Possible Upper Front Sway Bar?

[Snoranger]

Thanks brotha ... Preciate the sarcasm!



Yea, I have the STOCK front sway bar, not sure if an aftermarket would be BETTER though?

And I have one off a 1990 B2 in the rear!

No problem... Anytime.


Is it the 1", Not all BIIs had the 1" bar.

The biggest stock front bar for a Twin I-beam you can find is from the 87-89 STX... They were 1-3/16". You have to flip it upside down to fit the 2wd.


With the STX front and BII rear bars I could run my truck out of gas in a jug handle if I didn't have more then a half tank.

 

[stmitch]

A notch is only required if you drop the rear more than 5 inches. The expo axle usually results in 5-6 inches of drop, so it would be close to the limit. I think a notch is a good idea for ride comfort.

The racing you want to do is pretty similar to autocross. Trucks are at a disadvantage in events like this because of their poor weight distribution, and the drawbacks of a suspension designed to do work, instead of corner. Because of this, it's important to maximize the areas where your truck may have an advantage, such as large wheel openings to fit wide, sticky tires, and relatively light weight (more so in regular cab trucks since the extended cabs can get kind of heavy).
I autocross my truck, and usually post times similar to 350z, or charger SRTs. The biggest reasons I can compete with those vehicles, are the lack of weight, tons of grip from my huge tires, and big ass brakes (again the tires play a large role).

 

[ShotnVA777]

I-beam you can find is from the 87-89 STX... They were 1-3/16". You have to flip it upside down to fit the 2wd.


With the STX front and BII rear bars I could run my truck out of gas in a jug handle if I didn't have more then a half tank.

BOTH of you have great info. .. I'll look into this. I got the smaller of the 2 B2 sway bars (free though), I'll look for the bigger one around the local P&P !

A notch is only required if you drop the rear more than 5 inches. The expo axle usually results in 5-6 inches of drop, so it would be close to the limit. I think a notch is a good idea for ride comfort.

The racing you want to do is pretty similar to autocross. Trucks are at a disadvantage in events like this because of their poor weight distribution, and the drawbacks of a suspension designed to do work, instead of corner. Because of this, it's important to maximize the areas where your truck may have an advantage, such as large wheel openings to fit wide, sticky tires, and relatively light weight (more so in regular cab trucks since the extended cabs can get kind of heavy).

I autocross my truck, and usually post times similar to 350z, or charger SRTs. The biggest reasons I can compete with those vehicles, are the lack of weight, tons of grip from my huge tires, and big ass brakes (again the tires play a large role).

I figured the notch would be needed, so luckily I had planned accordingly!

Is it an EXPO rear axle?! I thought it was an Explorer!

WHAT suspension setup do u run? To the T??? Lol...

And also, do you think 16x9's would fit without any trouble? I really don't wanna go over 16" rims for some reason! Lol... I'm thinking CLOSE to 0 offset as well! On Diamond Racing Steelies. Sound like a decent deal w/ some low wall/sharp edges on the tyres wrapping that "circle rim"! Lol!

IVE GOT WAAAAY TOO MUCH TIRE WITH A BIG ASS OUTER WALL, ON A BABY 13" RIM - I'LL ROAST THEM AND THEN FOLD THEM FLAT AROUND A TURN! LOL!

 

[stmitch]

My truck has control arms in the front, instead of I beams like yours, so our suspensions won't be identical. I run the DJM 4/5 kit, which is control arms, and drop springs in the front, and a flip kit for the rear. I have doetsch nitro slammer shocks on all 4 corners, 4 wheel mustang cobra disc brakes, and Roush front and rear sway bars.
I have thicker front and rear sway bars in the garage, but I need to run a few more events with my new engine setup and get used to the power before I worry about changing sway bar balance.

 

[ShotnVA777]

My truck has control arms in the front, instead of I beams like yours, so our suspensions won't be identical. I run the DJM 4/5 kit, which is control arms, and drop springs in the front, and a flip kit for the rear. I have doetsch nitro slammer shocks on all 4 corners, 4 wheel mustang cobra disc brakes, and Roush front and rear sway bars.
I have thicker front and rear sway bars in the garage, but I need to run a few more events with my new engine setup and get used to the power before I worry about changing sway bar balance.

Gotcha! Thanks for the specifics bro! Always great to have lying around!

 

[ShotnVA777]

Gotcha! Thanks for the specifics bro! Always great to have lying around!

By the way... Where year did you snatch the SVT brakes off the Cobra???


I guess I would have to look into more, as I'll be running a slightly smaller wheel...

How was the swap done?

 

[Snoranger]

By the way... Where year did you snatch the SVT brakes off the Cobra???


I guess I would have to look into more, as I'll be running a slightly smaller wheel...

How was the swap done?

You'll need 17s to run Cobra brakes up front. I don't think Racin' Ranger ( or whatever he changed his name to) is making the kits anymore for the '95-97.


FYI: Expo is short for Explorer.

 

[ShotnVA777]

You'll need 17s to run Cobra brakes up front. I don't think Racin' Ranger ( or whatever he changed his name to) is making the kits anymore for the '95-97.


FYI: Expo is short for Explorer.

Oh... I was thinking Expedition when I first heard it! Lol! Sounded right?

Yea, I really don't know if I even need to go THAT far... Maybe just some new rotors and brake pads up front and the new axle will DEFINITELY have disc brakes, or I won't be buying it!

That said... My trucks brakes seem to be AMAZING! I don't have any antilock 'ish though, so she'll just SLIDE! BUT, I stop! Lol... They're SO touchy, its almost RIDICULOUS!

SO, I think I'll be ok with 4 disc brakes... We'll find out when 200 HP is pissin' on the road and not the stock "beast"! (I say beast because this 8 plug hread hasn't had a FULL tuneup in a LONG TIME!) I got a misfire on cyl 3 that pops up every now and then + a bank 1 sensor 1 lean code, due to a bad 02 sensor I believe. Don't really care, need a reason to have this other motor built!

I hit the rev limiter ATLEAST 2 times EVERY 10 miles on this 190k motor and she LOVES IT! The ONLY time she bitches is when your nnot revving the motor high enough or having to idle too long! This is the toughest motor I've ever had, GRANTED I've only had it for about 40k, I can kinda tell this motor ain't giving up SOON, as long as theres SOME type of oil and antifreeze! Lmao!

 

[ShotnVA777]

My truck has control arms in the front, instead of I beams like yours, so our suspensions won't be identical. I run the DJM 4/5 kit, which is control arms, and drop springs in the front, and a flip kit for the rear. I have doetsch nitro slammer shocks on all 4 corners, 4 wheel mustang cobra disc brakes, and Roush front and rear sway bars.
I have thicker front and rear sway bars in the garage, but I need to run a few more events with my new engine setup and get used to the power before I worry about changing sway bar balance.

Hey bro! These are the items I've decided to use for suspension! Let me know what you think!

You should also subscribe to my build thread man... Your advice is GREATLY appreciated and a "suspension guru" would be NICE to have around. Especially seeing as she'll see the track every week!

Here's the list...

1. Expo 4.10 rearend (if I find the right one, I won't need item #2)
2. DJM Flip Kit (w/ 4.10 REAREND)
3. Crown Suspension 3" front drop coils
4. Crown Suspension C Notch Kit
5. DJM front and rear swaybars
6. DJM Calmax Shocks
7. DJM Dream Beams

I think she'll handle just a TAD better than this STOCK, under the leaf spring setup that I have now!! Huh? Lol....

 

[stmitch]

Here's the list...

1. Expo 4.10 rearend (if I find the right one, I won't need item #2)

The expo rear is a good idea. In addition to the 4.10 ratio, I'd try and find one with disc brakes, and a factory Trac-loc to help your traction

2. DJM Flip Kit (w/ 4.10 REAREND)

Like you said, only needed if you don't use an explorer axle

3. Crown Suspension 3" front drop coils

I've never heard of Crown suspension before, so I can't say much about their quality, or performance. Hopefully, they are stiffer than factory spring rate. You could always just cut your stock springs to save a little money

4. Crown Suspension C Notch Kit

Not required, but it won't hurt. DJM makes one too, and illusive design and fab sells a universal one too. Pick whichever one you like

5. DJM front and rear swaybars

I didn't know DJM sold sway bars. Make sure they're larger than what you currently have, before you buy them. No reason to spend money on something that isn't an upgrade.

6. DJM Calmax Shocks

CalMax shocks are fine, but they aren't the nicest riding, or best handling shocks. You pay a little more for doetsch nitro slammers, but they are a much higher quality, and will ride much better than the CalMax's

7. DJM Dream Beams

Good idea

Your plans look pretty good overall. Seems like you have the right areas targeted for improvement given what's available for a Ranger.

 

[simpler=better]

Swap the front frame and suspension from a 98. The IFS is incredible, my 98 handles infinitely better than my 93. I can take a 90* corner at 30mph-ish, any faster and the tires start to skid (cheapie car tires). While cornering at 30, it doesn't tilt anywhere near as much as you would expect.

 

[ShotnVA777]

Your plans look pretty good overall. Seems like you have the right areas targeted for improvement given what's available for a Ranger.

Oh, the rearend will DEFINITELY have disc brakes or it won't be purchased. Plan and simple. Haha!

I'll look into the Nitro's. I have them saved already, but wasn't sure HOW BIG of a difference there was between the two. Now I do and may spend the extra cash for a better ride!

I haven't read any BAD reviews on the Crown Suspension, though it's MAINLY Ebay (lift kit) stuff... But EVERYTHING looks like Beltech's stuff.

People are riding them, just undercover! Lol... I REALLY dont want to cut the springs, I'd rather have the Ebay drop springs than cutting... Ya know?

Also... I believe its Beltech who makes the front/rear swaybar set, not DJM. EITHER WAY, they're both good brands and I will be SURE to MAKE SURE they are thicker/better than what I have NOW!

Thanks for your input, click on my sig and sub up!

 

[ShotnVA777]

Swap the front frame and suspension from a 98. The IFS is incredible, my 98 handles infinitely better than my 93. I can take a 90* corner at 30mph-ish, any faster and the tires start to skid (cheapie car tires). While cornering at 30, it doesn't tilt anywhere near as much as you would expect.

Sounds like SO MUCH work! Lol

 

[Snoranger]

3" drop springs and Dream beams (3" drop) will be 6" in the front and may be right on the border of too much to align properly. When you get that low you also have start to worry about notching the frame for tie rod clearance. I wouldn't go more then 5" total in the front.

 

[ShotnVA777]

3" drop springs and Dream beams (3" drop) will be 6" in the front and may be right on the border of too much to align properly. When you get that low you also have start to worry about notching the frame for tie rod clearance. I wouldn't go more then 5" total in the front.

I thought about that and thank you.

Im going to still grab the 3" lowering springs FOR NOW...

...because those Dream Beams are EXPENSIVE!

But when I DO grab them, I'll step back to a 2" drop coil.

Appreciate the help!!!