front drop springs '89 ranger

[therieldeal]

I am considering putting a pair of drop springs on the front of my ranger. Here's my reasoning...

I plan to grab an explorer rear end AND leaf springs, and use them as is. From what I read, the explorer leafs will raise the truck a bit if you mount them axle under. If I mount them axle over like the stock explorer, I'll end up a little lower but not too low.

I just want to lower the front enough that the truck isn’t squatting in the back... but I don’t want to screw up my alignment.

Thoughts?

[NcRanger]

If you use an explorer rear end it will already spring under. If your only looking to lower the rear like an inch you should try doing a shackle flip in the rear. Spring under in the rear will drop you like 3-4 inches. And if you use the stock explorer leaf springs I don't think you will lower the truck at all. Just my opinion. 2" drop springs in the front and a shackle flip in the rear with your stock axle will probably sit you about even.

[therieldeal]

i'm looking at the explorer rear end because i plan to put a 2.3t in there eventually. also, by going spring under i can run a set of universal (cheap :)) ladder bars.

from what i read on this site, explorer leaf springs with a stock axle (spring over) did raise the rear some (quoted at 1-1.5"), so i'm hoping that going spring under with the explorer leafs will kind of split the difference and give me a reasonable drop. if it doesnt lower it enough i guess i could do a shackle flip at the same time though

[Sunk]

I think by going spring under you will drop up to 5". The leaves should lift it about 2" though, so you should be 2-3" lower than stock.

[therieldeal]

so the 2" front springs should be a pretty good match?

how badly will they affect my alignment, and do you guys have any suggestions for lowering shocks (front and rear)?

[NcRanger]

I think by going spring under you will drop up to 5". The leaves should lift it about 2" though, so you should be 2-3" lower than stock.

he's talking about using the explorers leaf springs with the explorer rear. I don't think it will drop the truck at all.

and alignment shouldnt be a big deal just get a camber kit and take it to the shop

[Sunk]

he's talking about using the explorers leaf springs with the explorer rear. I don't think it will drop the truck at all.

and alignment shouldnt be a big deal just get a camber kit and take it to the shop

It should drop it some. The explorer springs mount beneath frame, so when mounted outside the frame on a Ranger, it would sit lower.

[therieldeal]

right now i'm hoping that it will make the truck sit pretty level with stock front springs. if the front ends up higher i'll get some lowering springs.

[doorgunner]

I just lowered the front of my stock '89 XLT 3"" (had to buy adjustable camber bushings). The ride is stiffer. I removed the rear over-load springs and flipped the rear hanger brackets & got about 4" drop back there (I'll use adjustable air shocks to get the back of the truck level with the front and also add a little more pressure when carrying loads). ANYBODY KNOW WHERE I CAN GET A SET OF COIL SPRINGS WITH A 3" DROP & A LOWER SPRING RATE?

[therieldeal]

from what i heard you cant go that low with springs, the camber will be too far out

[doorgunner]

I did the 3" drop on the front end---the tops of the wheels leaned toward the engine 1 1/4". I bought a set of 4 degree adjustable camber bushings, followed the directions, and got the wheels sitting true again. I trimmed just enough off the rubber bumpers to get some more clearance WITHOUT causing the tie-rods to hit the frame with the suspension bottomed out. I could have dropped it a total of 4" using the adjust. bushings, but it would be safer & better to install dropped spindles(I-beams).