Rear Sagging?

[Crosscut_Drifter]

I don't drive it a lot as its not my main vehicle, but when I have it parked on level surface and I notice it each time that it looks as though the bed slopes to the back.

Now Its probably a nit-picky thing, and I don't know this Ranger's previous life. It could have been carrying heavy loads and such. Otherwise could just be normal leaf springs wear and tear? I check other Rangers and their beds seem to be more level (or with 5* rise).

Hard to take a picture, but next time I load it up with heavy gardening stuff. I'll take a before and after.

 

[pjtoledo]

check the rear spring mounts & shackles. they are notorious for rusting and failing.

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

Yeah, definitely checking that next time its on a hoist.

 

[MikeG]

You probably 'squashed' the springs. I know I did on mine hauling heavy stuff......

Get to a junkyard. The 2.3l should be pretty light springs, might find some from a v6 and especially an extended cab truck. If the spring width is the same, and length between shackles, then it's just work to change them out. Hope you have lots of jackstands and an impact wrench! Maybe can slide another leaf in (not necessarily the best for ride quality). Or an overload leaf (if you don't have one and routinely haul heavy stuff). Oh and invest in rust-penetrating oil.

Might take a little fiddling to get the height / ride quality you want. Spacer block might be a simple way to go.

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

Good thing I have a good friend who is a mechanic with his own shop.

 

[Grumpaw]

Saggy rear as compared to a Firm rear....

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

I had to make a couple runs to the dump yesterday. Weight difference between empty and heaviest load was around 900 lbs (out of 1420 lbs max). Sag was very noticeable. So I'm guessing leaf springs losing their tension, but none broken. I should have taken a before and after picture.

 

[pjtoledo]

Yeah, definitely checking that next time its on a hoist.

no need for a hoist to see the rear spring mounts/shackles.
they are in view right behind the tires.

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

no need for a hoist to see the rear spring mounts/shackles.
they are in view right behind the tires.

Those are still in good condition. Four leaf springs total for each side.

 

[Ranger850]

Maybe somebody Put a leveling kit on the front. Idk how long youve had your truck or who had it before you but i see sagging rears all over the place. They call it Bulldoggin' because it looks like a bulldog - low in the back, raised in the front.

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

Got it on a hoist today. Looking good. Just leaf springs flattening over time.

 

[Crosscut_Drifter]

Here is a pic with a load of dirt in it. Much more noticeable with the extra weight (probably close to 800 lbs).

 

[MikeG]

That''s not too bad. When you have the rear tires stuffed into the wheelwells.... that's when you have a load on it!

 

[Grumpaw]

Here is a pic with a load of dirt in it. Much more noticeable with the extra weight (probably close to 800 lbs).

View attachment 48108

These are TRUE sagging rears....your Ranger has nothing to be ashamed of !

 

[MikeG]

Barf!!!!!!!