what is this part?

[Nhaz]

At this time I haven't taken any pictures. But, I will give it a go on the description.

This appears to be a 2 inch steel block bolted in with the U bolts On Top of my rear axle with the Leaf springs on the Bottom of the axle. The steel block has a plate coming off the side closest to the differential that if the suspension is compressed will meet up with the rubber block attached to the bottom of the frame.

Why would this block be there? it appears to reduce the amount of travel on the rear shocks.

 

[RobinHood]

That is the factory lift block with an integrated bump stop...

The main function of the block is to lift the rear two inches to compensate for the load when towing, hauling, etc...
The "extension" is the bump stop and that keeps you from compressing the suspension all the way and stuffing the tire into the wheel well and messing up the truck. With stock tires this may not be as big of a concern. But with larger tires bumpstops are important when offroading because big tires can do a number on sheet metal and bedsides

If you look down this first page, there are a few threads discussing bump stops in greater detail

 

[86ford]

That is the factory lift block with an integrated bump stop...

The main function of the block is to lift the rear two inches to compensate for the load when towing, hauling, etc...
The "extension" is the bump stop and that keeps you from compressing the suspension all the way and stuffing the tire into the wheel well and messing up the truck. With stock tires this may not be as big of a concern. But with larger tires bumpstops are important when offroading because big tires can do a number on sheet metal and bedsides

If you look down this first page, there are a few threads discussing bump stops in greater detail

100% correct.

Sheet metal is over rated......

86

 

[Nhaz]

thanks for the info. the reason for the question is the shocks both front and rear are starting to wear out. and the question im asked at the counter when i asked for shocks was.

does it have a stabilizer bar or a factory lift kit? what if i have both?

also im guessing it was a good idea to have a closer look since the rubber block is missing on one side and the other doesn't appear to be in good shape.

 

[86ford]

Pull the shocks and take them to the parts store with you OR unbolt them and take measurements of there length both completely closed and completely open and give them to the parts story worker.

86

 

[AllanD]

The rear stabilizer bar is a clearance issue Vs the lower end of the
rear shock.

NO ranger has a factory lift kit on the REAR.

The "Factory lift kit" was the "highrider" suspension which was more of
a factory "leveling kit" that was offered on the STX Ranger from mid-1987
until the end of the 1989 model run.

The lisf blocks are a stock part becuse the rear springs were designed for the 2wd and the 4x4 rear suspension is different only in the lift blocks and the length of the rear shock.

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