On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:04:37 -0700, with neither quill nor qualm,
Gunner Asch quickly quoth:

My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the
rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell
http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/

and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to
California.

Ive asked a few folks, and they have given me a multitude of answers,
from very expensive airbags to simple shackles.

All I want to do is make the damned thing sit level. Im sure drivers
ahead of me will be much happier without my headlights pointing into
their rear windows as well.

My load is pretty much constant. The van is getting the heavy stuff
(Installed a full 4 unit Adrian Steel rack set last week., new $200)

In that case, now that you're loaded, have the frackin' headlights
adjusted. Borrow the adjusters from a friend in a body shop and do it
yourself in ten minutes.

So what do I need to lift this about 3"?

Cheaply.

Air shocks ($61 J.C. Whitney), bolt-on overload leafs ($54 JCW), or
shackles (free DIY).


Im not looking for a heavy duty rockclimbing off-road beat and bounce
suspension package..

Im assuming that the first thing I do is put a helper spring? in each
leaf bundle?

In the good old days..I simply made up a set of shackles from 3/8 flat
stock and bolted em to the back of the leaf springs, but a mechanic
told me "it would be hard on the rear differential due to increased
thrust angle on the doofunny whichadiddly and would cause extreme wear
on the labia valves and shuztmeister bearings"

Simple. Lick the labia valves to keep them moist.


Blink blink.....

If you're going back up to standard height after adding weight, the
differential angle should not have changed. Besides, all that a couple
degrees of out-of-alignment does is wear out u-joints a bit more
quickly.


I know this isnt rocket science...just not something Ive had to do
since 1974 when I wanted to put big rear tires on a Dodge Duster.


Also..anyone know the best sort of spare tire carrier to put on a 1
ton Ford van? It currently has one of those doofus carriers that is
mounted to the hinge and latch side of the rear door. The door that
gets opened and closed a lot....

The type which uses both sides of the hinges, a full gate style, is
the best I've seen. A friend (bodyman/coworker) with a 4WD van who
made trips to Baja Mexico all the time used to have one and he said it
was the best type for the heavy vibration of offroad use.


The BIG tires on this thing...are heavy. Heavier than Im comfortable
carrying on that flimsey door hanger. Which is already bent from
carrying a spare.

The van has dual gas tanks...so there may not be a lot of room
underneith..Ive not checked yet. With all the racks and shelves
inside..there is no room onboard for the spare.
Fiberglass roof extension makes roof mounting out..plus those tires
are Heavy.....8 lug nuts each...ack!!

Swap to a standard sized van tire/rim for the spare. Drop off the bad
tire at a tire place and go back to work. Replace it when you pick up
the replaced/repaired tire.


Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it
Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant
brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks......

He accused you of having a hod on? Imagine! titter

--

EXPLETIVE: A balm, usually applied verbally in hindsight,
which somehow eases those pains and indignities following
our every deficiency in foresight.