Introduction

This Suspension Tech Library is a centralized resource for Ford Ranger suspension design, modification, repair, and tuning. It brings together in-depth technical articles, installation guides, factory specifications, calculators, and real-world build examples covering everything from stock suspension maintenance to advanced off-road and fabrication-based upgrades.

The content on this page applies primarily to 1983–2011 Ford Rangers, including 2WD and 4×4 models with TTB (Twin Traction Beam), IFS, and leaf-spring rear suspensions. You’ll also find relevant information for Bronco II and Explorer-based suspension swaps commonly used on Rangers.

Whether you are leveling your truck, installing a lift kit, increasing wheel travel, tuning spring rates, or designing custom suspension components, this library is designed to help you understand how the Ranger suspension works—and how to modify it correctly.

Use the sections below to navigate suspension guides by generation, drivetrain, component type, and modification style.

Disclaimer: Information provided for reference only. Vehicle modifications may be hazardous. Read full legal notice.

2019-Present Ford Ranger Tech:

If you’re looking for tech specific to the 2019-present Ford Ranger, click HERE.

Other Information

Lift Laws

Need to know the Lift Law for your state? CLICK HERE.

Solid Front Axle Swaps (SAS)

NOTE: Dana 44 front axle swaps / Solid Axle Swap (SAS) are in the Axles Section.

Guides

1983-2011 Ford Ranger Off-Road Builders Guide

1983–1997 Ranger TTB Suspension Modification Guide

1998–2011 Ford Ranger IFS Suspension Modification Guide

Body Lifts:

Body Mount Replacement And Body Lift Installation

P/A #883 1998+ 3-Inch Body Lift Installation

1998-2011 Ford Ranger Front Suspension

1998–2011 Ford Ranger IFS Suspension Modification Guide

1998-2011 Ford Ranger Front Suspension Assembly

1998-2011 Ford Ranger 4×4 Lift Kits

Cranking Your Torsion Bars

ProComp Torsion Key Lift

2008-2011 Ford Ranger ‘Pre-Key’ Modification

All About Torsion Key Lifts For Your ’98-’11 Ranger

Installing A Superlift Kit – 2001 Ford Ranger

1998-2011 Ford Ranger Coilover Conversion

Torsion Bar Codes & Part Numbers

Removal & Installation of Torsion Bar & Key

Remove Torsion Bar Without Special Tool

Leveling Your Ranger – Front:

1983-1997 Ford Ranger Coil Spring Guide

Ford Ranger Leveling Kits

Leveling Coil Installation

Factory Coil Spring Spacers 

VW Strut Bearing As A Coil Spring Spacer Seat

Coil Spring Spacers From Steel Washers

Rear Suspension:

Ford Ranger, Bronco II & Explorer Leaf Specs

Replacing Leaf Spring Bushings

Explorer Leaf Spring Swap / Lift

Belltech 6400 Shackle Install

Explorer – Ranger Leaf Spring Comparison

Installing Add-A-Leafs

James Duff Traction Bars

Building Custom Spring Perches

Chevy Leaf Spring Swap

Air-Lift Air Bag Installation

Rear Axle Flip

64-Inch Leafs & Shackle Flip

Rear Spring Hangers & Shackles

Leaf Spring Hanger Bracket Replacement

Spring Shackles & Hangers

Shocks:

Shocks For Your Torsion Cranked Ranger

Pick The Right Shocks

F-250 Front Shock Mount

Broken Lower Shock Mount

Shock Dimensions

Manufacturer Instructions:

SkyJacker Class I Lift

SkyJacker Class II Lift W/Radius Arms

Skyjacker Class I Instructions

Skyjacker Class II Instructions

Superlift 98-09 Instructions

TrailMaster Suspension Lift

TrailMaster Body Lift (Page 1)

TrailMaster Body Lift (Page 2)

James Duff Dual Shock Mount

James Duff Add-A-Leaf

Rancho Install Instructions

Rough Country 1998-2011 Ford Ranger Instructions

James Duff Ford Ranger Long Link Radius Arm Instructions

Rancho Ford Ranger Lift & Extended Radius Arm Instructions

Skyjacker Extended Radius Arm Instructions

Skyjacker Extended Radius Arm Install

Superlift Extended Radius Arm Instructions

Tuff Country Extended Radius Arms Instructions

 

 

1983-1997 Ford Ranger 4×4 Suspensions:

1983–1997 Ranger TTB Suspension Modification Guide

Is The Ford TTB Suspension Really That Bad?

The Ford Ranger Front Suspension

Lifting On A Budget

1983-1997 Ford Ranger 4×4 Lift Kits

2WD Suspension Lifts

Coil Spring Retainer

Installing Skyjacker 6-Inch Lift

James Duff 5-Inch Stage 3 Lift Install

Replacing TTB Axle Pivot Bushings

1983-2011 Ford Ranger Lift Kit / Tire Fitment Guide

Ford Ranger TTB Coil Springs:

1983-1997 Ford Ranger Coil Spring Guide

Swapping From 4″ to 6″ Coils

Mounting Early Bronco Springs To Your Dana 35

Maximum Flex For The TTB With Jeep Coils

F-150 Coils For Your V8 Ranger

Various Coil Spring Rates

Suspension Tuning / Wheel Travel:

Suspension Calculators

Understanding Leverage On A Ford TTB Suspension

Calculate Motion Ratio & Wheel Rate For A Ford TTB

Is The Ford TTB Suspension Really That Bad?

Optimizing The Skyjacker Lift Kit

Getting The Most From Your TTB Suspension

Ford Ranger TTB Extended Radius Arms

Build Your Own Extended Radius Arms

Maximizing Your Ford Ranger Wheel Travel

Zimmerman Dana 35 TTB Mod For Wheel Travel

Skyjacker Extended Radius Arm Install

Chevy 64-Inch Leafs & Shackle Flip

Ford Wheelbase Chart

Suspension Repair & Fabrication:

Suspension Calculators

Sasquatch Ryda’s Custom Extended Radius Arms

1983-1997 Ford Ranger Coil Spring Guide

Building Custom Spring Perches

Broken Lift Brackets

Superlift Bracket Repair

Dana 35 TTB Cut & Turn

Design Your Own Lift Brackets

Welding Brackets To The Frame

Cutting Designs In To Metal

Convert Fractions To Decimals

How To Read Welding Symbols

Fitting By Back Measuring

Bending Tubing – ProTools Instructions

4-Link Tech – Measurements & Material

Suspension Joints

SAE Bolt Torque Specifications

Miscellaneous:

SAS Front Spring Comparison

Ford Ranger Sway Bars

Monster Suspension Evolution

Ford Wheelbase Chart

SAE Bolt Torque Specifications

Exploded Views:

4X4 Front Suspension

4X4 Front Suspension (Small)

2WD Front Suspension

Calculators:

Coil Spring Rate Calculator

RTI Ramp Calculator

About The Author

Founder / Administrator at  | Staff Profile

Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station (TRS), one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and overlanding routes.

Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road adventures. TRS has been heavily referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information.