, then you can combine with your pack. Cut the spring eyes off your main to make a really long leaf just under the main of the replacement pack and stick another leaf in somewhere. Doesn’t have to be fancy or take a lot of time. Or do the reverse, build the pack in the truck, leave your main attached and just pull the U-bolts and centering pin. Not the easiest to hold everything up there and in place but I’ve done it to save getting the bolts out of the spring eyes.