what junkyard coils will go into a TTB ranger?

[thoughtcriminal]

I know f150 coils will (with some modification)
However, after a long discussion with JohnnyU (thanks for all your help) in my build thread, I have come to the conclusion that they are a bit too stiff to work for what I want.

I am looking for somewhere between 3-5 inches of lift after springs and brackets (preferably 3.5-4.5, but beggars cant be choosers)

The springs need to be stiff enough to survive a hard landing without bottoming out, but not so stiff as to provide no real flex. I will admit I don't know much about the mechanics of springs, so I can't say what spring rate or anything.

So, is there any vehicle I can rob springs out of that would work for this application? (vehicle is a '94 b4000 supercab 4X4 manual)

I am just looking for something pretty cheap, would prefer to get something out of a junkyard as the $30-50 I spend there will be much easier for a college student to swallow than the $150+ for a set of aftermarkets.

Thanks in advance.
TC

 

[stegomon]

maby a bronco is not as stuff....for ride performence

 

[CopyKat]

T-bird

 

[thoughtcriminal]

T-bird

Tbird springs will give me lift?

 

[Evan]

F-150 coils are not as bad at flexing as most people think. They provide me with just about perfect articulation for 35s, a 5.5" lift, and mildly trimmed fenders. Any more flex and I'd have problems with the tires rubbing in the wheelwell.

 

[4x4junkie]

The springs need to be stiff enough to survive a hard landing without bottoming out, but not so stiff as to provide no real flex. I will admit I don't know much about the mechanics of springs, so I can't say what spring rate or anything.

TC

You're dealing with two wants at opposite ends of the spectrum, some compromise will be needed between flex, and ability to jump (land).

Something you might want to look at instead is a set of good shocks (sounds like reservoir or coilover shocks would be out if it's to be cheap, maybe look at installing a set of dual regular shocks). They can provide a lot more damping for soaking up landings that softer coils can't. The tradeoff here will be a harsher onroad ride.

I would probably lean toward going softer on the coils (early Ford Bronco coils, etc), and use better/more shocks to sustain the landings (IIRC, the springs on Baja trucks are pretty soft (much more so than common RBV TTB lift coils), with good tight shocks)

Hope that helps

 

[thoughtcriminal]

You're dealing with two wants at opposite ends of the spectrum, some compromise will be needed between flex, and ability to jump (land).

Something you might want to look at instead is a set of good shocks (sounds like reservoir or coilover shocks would be out if it's to be cheap, maybe look at installing a set of dual regular shocks). They can provide a lot more damping for soaking up landings that softer coils can't. The tradeoff here will be a harsher onroad ride.

I would probably lean toward going softer on the coils (early Ford Bronco coils, etc), and use better/more shocks to sustain the landings (IIRC, the springs on Baja trucks are pretty soft (much more so than common RBV TTB lift coils), with good tight shocks)

Hope that helps

I am willing to compromise some flex for landing ability. I don't plan to be rock crawling often, lots of flex isn't as important, just enough so that I can survive the inevitable spot where I will need some flex.
Am seriously considering dual shocks
coilovers would be ideal, but I can't afford them at this time.
you are the second person to suggest bronco coils. I will look more into that
thanks

 

[JohnnyU]

If you are going to be "baja-ing" you need hydraulic bump stops. It's the only way.

Early Bronco coils are probably the best bet on your Ranger, and really aren't that expensive through the after market (mine were about $120 or so from Tom's Bronco Parts). I really don't like the idea of buying used springs, especially not from a junk yard.

 

[Evan]

Good call on the shocks Junkie. I know monster trucks use some pretty beefy shock setups and that's how they absorb a lot of the energy when landing.

 

[CopyKat]

EB coils and 3" dia shocks are kick ass.