SAS leaf springs

[PlumCrazy]

Im considering putting a d44 under my Ranger. I want to use leaf springs I am not sure how to mount the front hangers. Rear hangers will just bolt to the framebut I have a 3rd gen so it has the accordion frame in the front and running bolts all the way through the frame sounds like a bad idea. Does anyone have pictures of how they mounted the hangers to the frame up front? Im assuming just weld a plate to the frame and go off that, but the frame isnt nice and flat either.

-plumcrazy

 

[4x4junkie]

It would be much easier to use coil springs seeings how most of the hardware is already under there (and you wouldn't need to mess with the crumple zones at all).

 

[wahlstrom1]

^^^^ Like he said.....My SAS is a bolt on, aside from the modified shock towers and re-tapered pitman arm. It's much simpler to do, and with a little research you'll find what you want to do.

-andrew

 

[PlumCrazy]

I know that coils would be way easier, but I hava the time to mess around and would like to try something not many people have done.

-plumcrazy

 

[4x4junkie]

but I hava the time to mess around and would like to try something not many people have done.

-plumcrazy

Why not keep your TTB then? Several of us here have already proven quite well that it works just as well as SAS, yet still not very many do it...


Edit: Oops, N/M, I just realized you're 2WD.

I was just reading another thread the other day where someone had asked about plating up the crumple zones, I'm not sure if it was here or on another forum though. I'll see if I can find it (IIRC I think they mentioned just welding plate over it, although I've also heard of people just merely filling in all the holes solid with weld. Not sure if I'd do that myself though).

 

[PlumCrazy]

I was looking at Metalmacguyver's build tread today. I think I will just weld plates on both sides as well as the top and bottom like he did. I will most likely have the motor and coresupport out when I do it, so it will easy to work with.

-plumcrazy

 

[4x4junkie]

Sounds good. Good luck on it, and post pics.

 

[JunkYardRanger]

 

[PlumCrazy]

junkyardranger, What are those springs off of? and what keeps the front hangers from bending forward?

-plumcrazy

 

[JunkYardRanger]

ok here goes ..... between the frame rails is a piece of 3x3 1/4 wall steel, welded below it is another piece, the tabs of the 3x3 are 3/8 steel it is solid as a rock ... here is what one loos like not installed ...my front springs a 6 in chevy springs 44 1/2 in eye to eye the only difference between mine and the one in the picture, is that my receiver is mounted on top there is a piece of 1/4 in welded on top of the 2 3x3's to pretty it up /// you do not need the one between the frame, mine was there before I did my SAS

 

[95XL]

I've been researching around for a while on doing the exact same thing, and your method seems to be the most straight forward. My only question is, without mounting a reciever to the 3x3 tubing, is there a way to mount the stock bumper back in front of it? Or does it stick out too far?

 

[JunkYardRanger]

I don't see why not .... I have not had my stock bumper in years .... worse case scenario, you might have to fab some sort of spacer to move the bumper out some