front suspension rebuild

[DangeRanger302]

hey guys, i was doing a rebuild, putting a 5.0 V8 in my truck (an 84 ranger), and i was going to put an explorer rear axle in. i really want to switch out my front suspension, but hate the I beam thing. i don't want to get lowered i beams, because i think it was a bad design in the first place. does anyone know if a front axle switch is possible? maybe off a 2wd bronco II?

 

[LearjetMinako]

Bronco II had twin I-beams and twin traction beams too. I've heard of other members doing a soild axle swap (SAS) before. I think they used a Jeeps Dana 35, 44, something to swap in. Somebody will post it soon enough.

Is your 84 Ranger 2wd or 4wd?

 

[kunar]

sounds like it's 2wd. the first thing i thought of was a mustang II front end. i dont think i've ever seen it done in a ranger though.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

2wd BIIs utilize 2" lift coils in the front end to sit level... so either the brackets are different than a Ranger or the beams are made different.

 

[DangeRanger302]

you're right, it's 2wd. well, i know it sounds stupid, but i was actually thinking of making my own steel tube frame, so the mustang suspension might work well. i prolly won't do that till summer tho. i am planning on putting new springs in tho because my V8 is a little heavier than my stock engine. do you know if i can cut the bottoms off F150 springs, since they aren't variable resistance? will they work to switch out? i don't want to change height right now. i'm waiting a bit for now. as with all projects, if it's not a time issue, it's a money issue.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

An Explorer front coil is a lil stiffer than a Ranger coil, under normal circumstances it provides 2" lift... but you can get one out of a truck that's sagged a lil and then with the added weight, it should pretty much negate the height change.

 

[DangeRanger302]

well, if i add a lift with just a springs it will most likely do exactly what i don't want, right? mess with my alignment? that's what i'm trying to fix by getting stiffer springs.

 

[mudcrazy]

well, if i add a lift with just a springs it will most likely do exactly what i don't want, right? mess with my alignment? that's what i'm trying to fix by getting stiffer springs.

Should see if stock 4x4 extended cab ranger springs will work or for your swap or check and see if its in the teck area.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Should see if stock 4x4 extended cab ranger springs will work or for your swap or check and see if its in the teck area.

4x4 ext cab springs are supposedly the same as 4-door early Explorer springs, from what I've heard.

If they're fairly sagged (and I've seen a number of older explorers in this condition), the amount of lift you get with a heavy motor should be minimal and not cause alignment issues.

 

[ZMan]

sounds like it's 2wd. the first thing i thought of was a mustang II front end. i dont think i've ever seen it done in a ranger though.

you've got to stray away from TRS sometimes to see things like that..

Using a front clip from a 2wd Toyota is pretty popular too.. (yes a Ranger body will go on this frame)

 

[PaleBlue90]

thats pretty cool

 

[exbass94]

Just get a frame from a 1998+ 2wd Ranger.

 

[dorian18]

hey guys, i was doing a rebuild, putting a 5.0 V8 in my truck (an 84 ranger), and i was going to put an explorer rear axle in. i really want to switch out my front suspension, but hate the I beam thing. i don't want to get lowered i beams, because i think it was a bad design in the first place. does anyone know if a front axle switch is possible? maybe off a 2wd bronco II?

yea i had the same problem so i put in a front frame section out of toyota sr5 pick up you can use from 84-94 just make sure it a sr5 or you can use the mustang II set up for that info go to www.welderseries.com the front x-meber starts around $225

 

[heptofite]

i don't exactly see were your problem with the twin-ibeam lies...

 

[bobbywalter]

there is no weight issue with the coils either. fresh 4.0 coils and drop beams are pretty simple unless this is for all out competition.