What is this metal piece called that sits above the spring in the front? Is it often replaced?

[jcook100]

It appears to be riveted in place? Mine seem to be pretty rusted - I think they will be fine, but was just wondering since I will be swapping a lot of things out soon.

 

[Uncle Gump]

It's the coil bucket.

They do offer replacements.

Check the frame behind the bucket too. Wouldn't be the first time it has rusted through.

 

[jcook100]

Is it something that can be DIY'd? And is it uncommon to replace them?

 

[Uncle Gump]

That would depend on your skill set and tool box... but sure... fab away.

Living in the rust belr.belt... we fix another of rust.

 

[jcook100]

Thanks. Do mine look like they need to be replaced? Can you tell from the photo?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

They can rust out. And dirt and leaves can trap moisture between the bucket and frame causing rust. I had frame rot because of that very reason. I would test with a punch or chisel and hammer. If you can find soft spots or are able to punch holes thru then repair is necesary. I documented my fix in my cheap race truck build thread.

 

[don4331]

@jcook100: While it is very hard to tell from just a single picture, the fact that you have paint still on the metal is a good sign.

You want to look between the bucket and the frame for rust - more/less where the upper arrow is on your picture.​

Very rusty is where you see daylight through the metal.

What do the bed side over the rear tire look like?​

​

On other hand, we can tell your shocks need to be replaced as the oil from inside them has leaked out and has coated the tube.

 

[1great40]

I’m seeing the same thing on the passenger side on my ‘86 2wd frame. I have not been able to source the spring tower or “ bucket “ as you call it. It seems the replacements start with 1988

 

[JoshT]

I’m seeing the same thing on the passenger side on my ‘86 2wd frame. I have not been able to source the spring tower or “ bucket “ as you call it. It seems the replacements start with 1988

You should be able to use one for an 88+ on your 86. The frames are mostly the same from 83-97. Not completely the same, but mostly the same. IIRC suspension and body mounting points are practically identical for that entire range, but frame horns changed for bumper mounting.

 

[dvdswan]

It's hard to tell, but the lower arrow just below it looks like there is a crack. I would make sure that its not part of the bracket in question. Otherwise, you would need to worry about that more than the rust IMO.

 

[JoshT]

It's hard to tell, but the lower arrow just below it looks like there is a crack. I would make sure that its not part of the bracket in question. Otherwise, you would need to worry about that more than the rust IMO.

I see what you are talking about now and agree 100%. Wasn't on a Ranger, but I found this suprise on my 68 F-100 last year. Don't know how well the pictures show it. I under the driver side looking for a power steering leak and just happend to crawl under to the passenger side to look at something. I was just driving it a few days prior when the power steering failed. I knew that there were cracks going from the bottom of the tower up to the bottom bolt holes, but looked solid from there up and I wasn't driving the truck much and figured I'd remove, weld, and plate them before much longer. Looking at it after the fact it is obvious that they were cracked well past the bottom bolt holes and had been for a while (no clean metal). but couldn't see it looking at them prior





On the left are the "originals" modified by previous owner (dad) for a slight lift in the 80s, replacements on the right. Truck had this one inch "lift" plus a two inch body lift before. I replaced the original springs with taller ones from a 70s model truck to regain that inch of lift. Still want to remove the body lift and maybe do a 2-4" suspension lift, but I'm scared of the current bed falling apart due to rust if I try.

 

[1great40]

I know the thread is ancient but maybe I can help someone anyway. I called the vendor that made the spring tower that wasn't listed to fit the 86 Ranger. He said that he thought the part he sold and what was needed for the '86 chassis were the same except for the location of the mounting holes. I ordered the piece, and it turns out that it's the exact right part.
I did however need to cut out a piece of the vertical part of the frame rail and weld in a patch as it was rusted through.
It went back together perfectly.