Budget Drag Racing Suspension

[The CDP]

Hi folks,

I recently acquired a 90 ranger 2WD that I'm planning a 302/C4 swap for the purpose of drag racing.

I was hoping some of you might have some tips on a good budget drag racing suspension for this vehicle.

I'm a former mustang guy and typically in the front guys would do 4 cylinder springs in the front with 90/10 drag shocks.

In the rear there were a variety of options but I'm kind of new to the leaf spring game.

Obviously I have to do an 8.8 swap so I'm going to be searching for an explorer 31 spline unit.

Do people run stock leafs and fab their own caltracs or slapper bars?

Any tips would be appreciated!

- Curtis

 

[Beanmachine7000]

If you're serious about it, rip everything out and link it (4 link)... You'll be able to adjust way easier and really plant the rear in launches, not to mention you won't ever have to worry about axle wrap...

 

[The CDP]

Problem with that is the price... I have a $5K budget truck included so I think a 4-link might be a little out of my budget.

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

Problem with that is the price... I have a $5K budget truck included so I think a 4-link might be a little out of my budget.

What is your fabrication capability? A lot of guys have built there own systems, by just buying the parts and acquiring the steel to fab it. Could save some money and have bragging rights.
If I had a good welder and more experience I would build my own . . .

 

[Beanmachine7000]

A 4-link wouldn't be as expensive as you think if you could do all the fab work...

 

[The CDP]

Unfortunately my fab skills are nearly non-existent. I JUST started learning on a friends welder and there's no way I would apply those "skills" to this truck LOL.

So far with what you guys are saying I might have to do some research into a 4-link to see if it's do-able somehow...

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

A desire to Fabricate + A friend with a welder + parts and steel = Custom Rear Suspension.

How good is your friend at welding, if he is certified then by all means talk him into helping you.

Good Luck and let us know what you decide to do . . .

 

[Beanmachine7000]

I agree, if you really want to build a drag truck a 4-link is about the only way to go... I think it would be a great learning experience... I have never welded in my life, but I wouldn't be afraid to try something like this with a buddy...

 

[The CDP]

Unfortunately I'm more skilled than the buddy... he just bought the welder and for some reason I'm the one that learns on it... he doesn't seem to interested to play with it... I may consider the 4-link at some point but I really do think it is above my abilities.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

I say just work on making it go fast (302 and whatnot), then hopefully by the time you're done with that, you'll know how to weld well enough to try the 4-link...

 

[aeraceranthony]

http://calvertracing.com/products.php

They will build u the rear springs(split mono leafs) you need and set u up with the right shocks for the job.

 

[jwsewell]

http://calvertracing.com/products.php

They will build u the rear springs(split mono leafs) you need and set u up with the right shocks for the job.

I second that! This system works very well, bolts in and is adjustable to.

 

[The CDP]

So I spoke to Calvert and I am definitely ordering a set of their caltracs... decent price too... $339 US with about $30-40 in shipping.

 

[BigBlockRanger]

I built my own:

 

[Beanmachine7000]

BigBlockRanger's rig might make a little more power than your 302 mill, too... BTW, BBR, is that an 8.8" in the back?