Anybody,ever done a side to side leaf spring swap on a 2wd first gen ranger?

[Shran]

Potato/ potatoes. It's the same thing just said a different way and I already said I'm not interested in the explorer spring swap. Which honestly is the same or more work.

It is not the same thing. One way has springs mounted inside the frame and the other it is below the frame. Apples and oranges.

Nobody has suggested that you do an Explorer spring swap.

 

[Chris86ranger]

Not trying to snippy but I do understand where it can come off that way. I'm just not into talking around corners or beating the Bush. Just being open honest. I think the question has been clarified. You can only ask the same question in so many different ways. If nobody has any insight then nobody has any insight and it doesn't matter if you stand on your and and ask the same question in Swahili.

 

[Chris86ranger]

It is not the same thing. One way has springs mounted inside the frame and the other it is below the frame. Apples and oranges.

Nobody has suggested that you do an Explorer spring swap.

Where and when does swapping sides or onboarding leaf springs have anything to do with attaching the springs under the frame?

 

[Chris86ranger]

These two posts are in direct conflict with each other.

NOW I get what you're asking. I have not seen springs inboarded on a Ranger before but I suppose it's possible although you're going to run into clearance issues with your fuel tank and spare tire.

You could also run springs UNDER the frame like an Explorer but with stock springs that will most likely result in a lift of several inches. Another, better, option would be a 4 link and airbags or coilovers... what is the intended purpose of this truck? Street? Offroad? Just to tuck wider tires inside the wheel openings?

Here is the explorer spring reference

 

[MikeG]

If no one answers now that you explained what you meant.... then odds are that no one has done it. At least no one who has been logged in today, might give it a week or so before concluding no one will help you. Not every member camps out on the forum all day..... it's only been about two hours since it was even clear what you were trying to do, at all.

I'd guess most people don't want to go to the trouble of moving the fuel tank, advantage or not.

 

[Chris86ranger]

And the answer is a street truck that performs well at the drag strip.

 

[Shran]

I mentioned the Explorer specifically because of how the springs are mounted. I think you are confusing what I am saying with the common swap where you put Explorer springs on a Ranger to lift it an inch or two.

Moving your springs inward under the frame LIKE the Explorer springs are mounted will accomplish exactly what you want to do without running into clearance issues with your gas tank and other stuff. I repeat, I am NOT suggesting you put Explorer springs in your truck.

 

[bobbywalter]

Doing it to gain tire and wheel clearance by moving the springs inboard.

Clvfrk.

You move the mounts and springs to inside of the frame rails instead of the outside of the frame rail, thereby opening up space for wider tires and wheels.

Clvfrk did this. Explorer style. So yes....use an explorer spring and hardware setup. Cake.

His truck is wicked. Ls swap. Very well executed.

 

[Dirtman]

I do love that truck, but at that point I'd just go 4 link or 2 link ladder bars and coils.

67-72 chevy trucks had the greatest 2wd truck suspension ever to roll off the factory, I beem bars, coil spring and a panhard. Absolutely phenomenal suspension that barely needed anything to be track ready.