Suspension help

[Gizmo]

I bought a 2008 Ford Ranger XL Supercab last month and volunteer to pick up food at our local food bank and deliver it. I loaded the first load in my new truck and it caused a big drop in ride height in the rear. I want to install something to level the bed when I am hauling a heavy load. I have located some air lift type units that will do this, and some spring helpers that can be installed. What is the best way to go to fix this issue. Thank You

Gizmo

 

[mkpecor]

i would go add a leaf, i have a pair if you want them, really good condition. you can have them just pay shipping.

 

[Will]

You didn't think Rangers were for hauling did you?

Cool Ford Publication

Your base payload is 1,260# and if you had every option on your truck, it would be reduced to only 621#. That means passengers and cargo. With a couple 200# guys and a loaded 4-cylinder supercab, you only have 221# of bed capacity.

But the Ranger has a 2,750# axle capacity at the ground. Your truck weighs about 1,300# on the rear axle. If you keep a load centered over the rear axle you should be able to overload it quite a bit. I would get another spring pack and mix one or two more into yours. I don't like air bags or other add-a-load things.

I always worried about my rear axle with my Ranger. I buried the thing in firewood and knew I was 1,000# over the rear axle rating. Even with a helper spring with a semi-float axle you have relatively small bearings (one per side only) and the axle shaft itself is supporting the load. With a heavy-duty full-floating axle rated at 7,500# I pile 5,000# of fresh-cut oak in the bed and never give it a thought, even if the rear of the truck is low.

 

[snake]

Sheeeee, man. Mine has the payload package (extra spring) rated at 5070# and it weighs 3400# empty. Isn't that close to 1600#? Three quarter ton 2WD truck.

 

[camping_mailman01]

My little daily driver started out with the new Ranger slump in the rear. 15 minutes of installation, she now rides high with a moderate load in the bed, even while I'm towing our heavy "Grizzley1754" Bass Boat, she still rides high with her $78 Gabriel Hi-Jackers. I just put on my third pair at 217,856 miles. Normal shocks are usually replaced between 55 or 60 thousand miles. They stay inflated through winter or summer if you take care as to how you route the hoses. Just my $.02.

 

[Gizmo]

Thanks all, I think I will try the Gabriel Hi-jacker air shocks first.

 

[camping_mailman01]

Gizmo,

Though I passed the 60 yard sticker at my last birthday, I still try to feel like a kid from time to time, and put 70 psi in the Hi-Jackers, 44 psi 31X10.50X15's, and you should see her stance. Rough enough road, it acts as if it's got hydraulics. Really though, if you put 35-40 psi, you'll find that they will perform great for most loads that you'll carry. Make sure that you route the hoses out of danger, especially watch the exhaust. If the the hoses get "bit", and you mount everything correctly, you'll find that the kit gives you enough hose to be able to replace one side. The reason that I have only just recently put my third set on at 217,000 is that they are very durable. Enjoy your Hi-Jacker ride.

Don

 

[Hahnsb2]

Thanks all, I think I will try the Gabriel Hi-jacker air shocks first.

Air shocks put a lot of of stress on the shock mounts that they weren't designed to handle.

 

[camping_mailman01]

Generally speaking, I would agree that the shock mounts weren't designed as load bearing supports, but our '93 4X4 had 133,000 miles on it before the wreck that bent the frame just west of OKC. Her replacement, our 4X4 '98 to date has 218,000 plus on her, and the shock mounts aren't showing any sign of wear.

 

[Mechanickid]

we used to bury my dads 86 extended cab xlt with firewood up to the top of the cab. and she was saggin and draggin all the way up and down the mountain. You can't kill a ranger

 

[Gizmo]

MKPECOR thanks much for your offer of free springs. I am going to try something else first, but want you to know that I appreciate your kind offer. Gizmo