Just a question, ive got a 97 with the i beam and finnaly have my 5.0. what are guys doing suspension wise for these motor swaps?

 

The V8 is roughly 100 pounds heavier than the average Ranger engine and the V8 trans will probably add to that, depending on what you use. Chances are that you will need to use stronger coils and/or a camber correction kit to keep the TIB/TTB suspension from going out of spec on the negative side. Coil spacers might also work in the short term but they can make life tougher on the springs, especially with the additional weight.

Recommended reading for V8 conversions on 97 and earlier Rangers:

http://www.mre-books.com/ranger.html
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/tech/?cat=6
http://www.v8-ranger.com/
http://72.20.96.178/commerce/ccc1010...-bronco-ii.htm
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...nversions.html

(a lot of the info in these links does not apply to 98+ Rangers)

 

i would wait and get the engine running in your truck before ever tackling the suspension.....from what i have read and heard, adding a v8 to a Ranger doesn't change it much......if you have any doubt, get a set of 4.0 springs (if you don't already have a 4.0) and install them since they are the heaviest springs in a Ranger.....

take measurements before and after....

after the engine is in the truck and after you got your new measurments, then IF you need to get some longer springs you can get a set of 2" lifted springs......i doubt you will need anymore springs IF you are running 4.0 springs with a v8....100-150 pounds isn't enough to sag the suspension hardly....

 

there are also plenty of weight saving things you can do......

for instance:
- mount battery in bed
- use aluminum cylinder heads over the stock steel (roughly 40-50# difference)
- use electric fan over mechanical
- use aluminum radiator instead of stocker
- use underdrive pulleys
- remove A/C system