Leafs

[dogboy]

Uh... there isn't really a section for stock suspension, so I guess this will do. If there is a better section it could have gone in , I dont think there is, could a mod move it.

I figured out that one or both of the spring packs are bent on the rear of my Ranger. The local wrecking yard does not have any Ranger leaf springs, they do how ever, have a couple of Explorer springs. and the other yard that is about 15 miles away, and charges 100 bucks for a pair, not sure if that is alot or not. I think the local yard might be cheaper though.

My question is, what all would I need to do to the Explorer springs to make them work on my Ranger? I remember reading somewhere that they will work. My dad said I will have to reverse the pin bolt thing that holds the pack together, I know I will have to do that, but what else, Nothing?

And, won't Explorer springs lift the rear end 2 or so inches? If so I would need 1"-1 1/2" leveling spacers for the front to make it somewhat level agian right? Dont think I forgot anythign, I am tired, so maybe.

 

[daisy0504]

Souds good to me except for an alignment if you put spacers in the front.

 

[JohnnyU]

Expect 1.5-2" of lift depending on your truck configuration and how much cargo you have in your bed (toolbox, etc). You'll have to flip the centering pin, as your father mentioned. Otherwise, this is basically bolt-in.

Anything 2" or less should be alignable without the need for axle pivot drop brackets. Adjustable camber bushings will likely be needed.

 

[dogboy]

Ok, thanks guys. I bought the truck wrecked, which is why the leaf/s are bent. We took the truck to my dad's friend who owns a Frame shop to striaghten the frame. We are taking it back to him when we are done with everything so he can do a front end alignment.

And, another question. Would it be possible to take out the fourth leaf in the packs? I noticed that mine have 3, and the Explorer leafs have 4 in each pack. if I took out the other leaf, would it let it come back down to somewhat stock hieght? So, theoreticly, if I do Exlporer leafs, and do 1-1/2" spacers, it should sit somewhat the same as it does now correct?
The leafs are the same length between the Ranger and Exploder I am assuming, didn't have time to measure them at all.

So many questions.

 

[Pt_Ranger_V8]

you can take out leafs... I would reccomend taking otu the very bottom leaf (which after reading your post is what you were talking about)

I don't know how much it will change the ride heigth, but it should make them ride a bit softer. The Explorer springs are probably stiffer due to the extra weight of a 'sploder...

try and find out (how the ride/lift are) and experiment with the leafs - wth new bolts, ou can swap leaves around and be back on the road in under 3 hours :grin:

 

[F150hybred]

I have done what your talking about on a 2wd. And I would like to add my two cents here on the front part. Now, the rear is all fine in the way your being told to go. As far as the front, I would shy away from spacers. You CAN use a two inch lift spring in the front (available from skyjacker) and then replace the front camber bushings as required. Usually a two inch lift will require about a two degree offset camber bushing that is available through your local parts store. Word of note. I know that Skyjacker offers the camber bushings, but save your money. Skyjacker charges twice the price of aftermarket bushings available through Moog.

 

[dogboy]

I have one last question. I am asumming that leafs from a 92' 4x4 4dr Eploder will fit just fine under my 93 Ranger. is that true?

If somebody could respond fast, that would be nice, we are headed back over there to get them if they will fit. Might even score the manual t-case .

EDIT: I was just reading in the Tech Library that they will work.

 

[JohnnyU]

Yup, they'll work.

 

[dogboy]

Ok, thanks, now time to go put them on.

 

[dogboy]

F150hybred, I have my reasons for not buying the lift springs and what not (washers are very inexpensive). Mainly becuase I don't really have any money to speak of. Getting my truck done, I am in the hole with money twords my dad.

Well, I got the springs in, everything went smooth. I don't know for sure how much lift it gave me, but I am guessing around 2, MAYBE more, but I don't think so. The new springs a defentally stiffer, I can say that. Should be nice though I woould think. Thanks agian for the help guys.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Instead of lifting the front you could probably run the explorer springs without the stock block if you wanted

 

[dogboy]

Instead of lifting the front you could probably run the explorer springs without the stock block if you wanted

True, I was thinking of that, but decided not to (I want the lift) and I am essentially getting a free alingment. Dads friend likes helping kids (peope\le helped him alot when he was a kid, so he is passing it on I guess). $400 to strighten the frame, days worth of work, and then he said just bring down for the alingment, so why not do the spacers is what I thought and get 1-2" of lift.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[Natedog]

I''ve got noticeable axle wrap on my 87 SuperCab. The PO leveled the front with some home-made 1/2" or a bit less steel spacers bolted under the front springs and adjustable camber bushings. I'm thinkin of ditching the stock rear blocks and want the rear a tiny bit higher than the front like stock stance. However I don't want it lifted too much. Rear springs are creaking under acceleration now that it is 4x4 and manual trans....and the bushings are cracked in the shackles but not falling out...yet anyways.

Got any before and after sideview pics of the truck with Explorer rear springs?

 

[canyoncritter]

you are aware your truck is going to still sit stink bug with the exploder springs and your coil spacers.....

 

[Natedog]

you are aware your truck is going to still sit stink bug with the exploder springs and your coil spacers.....

No....not sure how it would sit because I've read of about 5 different height gains from 1/2" to 4".... Don't want stinkbug ass high that's for sure!