Three vs. Four vs. Five Link vs. IRS

[85_Ranger4x4]

I decided to go with making the Ranger setup the best it can be.

I decided to go forced induction 2.9

Correct me if I'm wrong here, please!

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

You are (literally) the worst.

 

[bobbywalter]

did you rob the titanic??
oh, heres that picture

That's in good shape for the rust belt.


V8 explorer should have traction bars too. Might be something to consider.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have heard spring under axle is better than spring over for spring wrap too, it might be worth checking into.

Then go Chevy 63” springs or whatever to get your height back plus more articulation.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

That's in good shape for the rust belt.


V8 explorer should have traction bars too. Might be something to consider.

You know, I looked for one that had them. Couldn't find one.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I have heard spring under axle is better than spring over for spring wrap too, it might be worth checking into.

Thats actually true. Something about the leverage the axle has on the springs.

Although they suck for flex.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

For what I think he's doing he doesn't need flex.
I put my springs under for exactly the reason posted above. Also added a single slapper bar mounted off the diff bracket that is meant for a shock on Explorers. I don't really know if it does anything as I haven't tested with/without. A couple of jumps bent it to the correct spacing....lol.

 

[Uncle Gump]

A couple of jumps bent it to the correct spacing....lol.

Kinda sounds like something my favorite Canadian Red Green would say...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I haven't watched tv in several years, but RedGreen could bring me back.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

For what I think he's doing he doesn't need flex.
I put my springs under for exactly the reason posted above. Also added a single slapper bar mounted off the diff bracket that is meant for a shock on Explorers. I don't really know if it does anything as I haven't tested with/without. A couple of jumps bent it to the correct spacing....lol.

No i dont think he'll need flex either, but was just tossing it out there lol.

 

[BlackBII]

My steering setup has been working very well; I think going with the bronze bushings and steering box sector shaft as the idler arm was a good idea.

However, if you want the steering to work even better, I would recommend going with a swing style or cross over style setup, where the steering linkages are directly in line with the axle pivot points. Mine are a bit shorter, and as a result you get some toe change at full droop/compression. I did make the driver and passenger links' lengths match their respective beam lengths; the drivers' side beam is a bit longer, so I made that link a bit longer as well. I don't recall the measurements, but I kept the driver to passenger length ratio the same so that each side would get equal toe changes during the suspension cycle.

Are you planning on any lift? I have about 5" and am using factory XJ pitman arms(on both the idler and steering gear) and 1" offset tie rod ends, and my steering angles are quite flat, but not perfect. Without any lift, I think you'll need the center link to sit a few inches higher than mine.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

My steering setup has been working very well; I think going with the bronze bushings and steering box sector shaft as the idler arm was a good idea.

However, if you want the steering to work even better, I would recommend going with a swing style or cross over style setup, where the steering linkages are directly in line with the axle pivot points. Mine are a bit shorter, and as a result you get some toe change at full droop/compression. I did make the driver and passenger links' lengths match their respective beam lengths; the drivers' side beam is a bit longer, so I made that link a bit longer as well. I don't recall the measurements, but I kept the driver to passenger length ratio the same so that each side would get equal toe changes during the suspension cycle.

Are you planning on any lift? I have about 5" and am using factory XJ pitman arms(on both the idler and steering gear) and 1" offset tie rod ends, and my steering angles are quite flat, but not perfect. Without any lift, I think you'll need the center link to sit a few inches higher than mine.

As of now, my total lift on the front end is Moog heavy duty coil springs. They did let me fit 31s, though.

I really don't want to lift any more if I can avoid it, but if I *absolutely* need to, I will.

Any photos of an example swing style or cross over style setup? Or reading material? Not too familiar with either; all of my prior lift/mild offroad experience was with Jeep XJ. All I've read so far was the writeup on yours, on some oddball one-off Explorer, and this:

TRS Magazine - Steering Tech - An in-depth discussion about TTB Steering and Alignment

therangerstation.com

Genuinely curious about this one. I've been picking the brains of quite a few of you on this one pretty hard; apologies for being a bit of a slow learner. ??

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Should note: I am still searching for a factory 'high rider' setup (aren't we all?), and would absolutely lift to that level, but no more.

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

lots of info in a google search
heres mine with equal length beams

and a top view of what would be the steering for stock pivot beams

\heres a link to a bronco set up which will be similar to a stock pivot ranger
https://desolatemotorsports.com/sho...s-double-swing-set-steering-for-bronco-80-96/

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

\heres a link to a bronco set up which will be similar to a stock pivot ranger
https://desolatemotorsports.com/sho...s-double-swing-set-steering-for-bronco-80-96/

Beautiful setup, but damnit I do not see $2500 worth of fab work there...