Explorer Leaf Swap

[Mr. Bossley]

Hey guys, Im looking into doing a leaf swap, but am not sure about a couple things. First off i have a 2008 Ranger FX4 with a 3 inch BL, Beltech shackles, stock leafs, stock 1.5 inch lift blocks, & a T bar crank to level.



As expected, my leafs have flattened out and ride like crap. But i am still happy with the height of the truck. My plan is to throw in some explorer leafs and remove the factory lift blocks to maintain the same ride height. So from what I have read, most people get 1.5-2 inches of lift from explorer leafs. So in theory, if I install the leafs and remove my factory blocks, I should be close to the same height, right?

My questions are:
Are my numbers correct in regards to amount of lift?
Are explorer leafs a bolt in application? (No relocating perches, same bushing sizes, etc.)
If so, which explorer leafs are my best option? (Year, Trim level, Body style)
If explorers are spring under axle and rangers are spring over, what happens with the centering pins on the leaf pack?
Can i reuse my stock u bolts without the lift blocks? Will they be too long?

Thanks in advance.

 

[1996xlt]

My questions are:
Are my numbers correct in regards to amount of lift? I've read the same as we'll, but mileage/use of whatever you get may settle in at +/- those numbers.
Are explorer leafs a bolt in application? (No relocating perches, same bushing sizes, etc.) Yes bolt-in and they should be the same, a quick google search turned up similar parts that fit Ranger/Explorer/F-150
If so, which explorer leafs are my best option? (Year, Trim level, Body style) 96-01 XLTs with tow package 4.0L or 5.0L should be the same or fairly close to one another stay away from the sport's they are mono-leafs.
If explorers are spring under axle and rangers are spring over, what happens with the centering pins on the leaf pack? Get new center pin and flip it the opposite way.
Can i reuse my stock u bolts without the lift blocks? Will they be too long? In my research I found it was best to get new u-bolts (due to stretch) I think stock explorer replacements should work (somebody more experienced may need to chime in.)

 

[Mr. Bossley]

My questions are:
Are my numbers correct in regards to amount of lift? I've read the same as we'll, but mileage/use of whatever you get may settle in at +/- those numbers.
Are explorer leafs a bolt in application? (No relocating perches, same bushing sizes, etc.) Yes bolt-in and they should be the same, a quick google search turned up similar parts that fit Ranger/Explorer/F-150
If so, which explorer leafs are my best option? (Year, Trim level, Body style) 96-01 XLTs with tow package 4.0L or 5.0L should be the same or fairly close to one another stay away from the sport's they are mono-leafs.
If explorers are spring under axle and rangers are spring over, what happens with the centering pins on the leaf pack? Get new center pin and flip it the opposite way.
Can i reuse my stock u bolts without the lift blocks? Will they be too long? In my research I found it was best to get new u-bolts (due to stretch) I think stock explorer replacements should work (somebody more experienced may need to chime in.)

Thanks for the response. Ill be making a trip to pick n pull when i get a chance.

 

[Mr. Bossley]

Best I could find was a 4 pack with 248xxx Kms and a 5 pack with 308xxx Kms and pick n pull wants 38 bucks per pack. seems a bit steep for old tired leaf springs doesnt it? So doing more research, it seems my other option is to re arch my current springs. but theyll probably just sag again. or do add a leaf, which will make my ride even stiffer.

 

[Kona]

Just put a 4 pack w/ 250 ish K under my 91 Ranger ...seem ok , have to load it up and see what happens though

 

[shadetreebronco]

I just rebuild a 4 leaf 2002? Explorer spring pack , i found tons of info and sourced the bushings and spring insulators at the SDsprings and ATS spring web pages , all the measurements and parts for any spring.