Suspension options, especially leaf springs.

[Pony Boy]

I've got a 94 Ranger extended cab 2wd. Over the winter I put a 2.3 turbo engine out of a Turbo Coupe in it. Leveling springs are on the front, and new shocks all the way around. My original plan was to build it into a mock prerunner with fiberglass fenders and some suspension work. I already have a 95 Bronco with solo motorsports cut and turned beams and Deaver rear leafs, and while I love the way it rides and the off road capability it gave me, it's towing and hauling capacity were greatly reduced because of the soft springs and increased travel combined with no swaybars. So my question for the Ranger is what kind of suspension options are out there that will increase my travel and still allow me to tow and fill the bed with mulch and such? I'm not necessarily looking for a "lift kit", I like the idea of keeping the center of gravity low, and I don't just want the "look" of a lifted truck, I want increased travel and functionality, so blocks are not an option for the rear. I was thinking about Deavers for the rear with one of the air bag setups for towing and hauling, but those airbags only have enough travel for stock springs as far as I know, not the increased travel of the Deavers. So, what suggestions do you have?

 

[doorgunner]

Air-adjustable rear shocks for a larger vehicle.....

Keep the air pressure on the low side for evryday driving & on the high side for carrying loads/etc....

Napa has a book with every type of shock and the compressed/extended lengths...

pick the shocks that will work for the ride height of the rear end

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

I have a similar issue, but completely different. I've had thoughts on 2 different air bag set-ups.

1. Dual anti-wrap links or traction bars, with bags positioned accordingly, near the middle. I've decided against this because it would limit my articulation.

2. Cantilever airbags. Bags mounted horizontally where the spare was. The down sides are the costs, and the higher air pressures needed.