1990 Ranger 302 swap

[scotts90ranger]

If you want to go down more in the back and still have an overload leaf just take that out, the longer leaves do more for axle wrap than the shorter ones or just flip over the overload so it still does some...

 

[tjm73]

You can also have the rear leaf springs re-arched to adjust ride height. Very common in the hot rod world. Could also have the leaf eye reversed. Several options without changing the rate of the springs.

 

[JokerLS240]

I don't want to go any lower, just want a softer ride in the back.

I got the Crown Vic Interceptor wheels put on the front today. They fit great with the 3" drop springs. Now I need 2 more for the rear.

They did barely rub the bolts on the tie rod adjuster clamps, but I only had turn them towards the back of the rod to clear the wheels.

 

[tjm73]

Those fit nice. They're 17x7.5 with +44mm offset.

If you want nice looking aluminum wheels, you should look at '05 and newer Mustang wheels. They'll have the right kind of back space/off set. The 2005 Mustang GT torque thrust like wheel is 17x8 with +45mm of offset. I have a pic of a first gen truck with them on it on my laptop. When I get on my laptop later I'll try to find that pic and post it. They look pretty good and they are widely available.

There are other factory wheels that look good and some aftermarket as well.

 

[tjm73]

Here's the Ranger with the 17x8 2005 (S197) Mustang wheels. No idea whose truck this is or where I snagged the picture. I just liked the stance and look.

 

[JokerLS240]

That is a good tip on the Mustang fitment. I'll see what's out there if I get tired of the steelies.

I feel like the Torq Thrust look is played out. Just about every hot rod and wannabe hot rod around here has them. They look great, but I think I prefer the PI wheels on this truck after seeing them on it.

 

[JokerLS240]

Here's the Ranger with the 17x8 2005 (S197) Mustang wheels. No idea whose truck this is or where I snagged the picture. I just liked the stance and look.

View attachment 141937

I think there may be something different with my rotors. They're from Rock Auto and they look like the front wheels are set wider than the rear when I had the Mustang wheels on. Now with the PI wheels tucked in more, they look closer to the same width but the back wheels look like they're still tucked in more.

The rear axle is from a 2nd gen 4x4, 89 I think, not the 83-88 in my original post. The drums are the 10" from Amazon. My truck originally came with 9" drums.

Is the 4wd axle a different width? Is it possible that a cheap set of rotors would have different thickness than original?

Edit: I think the rear fenders flare out more than the front, making it look off. I'm 45 and my eyes aren't what they used to be.