Hi guys. Been a while since I've been on here...

I apologize if this has been covered already, but I already searched a bit, and really couldn't find what I'm looking for.

My dad has a '97 ford ranger (2wd, 2.3, 5 speed) and his left rear spring broke yesterday. We were going to go and grab a set of leafs from another ford ranger, but the thing is, we use the ranger to haul heavy loads of pallets all the time, and whenever we load it up, the truck sags so much that the rear mudflaps drag the ground. lol. We don't want to break another stock spring, and we wouldn't mind being able to haul more without it sagging so much, so I thought of trying to find some stiffer springs that we could find at a junkyard when we go tommorow. I read that the explorer springs are an upgrade, but I couldn't find out how they are an upgrade. Are they much stiffer than the stock ranger springs, or are they just going to lift the truck and not be any stiffer? What years can I get the springs from if I decide to go with explorer springs? Also are there any other springs that are stiffer and will basically bolt it? We don't want to do any fab work if possible. We saw some heavy duty 5 leaf springs (rated at 1750 lbs) on rock auto, and those would be perfect, but being priced at $330 shipped, they are out of our budget. I was hoping you guys might be able to point me in the right direction. We don't care to lift the truck too much, though. (we'd prefer to keep it at stock height if possible, but a little higher is ok if it means we can haul more)

Thanks

Brody

 

stock springs and add-a-leaf kit from summit racing. $35-40 for the kit

 

I looked at the description, and it said that it add height, but doesn't say anything about weight. You think we could haul 1200-1500 lbs without it dragging the rear bumper? (We haul 1200 right now, but it's mudflaps are wearing out from dragging when hauling. lol. ) I just talked to my dad again, and he said that he could live with up to a 2.5" lift, but the less lift over stock the better. He just wants it to be able to haul more without sagging so much....

Another thing. Will the 4wd leaf springs interchange with the 2wd springs? It might make it easier to find some springs at the junkyard tommorow. Also, what years interchange?

 

Sounds like the Timbren overload kit would be perfect for you.
Timbren SES Kits - Suspension Enhancement for your Vehicle

You can get it from Amazon for about $150, but you will still need to replace the broken spring.

 

put chevy 64" springs on it. payload of a 1500, same ride comfort.

 

I put Explorer leafs under my truck purchased from the JY back in 2008. Pulled them from a 4wd Explorer with 4 doors and the tow package. My guess is they were the stiffest available. I wanted them for the lift but the weight capacity is awesome. I recently carried 1000lbs of tile (verified by Home Depot forklift, haha) and I loved the ride quality. Plus it sat just under level with the rear lower than the front. $30 and +4 years later, I say great investment.