andyh13
New Member
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2018
- Messages
- 15
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 3
- Location
- Warren, MI
- Vehicle Year
- 1985
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- 2.8 V6
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
Hey guys,
I am working on replacing the leaf springs on my '85 ranger. When I purchased the truck, I knew this needed to be done. The previous owner gave me a couple leaf springs he claimed came from a ford explorer. They look like they could probably fit, but I am not 100% certain if the stock hangers and shackles will hold them properly. I am having trouble finding original leaf springs for the vehicle. RockAuto has one option in stock, at $200 a spring... Husky Spring search shows two options, both on backorder.
I want to replace the rear forward shackle and rear rearward shackle and hanger. I am not very experienced with this kind of work, any tips to get those rivets off? I think I can get the majority of them with an angle grinder and a punch, but a couple look like they are sandwiched in there way too tight for my grinder to fit. I am contemplating tacking the bed off the truck, since I also want to replace the rear fuel tank sending unit (it provides gas, but the tank always reads empty). If I do this, I will also grind all the surface rust off the frame, prime it, paint it, and undercoat it. Does anyone have endorsements or recommendations for products to this end?
Here is a list of parts for my rear suspension replacement:
Subtotal: $269.06
This is assuming the explorer springs fit.
Should I be swapping out with interchangable or similar parts from a different truck to get a better deal? Should I be looking for some kind of upgrade? Does this look like a fair price?
Thank you in advance for any help!
I am working on replacing the leaf springs on my '85 ranger. When I purchased the truck, I knew this needed to be done. The previous owner gave me a couple leaf springs he claimed came from a ford explorer. They look like they could probably fit, but I am not 100% certain if the stock hangers and shackles will hold them properly. I am having trouble finding original leaf springs for the vehicle. RockAuto has one option in stock, at $200 a spring... Husky Spring search shows two options, both on backorder.
I want to replace the rear forward shackle and rear rearward shackle and hanger. I am not very experienced with this kind of work, any tips to get those rivets off? I think I can get the majority of them with an angle grinder and a punch, but a couple look like they are sandwiched in there way too tight for my grinder to fit. I am contemplating tacking the bed off the truck, since I also want to replace the rear fuel tank sending unit (it provides gas, but the tank always reads empty). If I do this, I will also grind all the surface rust off the frame, prime it, paint it, and undercoat it. Does anyone have endorsements or recommendations for products to this end?
Here is a list of parts for my rear suspension replacement:
Description | Part # (with link) | Price | Qty | Total |
Shackle w/ Nuts and Washers | HUSKY SPRING UA126R | $5.64 | 4 | $22.56 |
Rear Rearward Shackle, Hanger, Bushing, and Bolts | HUSKY SPRING FRRHK | $65.79 | 2 | $131.58 |
Rear Rearward Hanger to Spring Bushing | MEVOTECH MS40432 | $10.11 | 2 | $20.22 |
Rear Forward Shackle | HUSKY SPRING FRFH | $30.79 | 2 | $61.58 |
Rear Forward Shackle to Spring Bushing | MEVOTECH MS404155 | $8.60 | 2 | $17.20 |
Hanger Bolt | HUSKY SPRING HB716114 | $1.99 | 8 | $15.92 |
Subtotal: $269.06
This is assuming the explorer springs fit.
Should I be swapping out with interchangable or similar parts from a different truck to get a better deal? Should I be looking for some kind of upgrade? Does this look like a fair price?
Thank you in advance for any help!