Leveling kit and shocks
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Leveling kit and shocks
I have a fairly new set of Ranchos on my truck, and am about to put a 1.5 leveling kit on it. I know it will be allright will the stock size shocks, but I want to know if it has any significant drawbacks. Will downward suspension travel be limited? Will I not notice the difference? What have you guys with the kits done?
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From: MA
Most manufacturers state that you can retain youre stock shocks with a 1.5" leveling kit. When I put a 1.5" on my truck, the shocks didnt last. But to be fair, the truck had 58k on it, and they appeared to be the shocks from the factory. I plan on purchasing new shocks soon. Unless you really thrash youre bronco, I dont think you will have too many problems. If you like hopping logs and rocks, I dont see those shocks lasting from exactly what you mentioned...restricted downward travel. Any reason you want to lift the truck up in the rear? I love the way mine sits level.
Rich
Rich
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There will be some log hopping and suspension travel. Not everyday, but it can fairly often, namely if they open up all the trails they closed down here. I want to lift the rear of the truck an 1 inch or so, because I drive every now and then I have a decent load, and I think the the back would squat to much in comparision. Also, with careful guidance I have little problems hitting the front bumper, but the rear is another story. More than once I've smacked it down onto a rock or bump. I better approach angle in the rear would be helpful. Plus, I don't mind the front sitting an 1 lower, it'll look even when I'm driving a full load of people anyhow. Anyone have an opinion on 1 1\2 rear lift? How is the ride quality of blocks verses add-a-leaf, and ease of installation?
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From: MA
Blocks are unsafe, not matter how you cut it. Under stress(i.e. offroad), they can be spit out from below the leafs. Sound like something you want to deal with? They will probably ride nicer on road due to the fact that you arent changing the leaf return rate. They do not increase youre load carrying capacity like the add a leafs do. For the money, I would go for the extra leaf.
Rich
Rich
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I agree, the springs would be better than blocks in the rear. But, that being said, my truck came straight from the factory with lift blocks in the rear, as did thousands of other Ford trucks, and even most of the new trucks have them. So far I haven't noticed a rash of trucks sitting on the side of the road with broke down rear axles from blocks flying out...
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From: Senoia, GA
Originally posted by wheelMA1
The stock blocks are different. They are relatively small. The aftermarket blocks are much larger, and as a result, more force is applied to them laterally when offroading.
The stock blocks are different. They are relatively small. The aftermarket blocks are much larger, and as a result, more force is applied to them laterally when offroading.
If you are looking to remove your rear blocks AND gain 1-2" lift from factory do a shackle flipped rear! I did and I love it!
You stock shocks will be more than enough for just a 1-1.5" lift. I could use stock shocks on my 6" lift but they would limit my flex a lil!
-jason-
Last edited by fishmanndotcom; Mar 3, 2004 at 07:45 AM.