Why the level? Why the rake?

[WingShot]

From Merriam-Webster:

rake
noun (2)
Definition of rake (Entry 3 of 5)
1: inclination from the perpendicular especially : the overhang of a ship's bow or stern
2: inclination from the horizontal : SLOPE
3: the angle between the top cutting surface of a tool and a plane perpendicular to the surface of the work

I also urge you to look up "vernacular".

I frequently do have a rake in my truck, and the rake of the truck causes that rake and everything else to slide immediately out of the bed because I don't have a damper. Then I have to rake up my rake and all my other crap!

But thanks for clearing up everything else!

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[WingShot]

The English language is sure taking a beating lately. "RAKE" I rake sticks and leaves not trucks. I dont have a rake in my truck. Trucks are designed to carry a load therefore the truck is higher in the back when it is empty. When you put a load in the bed the back will go down. It is a truck. If it wasnt designed that way when you put a load in the bed the back would drag. I have been an owner of a truck since 1968 and I hate to see the woussy-facation of the truck. I just created a bifurcation of the English language.

From Merriam-Webster:

rake
noun (2)
Definition of rake (Entry 3 of 5)
1: inclination from the perpendicular especially : the overhang of a ship's bow or stern
2: inclination from the horizontal : SLOPE
3: the angle between the top cutting surface of a tool and a plane perpendicular to the surface of the work

I also urge you to look up "vernacular".

I frequently do have a rake in my truck, and the rake of the truck causes that rake and everything else to slide immediately out of the bed because I don't have a damper. Then I have to rake up my rake and all my other crap!

But thanks for clearing up everything else!

 

[OrangeStreak]

This thread is "raking us over the coals"

 

[Hot Pepper Red Zeppelin]

I like my rake. I keep him in the bed though, never in the cab.

 

[FoD]

At the end of 8 pages, you may consider that rake is:


rake
noun (3)
Definition of rake (Entry 5 of 5)
: a dissolute person : LIBERTINE

libertine

1: disparaging : a freethinker especially in religious matters
2: a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality specifically : one leading a dissolute life libertines indulging a variety of amorous impulses.......which means, "Put a damper on the truck"

 

[Dereku]

Have to ask why a level will not increase clearance? Its an IFS so a level will increase front end clearance. Nothing will impact the clearance on the rear axle except change in tire size.

 

[D Fresh]

Have to ask why a level will not increase clearance? Its an IFS so a level will increase front end clearance. Nothing will impact the clearance on the rear axle except change in tire size.

Lifting the suspension in any way does not increase clearance on a Ranger. Take a look under your truck, the lowest hanging bits are unsprung. The only way to increase overall clearance on a 5g Ranger is taller tires.

The level/lift only accommodates the tires.

 

[D Fresh]

Have to ask why a level will not increase clearance? Its an IFS so a level will increase front end clearance. Nothing will impact the clearance on the rear axle except change in tire size.

Lifting the suspension in any way does not increase clearance on a Ranger. Take a look under your truck, the lowest hanging bits are unsprung. The only way to increase overall clearance on a 5g Ranger is taller tires.

The level/lift only accommodates the tires.

Saved you the trouble.

See that lower control arm. It doesn't move with a lift/level.

My truck is lifted 2" up front on 33" tires. True, the hood sits about 4½" taller than it did factory on 30.5"s.

But I only gained about 2½" in clearance.

 

[Squatchranger]

Why are you leveling? Is it purely for cosmetic reasons or is there a performance benefit?

While we’re at it, why is there such a pronounced raked to begin with? What is Ford’s reasoning behind it? Tow capacity?

Better water fording and better approach angle also by putting on my lift to clear larger tires the truck being level was a side effect, I go offroad a lot and being lifted helps a lot

 

[Squatchranger]

The rake also adds maneuverability, more weight on the front end equals better grip. This is of course not a track car, yet it’s important for safety. I’ve also lifted the rear end, so I still have a rake.

The leveling doesn't change the weight distribution much if any

 

[Squatchranger]

Naaa. Nothing happening with the rear end. Your not lowering it.

Put a jack under your front bumper and raise it 2” and you will see nothing happens to the tail end measurement height.

it does decrease the departure slightly

 

[Squatchranger]

No. The tires will increase your clearance, the lift/level is irrelevant to clearance.

That's like saying my headlights get brighter because I added a light bar. Your vehicles lighting is better but headlights are not affected.

Body level/lift may get your more places when combined with bigger tires, but that is not the same as increasing clearance.

You need a lift/level to fit larger tires your argument is pure semantics a level will increase your approach angle and with good tire placement that will allow you to clear more obstacles

 

[Squatchranger]

I'll stick with most.

33s fit without lift or level. They run out of room in front of and behind, need crash bars adjusted or removed sometimes, but still have clearance over the top.

33's definitely don't fit because the moment you turn you rub crash bar removal or otherwise you need to level unless you never plan on turning

 

[Squatchranger]

Exactly, crash bars are the problem not vertical lift. The lift is not needed for all 33s, but crash bars adjustment removal is.

They still rub when you turn though just cause they fit going straight and not articulating doesnt mean they fit properly

 

[Squatchranger]

Saved you the trouble.

See that lower control arm. It doesn't move with a lift/level.

My truck is lifted 2" up front on 33" tires. True, the hood sits about 4½" taller than it did factory on 30.5"s.

But I only gained about 2½" in clearance.

Actually you would gain 1.25 inches cause while the tires are 2.5 inches taller you are only getting half the height benefit cause the axles are mounted in the center so radius is what matters not diameter. Also yes the lower control arms and stuff don't move but it does raise the sprung bits so for preventing you from framing out on certain obstacles it is useful but there is no replacement for larger tires.

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