Towing

[Snoranger]

The lock N Roll has an issue with bending in a certain situation. IIRC, its when backing up, at an angle, uphill... or something like that. It’s not very common, but I’ve seen a few instances.

 

[sgtsandman]

The lock N Roll has an issue with bending in a certain situation. IIRC, its when backing up, at an angle, uphill... or something like that. It’s not very common, but I’ve seen a few instances.

View attachment 58504

Good to know. Thanks.

Hard to tell from the picture but that appears to be a pretty beefy trailer too. But something that still needs to be kept in mind. Lock N Roll did mention about their product being improved. I wonder if this is why?

 

[Snoranger]

Probably... it was a few years ago that I looked into it and saw them getting bent.

 

[thatclapped3.0]

depending on how often you tow upgrading to the larger 12" front brakes/knuckles would help.
how much is "not a lot" of weight?
for towing stay away from large tires for both power and braking considerations.

It's only some light lawn care equipment Nothing insane, and I'm running the stock 235/75/15. What tire size would you recommend?

 

[thatclapped3.0]

depending on how often you tow upgrading to the larger 12" front brakes/knuckles would help.
how much is "not a lot" of weight?
for towing stay away from large tires for both power and braking considerations.

Could you explain more about the 12'' brakes and knuckles?

 

[pjtoledo]

somewhere around 2003/2004 the 4WD front brakes increased from 11.25" to 12"
Ford did this by relocating the caliper mounting holes in the steering knuckles to move the caliper out 3/8" to clear the larger rotors.
this uses the same calipers, brackets, and pads. only the knuckles and rotors changed.

IF YOU HAVE LIVE HUBS it's a simple bolt on.

if you have PVH hubs it's a bit more complicated due to the vacuum lines, different hubs, different axle stub/CV joint.

the Ranger changed to live hubs near the end of 2000 model year, my 2000 has the live hubs.

EDIT: oops, forgot to mention the 12" front brakes DO NOT fit under most 15" wheels

there are exceptions, low backspace or certain later year factory wheels designed for big brakes do fit.

 

[pjtoledo]

It's only some light lawn care equipment Nothing insane, and I'm running the stock 235/75/15. What tire size would you recommend?

you'll probably get a few different opinions on size, after all, size does matter
ignoring off-road use and only considering trailer towing you will notice a difference in braking with different size tires.
personally, I would stay with your stock size for towing. are most of the stop signs in Pennsylvania at the bottom of hills?

 

[thatclapped3.0]

somewhere around 2003/2004 the 4WD front brakes increased from 11.25" to 12"
Ford did this by relocating the caliper mounting holes in the steering knuckles to move the caliper out 3/8" to clear the larger rotors.
this uses the same calipers, brackets, and pads. only the knuckles and rotors changed.

IF YOU HAVE LIVE HUBS it's a simple bolt on.

if you have PVH hubs it's a bit more complicated due to the vacuum lines, different hubs, different axle stub/CV joint.

the Ranger changed to live hubs near the end of 2000 model year, my 2000 has the live hubs.

EDIT: oops, forgot to mention the 12" front brakes DO NOT fit under most 15" wheels

there are exceptions, low backspace or certain later year factory wheels designed for big brakes do fit.

Man I wish I had the live hubs lol, how much of a pain is it to swap in a set of Manual locking hubs? I've never been a fan of PVH hubs.. Don't get me wrong I've never had a issue with them just not my first choice.

 

[thatclapped3.0]

you'll probably get a few different opinions on size, after all, size does matter
ignoring off-road use and only considering trailer towing you will notice a difference in braking with different size tires.
personally, I would stay with your stock size for towing. are most of the stop signs in Pennsylvania at the bottom of hills?

Yea I only got Plans to use her for work purposes. I do have the bed off currently due to cleaning and painting the frame. What's your opinion on helper/overload packs?

 

[Roert42]

Yea I only got Plans to use her for work purposes. I do have the bed off currently due to cleaning and painting the frame. What's your opinion on helper/overload packs?

Would be better to go with a heavier sping pack overall or add in some springs to make it heavier.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I just saved the site for the Lock and Roll...

They don't give them away... but it's probably not much more expensive then any other alternative. Kinda works like a theft deterrent too... not many will have the receiver to steal your trailer.

 

[thatclapped3.0]

Would be better to go with a heavier sping pack overall or add in some springs to make it heavier.

Any recommendations on where to look?

 

[Roert42]

Any recommendations on where to look?

The ranger came with two different payload ratings 1250 and 1750(only on payload package two trucks). Could just order a replacement 1750# leaf springs off rock auto. They have them, just checked.

Or

Take a leaf spring out of an junk yard truck and add more to your stack. I've never done this, but someone else could probably explain this better. I've heard of people doing this with explorer springs.

 

[sgtsandman]

A few other places to look are:

Shop Ford Ranger Leaf Springs | General Spring

General Spring will help you find the cost-effective replacement Ford Ranger leaf springs you need fast, to get your truck back on the road and looking great!

www.generalspringkc.com

Web Hosting by InMotion Hosting

Ranger

thesuspensionking.com

 

[pjtoledo]

Any recommendations on where to look?

I have a 2000 3.0 4WD auto just like yours. the stock rear springs in my other Ranger, a 2005 reg cab 4 cly
can handle a hell-of-a-lot more than the 2000 4wd can.
I'd look for a set with 1 more leaf from a newer, up to 2011, 2WD Ranger. or get the 1750 springs new.

car-part dot com for used stuff. it will list multiple salvage yards.

since you're in the rust belt, how good are you at removing big stubborn rusty bolts?
that can be the deciding factor between replacing springs, or just adding an extra leaf.