unlifting?

[Denisefwd93]

The beast has like 2.5" blocks on the back. I want them gone, not sure it was stock add or not. the front has springs and doesn't seem to have lift pads under them. the back clearly is way high compared to the front.

blurry sorry,

 

[Divh]

they look like normal factory blocks

 

[Toreadorranger]

You can pull them out, just make sure your shocks won't bottom out, the axle tube will become your bumpstop pad.

You will have to get new U bolts.

 

[Denisefwd93]

Thanks! I just can't imagine that the factory would send out a truck looking that badly set up.
The shocks are quite long will be sure to check that.

 

[JoshT]

Thanks! I just can't imagine that the factory would send out a truck looking that badly set up.
The shocks are quite long will be sure to check that.

They don't. I'm really surprised it's sitting that high with the cap.

Those are factory style blocks, but I'm wandering about the rest of the suspension. Either the front is extremely sagged, or that rear is sitting way too high. I'd start by removing the lift blocks and installing shorter u-bolts as well. If it's too low then (doubt it) you could install chevy lowering shackles to get a little lift back.

I can't tell anything from the pictures you posted, but I kinda wander if maybe somebody has already installed those shackles or a set of Explorer leaf springs. Either one would give you that much lift when added to the stock blocks.

Those shocks are looking mighty long as well. I imagine they are close to fully extended. If so lowering that back end will probably make it ride a lot better as well.

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, as stated those blocks are factory. I've noticed that the regular cab 4x4s seem to have a more noticeable rake to them, but with that cap it does look too high.

I would not be surprised to learn that a previous owner installed longer springs or lift shackles. The front appears to be the right height, judging by the wheel gap, but the rear is too high.

 

[Denisefwd93]

Doing some measuring seems to indicate if the blocks are taken out the truck will be almost level but I don't want to do it twice, can't find one inch blocks. I have friends that work in machine shops can I just get one inch steel and drill the hole for the pin ? where do I find the dimensions?

I'll take a photo of the springs I have a feeling they may have been changed also because it has a one piece driveshaft which I was not expecting so I think it was rigged for heavy duty towing

 

[adsm08]

1-piece shaft was always used on regular cabs. Only the super cabs ever got the 2-piece.

 

[hondaxr650]

Every regular cab 4x4 I've ever seen sits like that. Probably just more noticeable because of the short wheelbase. Personally, I think it would look better if you put a 2 in. lift on the front and a little bigger tire.

 

[Denisefwd93]

265/75/15s are already $500 big enough!

 

[Denisefwd93]

so here's a question.. can I have the blocks cut with a plasma or water jet and have 1" lift blocks? They look like they are cast so I'm not so sure

Note; why I'm asking;
I'm less and less willing to crawl under my truck!

 

[JoshT]

Are you talking about cutting the factory blocks down? If so, its definitely not something that I would recommend. I do believe that they are cast.

If you want to level it out some on the back, start by completely removing the lift blocks and installing correct u-bolts. This will remove 2.5" of lift in the rear and put it pretty close to level.

If that's too low, then you can buy shackles from the auto parts store for about $40 that will give about a 1" or 2" lift depending on the mount hole used on the shackle. The shackle is a much better option than a lift block. They are actually sold at most parts houses for lowering Chevy trucks, but they'll bolt right onto a Ranger and give lift.

 

[SenorNoob]

Those do look like factory blocks. If they're like mine, I wouldn't try cutting them cause they're practically hollow...

1" blocks shouldn't be expensive though.