front suspension question

[92ranger18]

Im putting a v8 in my ranger and im wanting to know will i have to change the springs in the front or what. and will springs off a F150 work? i want to lower it some too can i cut the ranger springs or if the f150 springs will fit can i cut them?

 

[RangerSVT]

The weight difference between the 302 and the 2.9L is only about 75 lbs, so if your truck squats, it'll only be about an inch if that much. F150 springs will fit with slight mods, and will lift your truck 1-3" depending on the springs. I'd grab a set of 91-94 explorer 4x4 springs, that will support it enough...
SVT

 

[baddad457]

Ditto, I replaced my 89's springs with a set of new 94 Explorer (4.0 V6 with A/C) springs.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Ditto, I replaced my 89's springs with a set of new 94 Explorer (4.0 V6 with A/C) springs.

How did that effect ride height? 2wd's have longer springs than 4wd's because the axle is smaller.

After being around it awhile now, I don't think my 302 really effected my 2.8 springs at much all.

 

[Teddyzee]

You want to lower it? Just cut the stock springs. A V8 will lower it very little. My 5.0 lowered my truck approximately zero inches.

Of course, you probably want to buy some drop ibeams.

 

[purplehaze]

if you want to lower it enough to see it and keep tires on it, then you need 3'' drop beams. you may cut inch and a half at the most on springs without getting tire wear on the inside. I coudn't tell any difference with 4.0 and the 302 ride heights, but I can tell my new 351 dropped it some more.

 

[baddad457]

How did that effect ride height? 2wd's have longer springs than 4wd's because the axle is smaller.

After being around it awhile now, I don't think my 302 really effected my 2.8 springs at much all.

To tell the truth, I didn't notice much if anything, but I figured the new springs would be needed anyway.

 

[92ranger18]

i do want to lower it because i put an explorer 8.8 rear end under it and the exp axle is on top af the springs and it lowered the rear some and i just want the front to match.

 

[originalnitro]

Do yourself a favor and use drop beams to lower the front.
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fr/full.aspx?Page=108
Cut springs want fit the spring pockets properly and have the potential to rattle because of it. Not to mention the ride quality sucks. Look at your bump stops on the I beams, I bet its close already with the V8.
Does your ex 8.8 have disc brakes?

 

[92ranger18]

ok and yes the 8.8 has disk brakes

 

[purplehaze]

here is a pic of mine with a 3-4 drop and a 351. the back is up higher because of the 30'' mickeys though.

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[92ranger18]

do you have an 8.8 im thinkin about getting some lift shackles from the parts store for like 20bucks maybe that willl help. and ive got some 26x12xr15 mickey thompson drag radials that were give to me can i make these fit and how.

 

[purplehaze]

do you have an 8.8 im thinkin about getting some lift shackles from the parts store for like 20bucks maybe that willl help. and ive got some 26x12xr15 mickey thompson drag radials that were give to me can i make these fit and how.

yea, I have the stock 8.8 that came in my truck. the rims on the back of my truck are stock 15x8 jeep cherokee wheels. your tires should fit easy as mine are the same as a 30x12'' slick and I haven't done any mods to my suspension other than the 4'' lowering kit.

 

[92ranger18]

yea i just looked in the tech library and it says if i read correctly that 92 down 7.5s are 1 in shorter than 93 up 8.8 and if i stay in the same year range they will be the same width.

 

[purplehaze]

also forgot that I did cut 1/2 of the lip off the back wheel wells, just for a piece of mind to know its not gonna hit, It didn't rub before I did it, but I wanted a little more than what it was. I ran 28 11.50's on a 8'' wheel and didn't rub. yea just find a 2nd gen ranger with a 8.8, and you'll be set to go.