2000 Trailhead suspension dilemma

[alperin]

I have 2000 Trailhead edition ranger. 4x2, torsion bar suspension. My dilemma is, I need to find a used drivers side spindle. The standard 4x2 ranger spindle is too small, and obviously the 4x4 spindle / knuckle won't work. Anyone have any thoughts where I can source this part? Any parts truck or junk yard truck I find will almost certainly be a standard 4x2 suspension truck.

 

[stmitch]

Any 2WD Torsion bar Ranger or Explorer should work I would think. So that's any 2WD Ranger Edge model from 01-03. After 03, I think they replaced the Edge trim level with the "Sport" trim.

Also, since Explorers from 98-02ish are also Torsion bar identical to a Ranger, I'd suspect that they would have a knuckle that would work too. Provided it's a 2WD Ex.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Also, since Explorers from 98-02ish are also Torsion bar identical to a Ranger, I'd suspect that they would have a knuckle that would work too. Provided it's a 2WD Ex.

91-01 + the Explorer Sports which go a few years later.

Not sure if they are coil or torsion sprung though.

 

[Mac]

I bought mine last fall using Car-part.com, cost about $40.
Dave

 

[pjtoledo]

the spindles are different between coil springs or torsion bars. they are not interchangeable. the overall size is different, and the top hole is different.


however....

now is a good time to upgrade your front brakes. you can install front spindles from a 2001+ sport trac and get 12" front rotors. uses the same calpers and brackets. maybe 2004+ Rangers have that same spindle, I'm not sure.

but... 12" rotors require at least 16" wheels, most 15" will not fit over 12" rotors.


are you close to NW Ohio or SE Michigan? I have a set of sport trac 2wd spindles and rotors.

 

[alperin]

Any 2WD Torsion bar Ranger or Explorer should work I would think. So that's any 2WD Ranger Edge model from 01-03. After 03, I think they replaced the Edge trim level with the "Sport" trim.

Also, since Explorers from 98-02ish are also Torsion bar identical to a Ranger, I'd suspect that they would have a knuckle that would work too. Provided it's a 2WD Ex.

A standard torsion suspension ranger does not have the same spindle. The picture in the OP is the comparison of a standard spindle, and the one off my trailhead ranger. I am thinking that the Edge edition is the one I need to find. Can anyone confirm 100%?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

A standard torsion suspension ranger does not have the same spindle. The picture in the OP is the comparison of a standard spindle, and the one off my trailhead ranger. I am thinking that the Edge edition is the one I need to find. Can anyone confirm 100%?

That is what he said, any 2wd torsion bar spindle should work.

I don't know much about them but that was my understanding too. Maybe someone who knows more will see this in the 2wd suspension forum.

 

[Shran]

I'm guessing that the "Trailhead" edition you're talking about is an option that was installed after it arrived at a dealership... kinda like the "Northlands" trucks we have, it's all just stickers and trim, everything else is the same.

I don't have an answer to your question but I thought that^ was worth mentioning.

 

[Mac]

I'm guessing that the "Trailhead" edition you're talking about is an option that was installed after it arrived at a dealership... kinda like the "Northlands" trucks we have, it's all just stickers and trim, everything else is the same.

I don't have an answer to your question but I thought that^ was worth mentioning.

Nope! Right from Ford, 4x2 with torsion bar suspension. Didn't Edges have that also in later years?

 

[Shran]

I stand corrected, I have never heard of that before, let alone seen one. I will go back to lurking in the corner again.

 

[pjtoledo]

A standard torsion suspension ranger does not have the same spindle. The picture in the OP is the comparison of a standard spindle, and the one off my trailhead ranger. I am thinking that the Edge edition is the one I need to find. Can anyone confirm 100%?

in the picture the spindle with the tag appears to be a coil type? the top is reversed, hole should be smaller.
what is the size of the top pinch holes?
what size is the rotor?
are the caliper bracket holes the same distance from the center of the spindle? (there is a 3/8" difference between 11.25 and 12.0 rotors.)
does your trailhead have 12" front rotors?
for torsion bar suspensions there is a knuckle for the 11.25" rotor, and a different knuckle for the 12" rotors.
that's in addition the to third type that is coil spring only that's also 11.25"

for torsion:
the 11.25 is on Rangers starting 1998, and Explorers.
the 12 is on 2001+ 2wd sport tracks

 

[alperin]

in the picture the spindle with the tag appears to be a coil type? the top is reversed, hole should be smaller.
what is the size of the top pinch holes?
what size is the rotor?
are the caliper bracket holes the same distance from the center of the spindle? (there is a 3/8" difference between 11.25 and 12.0 rotors.)
does your trailhead have 12" front rotors?
for torsion bar suspensions there is a knuckle for the 11.25" rotor, and a different knuckle for the 12" rotors.
that's in addition the to third type that is coil spring only that's also 11.25"

for torsion:
the 11.25 is on Rangers starting 1998, and Explorers.
the 12 is on 2001+ 2wd sport tracks and maybe some later Rangers.

if your 2000 2wd trailhead has 12" front rotors I WANT TO TALK TO YOU!!! (please)

In the picture the spindle with the yellow writing is the one from the junk yard. According to them it came off a 2000 Ranger with torsion bar suspension. I have no way to verify and sent it back.

My rotors at 11.25". Are you saying I should be able to pick up a spindle from any torsion ranger 98+? The junk yard mistakenly gave me a spindle off a coil ranger?

 

[pjtoledo]

that's what it looks like, a coil spindle.
I'll see if I can get pics of my 2005 2wd coil tomorrow.

the Ford parts website has the diagrams of each type.

98+ yes