I have a 99 ranger xlt ext. cab, 4x4, 4.0 that I noticed was starting to droop in the back. I decided to replace the rear shocks as it has aprox. 230,00 miles on it and as far as I know still original shocks. When I got underneath and was looking at the rear springs I noticed the middle spring was broken this is a 2/1 spring and upon looking at the other side that middle spring was also broken. My question is would it be ok to just replace the middle springs instead of the whole spring assembly? I don't haul any heavy loads with it but I do pull a small boat once in a while. The spring code is 1K which I think relates to ford F37Z5560A or F37A5560BB

 

Anyone any ideas?

 

It is the springs job to support the weight of the truck. The shock just dampens the movement. Those springs are over 20 years old. I think chances are pretty good that if you took all the time to drop the axle and replace the middle leaf it wouldn't last long. Especially if you're towing anything. Ide spend the extra hundred bucks and put on a new set. Your call

 

Now the next question would you have to support the frame and the rear axel separately in order to replace the whole spring assembly?

 

I would support the frame separately and use another support for removal and installation of the new springs. This allows you to have better control during the installation.

 

Well I finally got the old springs out and the new springs & shackles replaced but now before I torque all the bolts to specks from what I understand you should have the box back on so as to represent the normal weight on the frame when you do the final tighting of the bolts. Does anyone have a idea what the approximate weight of a 6' styleside bow would weigh? I thought I would use 40# cement blocks on a boards to represent the weight of the box when I tighten up the bolts. I might also add that it is a 1999 ranger ext. cab 4x4, 4.0 engine and 126 wheelbase.