Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Coil spacers question

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Old 09-01-2009
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Coil spacers question

I'm going to be ordering some chevy drop shackles and some 3 inch coil spacers for my truck so I can fit my 33's, is there anything special I need/have to do to install those 3 inch spacers up front? Do I need a spring compressor? Is there anything such as brake lines, or anything else that needs to be moved/extended etc? Just been reading around about the spacers and I've read some things about people raising there engine and a bunch of other ****, just wanted a legitimate answer if anybody knows much about coil spacers... Thank you

Also I want spindles but can't afford them right now lol, so I guess coil spacers are the best alternative.
 
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Old 09-01-2009
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just wait it out and save save up more for the spindles, spacers suck and give a rough ride. just my .02
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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Although I haven't done this on a Ranger, I did put some on my Jeep. You will need a spring compressor to remove and install them. You may need to extend or bend the brake lines for extra length. And you will probably need an alignment too.
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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alright spring compressors are pretty cheap anyways i found some for about 30 bucks, brian did you find them hard to install? Alignment will be done anyways since I will be getting new rims within the next 2 months and my tires will be going on, so that isn't an issue, I hope I won't have to extend the lines but we'll see what happens when I install them....
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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dont forget to post pics
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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They weren't too bad on the Jeep other than reconnecting the lower control arm. After one side was done, the other only took another hour or so.
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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Yeah I don't see it being too hard to do on the ranger either ill have somebody helping me but I think it'll go smoothly, just a cheap lift option so i can shove those 33's in there and put her up for sale. Thanks for the input though man they'll be here in few days can't wait to put them in, I just hope my ride quality doesn't get any ****tier. How did the jeep ride with them if you don't mind me asking?
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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Originally Posted by kyle12201
just a cheap lift option so i can shove those 33's in there and put her up for sale.
kyle your selling?
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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yea man, I want a mk3 vr6 Jetta, I can't resist them any longer I still have the 95 Ranger though

BTW: are you related to a Jake Emery? haha
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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cool, those are nice cars. i dont blame you on that one, but i didnt know you had a 95 so i hope that means well still be seeing you around.. and no i dont think im related to him.. well im pretty positive im not. haha.
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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Yeah most deff I'll still be around the site, I'm not sure what my dad has planned for the 95 as it wont pass inspection and it needs a little work to do so, if he gets rid of it he'll get another ranger so I'll still have something lol. Yeah I dig those cars, as well as the gti's etc. I just can't justify putting more money into my 2wd, I love the truck but i'm just sick of it and I wanted a car from the get go. Haha, my cousins last name is Emery thats why I asked.
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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i hear you on that one.. a 2wd pickup in maine.. haha but ya. my buddy picked up a 2005 impreza, makes me want a car.. but i get back into my truck and realize i like sitting up and being somewhat bigger.. what i really want is a powerstroke..but thats not happening anytime soon.. hmm. i didnt know Emery was such a popular last name.. ive had multiple people ask me the same question in the last few months.
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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Yea lol, I'd throw a locker in it but yet again I don't see the piont since people say they suck in snow, so it is kind of piontless. Impreza's are nice I like the older ones too, No doubt I like sitting up high too but as I mentioned I originally wanted the car and the truck was just something to get me through my first year of college and I didn't even have any plans of modding it when I got it, then I found this site and I just started putting money into it, I'm just bored of it now and can't even make up my mind on what I want for it anymore and I keep seeing all these nice Vw's around lol, plus I just really like those cars so it makes sense to get rid of the truck since it's not 4x4. Also I can't afford a 4x4 truck, and I guess thje car will be a lot more economical too not to mention WAY more fun to drive IMO, but a b**** to work on lol.. Its been a damn good truck though and I would definitely get another one some day. Funny that you mention that about the last name, ha
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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sounds like me kinda, i always wanted a truck..but i figured it would stay stock till its paid off or till i was out of school.. i failed at that one, but good luck finding a nice car man.
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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Yeah thansk man, I did too haha... finding one yea, that will be the challenge lol. Since most of the mk3s are Pieces of shi* around here, I have found a couple nice ones on auto trader though so I know there out there, LOL. Plus it will be a really fun project to me, since I know a few people who already have Jettas/ gti's.
 
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Old 09-02-2009
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Well the ride quality didn't change on the Jeep, due to the fact that it never sees pavement. I don't even have a title to it lol. One other thing to look for after you install the spacers is the shocks. Make sure they aren't maxed out.
 
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Old 09-03-2009
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When I installed coil spacers on my truck. I cheated by not taking apart the entire suspension. I went to Kragen and rented a coil compressor similar to this:

(note that it has the hooks on both sides)

I then removed the front shocks, and then on the compressor I was able to remove one set of hooks (the side with the nut). I then took the 'rod' with the hooks still attached to it, and stuck it in from the bottom of the lower control arm. I then stuck the hooks onto the lowest part of the coil that I could attach it to and passed the 'rod' through the top of the coil bucket (using the shock hole). There I bolted on the nut and started to compress the coil. I kept compressing the coil up into the coil bucket until I had enough clearance to drop the spacers into the lower control arm. I then slowly decompressed the coil. Once that was complete, I went onto the other side.

This method is quick and saves the hassle of removing the suspension (although it is not much). It is also easier to align the coil spacer this way. This applies if your coil spacer is a 'horseshoe' shape like mine was, or if it goes under the coil. Good luck, if you have any questions let me know. Oh and you will need new shocks, or shock extenders and an alignment (I'm sure you were already aware of this ).
 
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Old 09-03-2009
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well when i did my 3 inch lift springs i didnt need to lengthen my brake lines so you shouldnt but dont hold me to that lol
 
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Old 09-03-2009
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Originally Posted by demiseranger
When I installed coil spacers on my truck. I cheated by not taking apart the entire suspension. I went to Kragen and rented a coil compressor similar to this:

(note that it has the hooks on both sides)

I then removed the front shocks, and then on the compressor I was able to remove one set of hooks (the side with the nut). I then took the 'rod' with the hooks still attached to it, and stuck it in from the bottom of the lower control arm. I then stuck the hooks onto the lowest part of the coil that I could attach it to and passed the 'rod' through the top of the coil bucket (using the shock hole). There I bolted on the nut and started to compress the coil. I kept compressing the coil up into the coil bucket until I had enough clearance to drop the spacers into the lower control arm. I then slowly decompressed the coil. Once that was complete, I went onto the other side.

This method is quick and saves the hassle of removing the suspension (although it is not much). It is also easier to align the coil spacer this way. This applies if your coil spacer is a 'horseshoe' shape like mine was, or if it goes under the coil. Good luck, if you have any questions let me know. Oh and you will need new shocks, or shock extenders and an alignment (I'm sure you were already aware of this ).
Thanks man I'll be sure to follow that when I do mine. Big help Yep my shocks were replaced 5k ago so I'm pretty sure there fine, and I will take it to the alignment shop right after! One more question regarding the coil spring compressor, would any place such as an auto parts store or something carry it? I can order one offline if i have to but that will save me a little but of time....
 
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Old 09-03-2009
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Yeah, any auto parts store (i.e. Kragen and Autozone) carries that coil compressor as a rental. Get shock extenders as well because you will top out your new shocks quicker.
 
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Old 09-03-2009
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Autozone would carry shock extenders to right?, this is starting to **** me off lol, but thanks!
 
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Old 09-04-2009
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Yep they carry shock extenders. It's the little things that get you, but you will be fine.
 
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Old 09-04-2009
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lol good to hear man, I got my shackles today, just waiting on the spacers then I'll make a trip to autozone, yea always
 
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Old 09-05-2009
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Spacers arrived, installing them Monday night most likely then ill order rims and sell it :( :)
 
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Old 09-05-2009
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my friend has a mk3 jetta vr6. You got any plans for it once you get it? Also to help you look for one to get or some mod ideas and help, you ever check out vwvortex.com?
 


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