Why the body lift on a Ford Ranger Edge?

[Lefty]

Yes, that Explorer axle! If I get real lucky! I want to take a close look at the shocks too. At 19 years old they are probably due for a change.

My plans are to remove the tub and address the rust. This would be an ideal time to rebuild the whole rear end. One way or another, as a noob, I need to be cautious and come to a complete understanding before I start turning wrenches. Thanks!

 

[Isntme]

@Lefty, I think you're a little confused as to what a "body" lift is. I'm no expert either, but MY 2001 2wd Edge has lift blocks on the rear axle that lift the whole truck, but not the axles. I think this was part of the "Edge" package. Below is a picture of the blocks that rais the rear. The front is torsion bars, so a twist one way will lift, a twist the other way will lower. also a completely stock 2001 2wd Ranger Edge
View attachment 72230

Any chance you change the shocks and can tell me what you got? I’m trying to find shocks for my 2001 Edge, hoping to get some feedback. Thanks

 

[Lefty]

Any chance you change the shocks and can tell me what you got? I’m trying to find shocks for my 2001 Edge, hoping to get some feedback. Thanks

Well maybe "lift" is the wrong word.

I never found a decent Explorer axel, but I made some modifications. I pulled the two inch blocks out of the rear and replaced them with one's. I also lowered (turned down) the front torsion bar all the way maybe 5/8 an inch. My regular mechanic told me that those changes would make no differnce and not require any further modification. So I never changed the rear shocks They were just fine. Front shocks too. The fronts were pretty shot so I changed them to Monroe shocks. I can't remember the numbers, but they were what were recommended for the original and unmodified Edge. No problems. There was a slight improvement in handling.

I never got a new front end alignment. Maybe I should have. I can see that a camber change would improve tire life, but only just a little.

I go off road twice a week. The ground is more or less level. I prefer good and safe handling at highway speed, so I still wasn't happy. The rear end, like all trucks, tended to float and sway around the corners so I put two pairs of leaf spring clamps on the rear which act a lot like a beefy sway bar. The front end tends to plow through the corners, so I put a one inch Explorer sway bar on the front.

I also added a set of James Duff traction bars to prevent axel wrap. Also a set of slotted and drilled racing discs on the front. The whole package is highly responsive, handles better than a sedan, holds the road, and stops on a dime.

Torsen limited slip also helped with traction, especially in the winter.

There's more I could have done, but altogether I'm very pleased.