Rookie Question

[2002RedRanger]

Im about to be doing a solid axle swap in my 02 Ranger (well a shop is cause i cant) but i was going to go with a d44 and run leaf springs up front instead of coils. they mentioned putting jeep springs in the front, anyone have or heard of any problems with this kind of set up or does it sound like a good setup to go with. im not really worried bout flex cause i stay in the mud for the most part. this truck is my daily driver so i know itll be a stiffer ride but i have always heard that leafs run better in mud than coils, true or false or just personal opinion? thanks for any help.

 

[99MazdaB4000]

Awesome setup! Jeep coils springs flex great especially the 8-9" Rustys XJ springs...Jeep springs will be softer as they are much lighter than rangers...most companies ranger from 150-220 spring rates. Rubicon Express have a little higher rate than Rustys and flex almost as good. But if you are just going to plow through mud, I wouldnt even bother.

As far as leafs vs coils that is a long going debate, but for mud it really wont make a difference. May I ask why you are doing an SAS if you are just going to play in mud?

 

[metalmacguyver]

How much are you paying to have this done?

 

[2002RedRanger]

im looking at paying about 2500 for the swap, but thats just one shops quote im still looking at a couple of others. im wanting to swap it out cause right now i could run 35s and thats it. i have a V8 swap in the plans as well so that i can run bigger tires and have fun in deeper mud (of course ill swap axles out and all as it goes along i plan to have at least a D60 under it when i finish it in about well who knows). the most lift for the suspension of course is the 4in and i have 3in body im going to be putting on there as well. so really its so i can a get a bigger lift and once i get into pretty much anything higher than a 35in tire that IFS isnt goin to hold up to well.

 

[JohnnyU]

Awesome setup! Jeep coils springs flex great especially the 8-9" Rustys XJ springs...

He's talking about leaf springs, likely the 44044's. Those are a commonly used spring in leaf spring swaps.

May I ask why you are doing an SAS if you are just going to play in mud?

If I had to guess, I'd say longevity and reliability of front end components.