Opinions on which leaf springs to purchase.

[Bgunner]

As I was throwing some rattle can paint at my frame I noticed both of my second leafs were broke. I believe I have desided to just replace all the leafs and not rebuild them, to try to prevent having to tear them down again to replace the others when do go. My question is "Which brands have shown durability that RockAuto carries?" To be truthful Looking at all the selections and differences I got confused and would like some help.

94 ranger 3.0 2WD not lifted, stock spring code F4B (3 leaf - 2 3/8"), Axle Code 84 - Open diff- Capacity 2750 LB- 3.45 Gears.

Thanks for your time and opinions.

 

[Danno1985]

Check out General Springs. The leafs on my Ranger are still good, and i have air bags to help them out, so I haven't gotten around to trying the Generals on my Ranger, but I used them to replace the back-bowed worn-out springs on my old Tacoma and the Generals were great. Made in USA, OEM-quality, good customer service. I had the "HD" ones on my lifted Taco and will probably get those when it's time to replace the Ranger's. If you're looking for stock load capacity/ride height, this is probably what you want:

1986 - 2003 Ford Ranger rear leaf spring, 3(2/1) leaves, 1100 lbs capacity

Product code: 43-1069. Springs are for 1986-2003 Ford Ranger. 1100lb capacity. Order from General Spring for the lowest price available & 1 year warranty.

www.generalspringkc.com

You're in luck, because the pre-04 springs are hella cheap for some reason.

 

[RonD]

If you run empty bed mostly then run softer leafs with an overload leaf

You get a smoother ride, and better traction, but can still handle the weight or pull a trailer when needed

 

[Bgunner]

Yes, RonD, I do run mostly empty, except about 150 lbs of tools and fishing gear, so I went with a set of Husky springs and bolts (1100 lbs) from RockAuto. I did check out the General spring link given but price was a main factor on this job so I decided to go the RockAuto route and save about $20. As for installation, it went surprisingly smooth considering the truck was built in August of '93 and no suspension work was ever done to it. ( Confirmed this with the original owner who bought it from the dealership just before ordering the springs. ) With a 18" breaker bar I, with a bad back and hip, was able to easily turn the bolts in the spring and shackle bushings, my friend was able to turn them with just my 1/2" ratchet. Got to love the older ones when taken care of and kept out of the salt areas. Time wise it took "me" about 3 1/2 hours to do the job on the ground using a jack and jack stands. Pics of the finished job, I was to excited to do the springs that I didn't think of taking pics before and during the job. As you can see the underneath is super clean for the year. https://1drv.ms/f/s!AgMS23T_FVRiq2GpAV0wsDvHkCMs

 

[RonD]

Thanks for the update

Hows the ride?

 

[Bgunner]

Bouncy. lol While doing the springs I found one shock was dead so I just ordered shocks. It's not stiff, that's for sure, so no hard kidney shots like you get with many springs that come in lifts, though these are meant as stock replacements so I wouldn't expect them to be stiff like lifts. As for height I gained around an 1-1/2" due to the suspension not sagging in the back now. The front is really sagging so that will be where the majority of my lift, back to stock height, will come from.

 

[Denisefwd93]

Well... They are trucks... But you could stick a upgrade under there....https://www.progressiveautomotive.com/installations-kits-parts/rear-suspensions/sweet-ryde-c4-corvette-irs-kits.html
But what would you after lunch ?

 

[Bgunner]

Update on the ride quality: Now that new shocks have been installed these Husky springs ride quite good actually. Since this is a truck and light in the rear there is slight jarring over sharp bumps but, to be honest, my 95 Honda civic road a lot worse because of the stiff suspension. I actually feel less of the bumps now that there is some resemblance of dampening to the rear axle so the ride quality has improved dramatically over what it was.