Car sits lower every year - is that shocks or the springs?

[bbb0777]

1995 Ranger with "only" 75,000 miles.

Presumably the stock shocks & springs are originals. The fact that it's getting lower & lower...means the springs need replacing, right? The shocks are also probably shot, but - the heights issue is due to the springs?

 

[Mark_88]

Probably springs...but could also be air in the tires or it is sinking into the ground...

Check the number of leafs in your springs...probably only three...but you can have a leaf added in most cases that will perk them up a bit. I did this to my first ranger...not because they were sagging...the second leaf actually broke with all the bumps and weight I was carrying.

 

[bbb0777]

Probably springs...but could also be air in the tires or it is sinking into the ground...

Check the number of leafs in your springs...probably only three...but you can have a leaf added in most cases that will perk them up a bit. I did this to my first ranger...not because they were sagging...the second leaf actually broke with all the bumps and weight I was carrying.

Oh sorry, the car is actually being driven (just one way or another, it's always been in situations with low miles per year) - so it's not sinking or air in the tires.

I'll check the leafs, thanks.

It's just weird it's "settling"...and evenly too. I have a friend whose Ranger did the same (and at the time was lower than mine), then had *something* replaced - and suddenly it's significantly taller than mine. They're not the sort of person to remember what it was, through. I guess springs...but then the leaf springs in the back too? Seriously these things wear out in sync with one another?

 

[RonD]

Shocks prevent the springs from bouncing repeatedly, they don't support any weight, removing the shocks wouldn't effect the height of the vehicle.

If rear is getting lower the spring hangers are probably rusting out.
Removing the bed is the best method to change all 4 hangers

 

[Mark_88]

It's just weird it's "settling"...and evenly too. I have a friend whose Ranger did the same (and at the time was lower than mine), then had *something* replaced - and suddenly it's significantly taller than mine. They're not the sort of person to remember what it was, through. I guess springs...but then the leaf springs in the back too? Seriously these things wear out in sync with one another?

I was just kidding about the air and sinking. It does happen though...if they sit long enough on soft ground.

If you have a spring shop in your area take it to them to have a look. I had my leaf replaced by one and they also replaced one of the hangers...I was out of there in two hours and it wasn't that expensive...maybe $200...

EDIT: I only suggested that on the off chance that you've never done that type of work before...it is actually fairly easy to do if you have a cutoff wheel and a bit of patience...depending on what it needs...so a spring expert can tell you that and you can decide if you want to pay them to do it or do it yourself...