stiff ride after lift kit

[thunderlumber]

i traded my 04 ranger 4x4 xlt in for an 08 4x4 sport at the end of last year. i was dissappointed to find that, for whatever reason, the ride height of the 08 was about an inch and a half lower than the 04. i ended up installing new torsion keys in the front, which gave me 2 inches of lift there, and 1 1/2 inch blocks in the rear, to bring it within a half an inch or so of level. even though the product advertised no loss of ride quality, the ride up front is noticably stiffer, and even seems like it is bottoming out over larger bumps. the gentleman that installed the kit said that longer shocks would not help. anybody have any input? thanks

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yes it will ride noticably stiffer as you are adding much more preload to the torsion bars whish is netting you the 2" of lift. Which also kills your avaliable down travel which is what you are probably feeling over large bumps.

 

[thunderlumber]

so longer shocks wouldnt help? is that what you're saying?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I would dissconnet your shocks at ride height and see if they are at their max right now, if they are adding a shock that is about 2" longer might not be a bad idea.

 

[JohnnyO]

so longer shocks wouldnt help? is that what you're saying?

Yes. A torsion bar is essentially a straight coil spring that functions as a spring by being twisted instead of compressed. Turn the bar and you increase the spring rate. It is unlikely that different shocks would change that any because the Sport already comes with softer shocks than an FX4 or Level II.
I've done a torsion twist on two Rangers and one Sport Trac, never needed longer shocks.
Starting in '07 Ford began building 4x4 Rangers lower for whatever reason.