front suspension????

[JOKER86]

ok so i got an 86 ranger with the classic twin ibeams, and i was wondering how hard would it be to swap it to say a twin A arm set up like on the newer rangers? i have plans for a 302(already got it just not in yet) and i wanna run it on bags, im wanting to lay frame after a lil body drop and 4 link out back. would it be eaiser to just take the frame rails from the newer on and bolt on from there??

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

it would be easier to get lowering beams and bag the TTB.

you can lay rail with TTB suspension...

 

[JOKER86]

what beams would u suggest? and where could i get adjustable camber caster bushings if i just wanted to cut the springs?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

please dont cut your springs. doing so is NOT the proper way to lower a vehicle. it makes it ride like crap and the heat from cutting could damage the spring.

i couldnt tell you what deams the slammed guys are using, i just know its possible because ive seen it done. i know DJM beams are very popular...might look into those.

camber bushings can be had at most auto parts stores, alignment shops, and ford dealerships.

 

[JOKER86]

ok i got cha i was gonna cut em with a saw but i know what ur sayin cause i really need this thing to handle, i do more curves then anything else and i have looked in to those but they are close to $400 and i just dont have the money right now and was lookin for something cheap

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

"lowering", "lifting", and "horsepower" are words that do not belong in the same sentence as the word "cheap". if you cant afford to do it right, then dont do it. theres no reason to ruin a perfectly good truck by turning it into a hack job. it will look better, perform better, and be safer if you either leave it stock or lower it properly.

if your so strapped for cash...im sure you can find more important things to spend your money on...like replacing worn parts, leaky seals, and the like

 

[JOKER86]

lol yeah that why its been at the same height for almost 6 years now lol but it has got a paint job and bellteck sway bars

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

you made it 6 years...im sure you can wait a few months while you save up for the beams, right?

if you just want to drop the front a few inches for now, i believe you can get lowering springs for the front. it can be dropped about 2" with the factory beams and still be alignable.

 

[JOKER86]

what company makes them?? i havnt found any

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i believe DJM makes lowering springs too.

lots more info here:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Drop.html

 

[doorgunner]

I cut two coils off each spring on my '89 Ranger--lowered it 3"--might not seem like a lot, but it is---threw the camber out 1&1/4"----threw toe-in OUT 1"---shortened the shocks myself---total out- of -pocket $75. But i gotta go along with Wicked & the other guys/if you can scrounge up the money do it with the right parts the first time - do it(with a machinist background, I was willing to modify anything to make it work right/but I also threw quarts of helicopter engine oil at enemy soldiers when I ran out of ammunition for my machine gun, so maybe you oughta not try mod's that I've done

 

[JOKER86]

i believe DJM makes lowering springs too.

lots more info here:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Drop.html

awesome link man im glad i asked now, a pair of 2 inch drop springs are only a 100 bucks!! sweet!! thanks any other ideas are welcome on a rear drop too lol

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

how far are you going? a shackle flip is good for 2-3" i think. axle flip is about 4".

 

[JOKER86]

well when its all said and done i wanna bag it but for now i would really like a 3/4 or there about, nothing major just something different

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

in order to bag the rear your going to have to notch the frame...thats major work.