Leveling a 2WD on the cheap

[lneidlinger]

Alright so I got a 1991 2WD ranger that I just got some new wheels and tires for (for a REALLY good deal) The new tires are Goodyear Wrangler RT/S P225/75R15 on some black steel wheels. It looks much better than the undersized P195/70R14's that were on there before. The new ones are a bit bigger than the original tires are supposed to be (P215/70R14's) though but the speedometer is still accurate according to our GPS, while before it showed you going about 5mph faster than you actually were.

Now, the new tires look fine on the back as they have plenty of space, but due to the nature of a 2WD's stance and the fact that it's a 1991 with probably the original springs and shocks, the front sits a little lower than it should and the front wheels have some negative camber. Now I think it will look best if I can get it to sit level. Basically I was wondering if I could replace the stock front 2wd springs with the front springs from a 4wd first gen explorer, and basically doing this : http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/leveling_coil_installation.htm

Reason to be so specific is I can get these for free, or very cheap. The more expensive route I can see if just getting some actual spring spacers. Even more expensive is getting some actual leveling springs.

 

[colby450xc]

Look up the washer/spacer lift in the tech library. Really cheap minus the fact that you will need an alignment and aftermarket alignment bushings. About $80 in parts and a $60 alignment...... Cheapest way to go.

 

[lneidlinger]

So are you saying even with the washer lift I would need an alignment and alignment bushings?

 

[racsan]

pretty much anytime you mess with the front suspention you will need a alignment. and if you already have a camber issue, that can be took care of during the alignment.

 

[colby450xc]

So are you saying even with the washer lift I would need an alignment and alignment bushings?

If you want the longest possible life out of those expensive new tires yes....Depending on how much you lift it, you may just be able to deal with the new habits of the steering wheel.

 

[Alan.H]

or you could JY some 4x4 springs? find a set that arent so rusty, they'll prolly have less wear and the extra little height will make them fit.

or go exrteme with f150 coils... but thats a bit more in other parts.

 

[colby450xc]

or you could JY some 4x4 springs? find a set that arent so rusty, they'll prolly have less wear and the extra little height will make them fit.

or go exrteme with f150 coils... but thats a bit more in other parts.

Unless he gets them for under $10, and doesnt have to remove them himself he might as well go to a hardware store and buy the washers.

 

[Alan.H]

Unless he gets them for under $10, and doesnt have to remove them himself he might as well go to a hardware store and buy the washers.

im assuming since he has problems already, that the springs are old and saggy anyway, and whats $25 bucks and an afternoon beating on a truck you dont care about?

 

[gwaii]

I was wondering if I could replace the stock front 2wd springs with the front springs from a 4wd first gen explorer

I can get these for free, or very cheap.

he's got access to springs.read the whole post.


and yes,that should help the problem.

and yes,you'll still need an alignment.

 

[lneidlinger]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SPS-1819/

Would something like these coil spacers help? I looked at the ones here, but they are 2 inch spacers and that seems a little high for my truck.

My question is would I need those stud extenders with just a 1" spacer?

 

[mp3deviant721]

You will need to make your studs longer or get new bolts. I highly recommend getting longer bolts as the stock bolts are 8in in length and will not allow you do much. I myself would highly recommend the washer method, it's cheap and strong. Aluminum spacers crack and poly spacers crush and deform.

4x4 springs will not do anything for you, that's what I got when I replaced the springs on my truck, in fact, they sagged to the ride height I was at before I replaced the springs. But if you have a 4 cyl, I can't really say much about that, it could lift you truck a little, but not much. F-150 coils however, will lift you truck but will give a crappy ride, I'd recommend staying away from those unless you have a heavier truck (5.0 swap, 4.0 super cab, etc).

With all these new facts in mind, I am currently in the process of lifting my 93 with the washer method. I don't have pics, but will be taking some tomorrow as I do the passenger side. You can check out my build thread around 10pm or so thats when I will be posting pics. I am also going to attempt my own alignment as well. That shall be interesting.

 

[lneidlinger]

I'm thinking of doing the washer method. Seems cheap and simple enough.

Alignment shouldn't be too much of a problem as it has some negative camber now, so adding a bit of lift should straighten it out. But if I want to add more, well I can always take it to my friends in autotech class, they do work for free but you have to buy your own parts.