98+ stock suspension strength

[mellow65]

Hello all, I just stumbled across this forum, and it seems to be a wealth of information about the rangers. But in all my reading on here, or around the interweb for that matter, I can't seem to find a decent answer to my question.

The main question is, how is the stock A arm style suspension for strength over all?

I know it's not going to compare to say a twin I beam, but there are some definite benefits in my eyes to the newer style of suspension, mainly the rack and peanut steering and the ability to fit 12" brakes with very little work.

The main purpose of my asking, is I'm way preplanning a rally truck build that I'm going to start in the next year. My goals were to run a 302 and not have the front suspension collapse under the weight of the engine and the beating from a rally stage.

I'm just wondering if I'm looking down a path I shouldn't with stock components. I have looked into building my own A arms in stock size but with stronger material, but I am still wondering if I should even bother with the A arm suspension in the first place.

I don't have any interest in lifting the truck either, a stock ranger height would be perfect for stage rally.

Thanks for any info you can pass my way

 

[6.2]

Well. I'm not nice to mine and its holding up. The added weight (not sure how much) of the 302 may play a role though.

Regular occurrence. As are rutted pothole filled backroads that I take at 70+ mph.

 

[dzrt_ranger]

Just gusset and box the lower arm to give it strength. Upper look up a fab shop called BTF fabrication. They have a uniball upper control arm that is way stronger and replaces the ball joint with uniball. I think they run about $575

 

[mellow65]

That upper arm was exactly what I was looking for, thanks!!!

And for the lower that was my plan, to box it. Now if I could figure out a way of ditching the lower ball joint pressed into sheet steel, that would probably cover all of my concerns when it came to the front end.

 

[mellow65]

So with some internet searching I was able find a weight for the 3.0 and 4.0 v6, i'm going to assume it's rather ball park, but I have found the v6s are in the 375lb range. So with a 302 normally coming in around mid 400s, an extra 75 lbs really isn't tons of extra weight. And the nose could be reduced in some weight with some playing around.

So over all, I say it's a go.

Thanks for the info and the links!