6" Spring on a 4" Lift

[KELLY88]

I've got the 97 Ranger 4x4 with the TTB front end. It has a 4" superlift suspension kit on it but it rides really stiff as the superlift is known for. I read that you could swap in a 6" skyjacker spring in place of the 4" coils to soften the ride and get more flex. Has anyone done this to confirm that it will work? I've never messed with coils before so how hard is the swap? Also will this mess with my alignment? Thanks in advance!

 

[Yellowsplash]

The Skyjacker 6" coils are good for about 4.5" lift on a supercab. The swap is easy, but you will need an alignment afterwards.

 

[Sunk]

Yep, I did it. I had Trailmaster (I believe) 4" springs first and noticed almost no difference with the SJ 6" springs. Definitely do it though, they're better for all driving conditions IMO.

 

[CopyKat]

It's been in the tech library for years now.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Winter2002/coil_spring_install.htm

 

[KELLY88]

Weird, never came across it in the tech library before. Thanks for your help everyone, looks like I've got a weekend project. One final quick question, I've never gotten an alignment before, how much does it cost?

 

[CopyKat]

Weird, never came across it in the tech library before. Thanks for your help everyone, looks like I've got a weekend project. One final quick question, I've never gotten an alignment before, how much does it cost?

Around here they usually run about $40-$50

 

[F150hybred]

Around here they usually run about $40-$50

That price would be if you already have adjustable camber/caster bushings. expect to pay between $80 and $100 bucks more if you need allignment bushings.
On a side note, if you don't have adjustable bushings and the shop doesn't know what the hell your talking about, go to a different shop. They don't know how to do it PROPERLY!

 

[KELLY88]

That price would be if you already have adjustable camber/caster bushings. expect to pay between $80 and $100 bucks more if you need allignment bushings.
On a side note, if you don't have adjustable bushings and the shop doesn't know what the hell your talking about, go to a different shop. They don't know how to do it PROPERLY!

How do I know if I have adjustable bushings?

 

[CopyKat]

How do I know if I have adjustable bushings?

You might get lucky and be able to align it with the factory supplied bushings.

I had a 1.5° and a 2° bushing and they were able to get it right on.

 

[KELLY88]

Pretty sure I don't have those. Kind of having second thoughts though cause my alignment is dead on right now and I don't really want to screw that up. I can let go of the wheel on a straight road and it runs in a perfect line.

 

[Yellowsplash]

They are a good investment as you will never have to replace them again and they have up to +/- 4 degrees of adjustment, plenty for your swap. Ingalls 594, Specialty Products 24180, Moog K8986, Spicer #6122025, Napa NCP 264-3950, Superlift SLF-1120 all will work. Pick your poison.

 

[KELLY88]

They are a good investment as you will never have to replace them again and they have up to +/- 4 degrees of adjustment, plenty for your swap. Ingalls 594, Specialty Products 24180, Moog K8986, Spicer #6122025, Napa NCP 264-3950, Superlift SLF-1120 all will work. Pick your poison.

So could I buy a set of these, have the shop install them then do the alignment and never really have to worry about it again?

 

[F150hybred]

Well... you will never have to buy them again... barring any WIERD breakage. I don't believe anyone has EVER broken a set though.

 

[Yellowsplash]

You will never have to worry about the alignment shop not being able to get it aligned, assuming that you have found a shop who knows how to properly align a ttb truck.