Coil Spring Spacers From Steel Washers

DIY Coil Spring Spacers From Steel Washers (Ford Ranger & Bronco II)

This guide explains how to build DIY coil spring spacers from steel washers to level the front suspension on 1983–1997 Ford Ranger 4×4 and 1984–1990 Ford Bronco II models.

Washer-style spacers are a low-cost alternative to aftermarket leveling kits and factory coil spacers, commonly used to achieve ½-inch to 1½ inches of front lift for improved stance and tire clearance.

Below you’ll find real-world examples from Ranger Station members, washer sizing requirements, installation limitations, and notes on coil spring isolators and suspension NVH considerations. This article focuses on coil-sprung front suspensions and is intended for enthusiasts comfortable with light fabrication and suspension work.

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Introduction

This article shows you how to make a coil spring spacer from steel washers.

Making The Spacer

Many Ford Ranger Enthusiasts have made coil spring spacers out of steel washers you can find at some hardware stores. Don’t get a quality hardware store confused with home improvement stores such as Lowes and Home Depot.

What you want to get are washers with a 1-3/8 inch or 1-1/2 inch inside diameter (ID) with at least a 3-inches outside diameter (OD).

Important Note: Make sure you know what the washers ID is. Some washers are sold based on bolt size, so a 1-3/8 inch washer may have an ID of 1-1/2 inch, and a 1-1/2 inch washer may have an ID of 1-5/8 inch.

Fastenal 1-3/8 Inch Flat Washer

(This Fastenal 1-3/8″ Washer has a 1-1/2″ inner diameter and a 3-1/4″ outside diameter)

You won’t be able to stack more than 1-1/2 inches of washers. Anything over 1-1/2 inches will be too tall to install the coil spring retaining nut, and have enough threads for the nut.

(Photo by forum member legoms013 of 1-1/2″ high washer spacer)

(Washers were clamped together and then welded. Photo by forum member MountainMike)

(Edges were welded to keep them from sliding back and forth against each other. Photo by forum member MountainMike)

(New coil spring spacer under the spring seat and isolator. Photo by forum member MountainMike)

(Photo by forum member MountainMike)

From Jim Oaks:

I began running washers under my front coils back around 2003-2004. I went to my local True Value hardware and found some metal washers with a 1-3/8 inch ID and 3-inch OD that matched the diameter of my spring seats. The spacer (red) is shown stacked, welded and painted.  A single washer is shown next to it for reference.  The washer was welded to prevent them sliding against each other but really isn’t necessary.  These washers were used to lift the front 5/8-inch to help level it.

Coil Spring Isolator:

The coil spring sits on a nylon coil spring isolator. This isolator keeps suspension Noise, Vibration, and Harmonics (NVH) from being transmitted to the rest of the chassis. Over time, the isolator deteriorates due to wear and exposure to the elements.

Moog offers a replacement P/N K160065

Forum Discussion:

Here is a discussion in our forum about Coil Spacers.

Also check out our Suspension Forum.

Related Articles

1983-1997 Ford Ranger Coil Spring Guide

Leveling Coil Installation

Factory Coil Spring Spacers 

Ford Ranger Leveling Kits