What shock to use for a half hanger flip

[Bryan_Tenn]

Ive searched & searched & see everything about flipping the hanger but cant find any details about changing the shocks or even if they have to be.

I'm just toying with this idea on my 72 Ranger XLT, I've got my front suspension all done, disc brake swap, stock suspension & coils, stock length monroe shocks. I would like to lower the rear just a couple inches for a couple reasons. Yes, it would look a little cooler, but I'm making a budget shop truck & I haul a lot of lawn & garden equipment.

The last shop truck I had was a little Dakota sport that the PO had lowered & you wouldnt believe how much easier it was to load a riding mower.

Since I don't haul a very heavy load ever I'm not worried about payload, but I dont want a "lowered" truck either. I just want the ass end to sit a little more level with the front.

So, if I do a half front hanger half flip, will a stock replacement rear shock work?

[fordman]

Explain half flip. EDIT: that does affect my answer much. After you do the flip measure unload length. Take that to parts store and they will figure your options.

[Bryan_Tenn]

Explain half flip. EDIT: that does affect my answer much. After you do the flip measure unload length. Take that to parts store and they will figure your options.

well I don't have my bed on there, so I'm just kind of looking for what other people have done or used after a half flip. I think a stock shock will work, but then again I want to see what people who have actually done it have found

[HIO Silver]

Try PMing a member who posted in this thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 4&start=15

I read in another thread to use front shocks spec'ed for a 73-87 GM 1/2-ton truck.

OR... measure the distance btween the mounts at full droop and full compression and calculate the required stroke while accounting for the shock angle. Aim for a 60/40 split vs compression and extension. Then research shock specifications which fit the measurements. I know Monroe and KYB publishes a spec book.

[cole71]

Stock shocks will work with the Half-hanger flip. I used my stock shocks when I did this. Although, I had to get shorter shocks when I later went to the Full-hanger flip.

[Bryan_Tenn]

Stock shocks will work with the Half-hanger flip. I used my stock shocks when I did this. Although, I had to get shorter shocks when I later went to the Full-hanger flip.

Thanks so much. I kind of figured they would but one never knows. Looks like a pretty easy, simple cut & dry modification to get just a little lower stance especially without having to change a lot of stuff.

I assume also that it wouldnt change the pinion angle enough to have to worry about shimming it?????

[cole71]

Stock shocks will work with the Half-hanger flip. I used my stock shocks when I did this. Although, I had to get shorter shocks when I later went to the Full-hanger flip.

Thanks so much. I kind of figured they would but one never knows. Looks like a pretty easy, simple cut & dry modification to get just a little lower stance especially without having to change a lot of stuff.

I assume also that it wouldnt change the pinion angle enough to have to worry about shimming it?????

No problem. You're correct. When you go to the full-hanger flip is when you'll need to correct your pinion angle.

[Bryan_Tenn]

well hell, im in then, will do it tomorrow!!! How much drop can I expect?

Like I said, I'm not trying to "lower" it really, I just dont like the way our trucks look stock, the ass end is up a little to much, not a lot just a bit, plus it just makes it easier to load stuff using ramps IMO

[Bryan_Tenn]

heres how mine looked before I tore it down, if I can get the pic to load

[Bryan_Tenn]

and another

[HIO Silver]

well hell, im in then, will do it tomorrow!!! How much drop can I expect?

Like I said, I'm not trying to "lower" it really, I just dont like the way our trucks look stock, the ass end is up a little to much, not a lot just a bit, plus it just makes it easier to load stuff using ramps IMO

A half flip will net from 2 to 2.5 inches.

[Bryan_Tenn]

well hell, im in then, will do it tomorrow!!! How much drop can I expect?

Like I said, I'm not trying to "lower" it really, I just dont like the way our trucks look stock, the ass end is up a little to much, not a lot just a bit, plus it just makes it easier to load stuff using ramps IMO

A half flip will net from 2 to 2.5 inches.

sounds perfect. Thanks for your help

[Bryan_Tenn]

so, basically all I have to do is just half-flip, like shown in the posts & threads, the front brackets??

I don't have to mess with the rear hangers or anything else?

If you re-use the 2 old holes for the bottom & drill 2 new ones for the top then each side has to be right, right???

[HIO Silver]

so, basically all I have to do is just half-flip, like shown in the posts & threads, the front brackets??

I don't have to mess with the rear hangers or anything else?

If you re-use the 2 old holes for the bottom & drill 2 new ones for the top then each side has to be right, right???

Correct.

On my long bed I did a full flip which resulted in about 10° of nose-up pinion angle.... I didn't want to stack shims nor cut and re-weld the perches so I un-did it and went with an axle-flip (spring-under conversion) and frame notch instead. Much better.

[Bryan_Tenn]

Thanks HIO,

its just good to hear it from someone who has done it & knows what they are talking about.

Guess I'm gonna go start cuttin' some rivets