For a 1987 2wd front end, how much caster adj needed for a 2 inch drop coil cut? (in degrees approx)

[corerftech]

Want to make sure that a 2 inch drop will be completely corrected by a 2.25 degree corrective bushing (or less), anyone with experience in how far out a typical 2 inch coil cut on an otherwise completely stock front end will produce??

Is there a better spring than my old 1987 springs to install before cutting them for improved ride quality after the cut (is a worn spring better than a 4wd, or new OEM spring for cutting??)

Thanks in advance.... Ive never lowered ANYTHING my by ears before.........

 

[franklin2]

I haven't been around the ranger suspensions too much. But have been around the f150 twin-I-beams. On those if you go over 1.5 inches with the springs, they can't correct it on most trucks. What I have seen of the ranger suspension, they are just a miniature version of the f150. I suspect the same may hold true with those also.

On the larger trucks you have to spend the bucks and get the dropped front beams. Here's a article I found on this site. Apparently they are getting away with a 2 inch drop. I bet it's borderline though.

Ford Ranger Suspension Drops

www.therangerstation.com

 

[corerftech]

I read that several times before posting as it makes no mention of camber correction or camber/caster errors for various methods.

I researched the f150 and found a multitude of hits on C/C correction but there in lies my issue. Nobody on a ranger has stated they have been able to restore OE camber/caster for a 2 inch drop.

the dream beams are fine but….. too much drop for my needs. I know, what’s an inch??? It’s a lot!!!!
I’d like a 2 inch drop in front and 3 in back, w/o loss of geometry.
Is there a potential for a dream beam for 3 inch and use some kind of coil spring block to keep it from collapsing the extra inch? I think they get used for lift kits.
Dunno- just throwing oil at the wall to see what sticks.
3 inch is too much.

 

[franklin2]

The alignment machine calculates the eccentric bushing needed to get a certain vehicle in spec. Each truck is a little different. And the bushing is not just correcting camber but caster at the same time ( I think you knew this already). So you have to get both in spec at the same time using the same bushing. Only the alignment machine can calculate this accurately and tell the tech which bushing is needed.

I think you need to find yourself a good shop that has an alignment rack and that will work with you. Most alignment shops don't even want to fool with the twin I beam suspension, they just set the toe and that's it.

Once you get it dropped, if you can find a shop that you can talk to and tell them what is going on, then they might work with you. Possibly get a selection of bushings and send the others back? Put your truck on the rack, see what it needs, have a set up charge for that, order the bushings, and then bring it back and get them installed? Or install them yourself and then take it back in?

 

[Curious Hound]

I know that when lifting, once you get more than an inch or 1.5" spacer under the spring, you can't find camber bushings to compensate. I would think lowering would be in the same range.

Also, remember that adjusting spring height by 1" gives more than 1" of change in vehicle height because the springs are a good distance inboard of where the wheels are.

 

[svtcards]

I have 3" dream beams on my 87 and it isn't as low as u think.these trucks sit pretty high from the factory.if your worried about bottoming out or something like that.keep it on pavement and not off-road with it.lol.this is my 1987 with 3" beams in front and flip kit in the rear.adjusters I have on it is 0 degree on passenger side 1 degree on the driverside.hope this helps.

 

[19Walt93]

I'd recommend dropped I beams or spindles, if you lower it by cutting coils you'll lose a ton of suspension travel. Unless your roads are really smooth you'll regret it.

 

[Bronco648]

@corerftech I have a NIB drop kit for your truck (2" drop coils & 3" lowering blocks) in the Parts For Sale forum, if you decide to go with a lowering kit. I cannot answer your questing regarding the caster/camber eccentric bushings tho. LMK if you're interested.