Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Help with leaf springs

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Old 09-06-2010
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Help with leaf springs

So my leaf springs are pretty flat. I'd like to replace them, and also get rid of the stock 2.5inch block. I've read around and I guess Explorer leafs get around 1.5-2 inches? 1.5 inches would be perfect because I also bought leveling coils for the front.
1. Does anyone have any recommendations or any other ideas of how I can get 1.5 to 2 inches lift in the rear without a block?
2. I would also like the ride to not get any more rough than it already is. Will Explorer leafs make it ride any softer?
Thanks!
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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Explorer leaf springs will net 2” of lift. You can also use Belltech 6400 shackles for 1.5” or 2” of lift depending on what hole you use (they are adjustable). I don’t know if Explorer leaf springs will give a better ride, but I’m sure it won’t be worse.
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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what's your budget like?
you can get a set of superlift or skyjacker 4" lift springs that would ride very smooth. Then you could remove the 2.5" block and still get 1.5" of lift :) btw Skyjacker springs ride pretty good.....
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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Those 4" springs come with a block? Or do they use the stock block?
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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Originally Posted by Bobburt444
Those 4" springs come with a block? Or do they use the stock block?
They don't come with a lift block. You don't have to use one though.
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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Do they assume/expect those who buy 4" leaf springs to use the stock block?
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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Originally Posted by Bobburt444
Do they assume/expect those who buy 4" leaf springs to use the stock block?
No, it's not needed unless you want more lift. They also make 6" lift leaf springs if you want more height though.
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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So if I get something like this Skyjacker Suspensions FR34 - Skyjacker Softride Lift Leaf Springs - Overview - SummitRacing.com I can just use these without the block and get the mentioned 1.5"? If I want 4", I would use the blocks?
 
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Technically they do provide 4” of lift since they are 4” lift leaf springs. However, if you take out the 2.5” lift block then you will only actually gain 1.5” of lift. So, yes, you are correct. You would need to retain the 2.5” lift block to gain 4” of lift.

Like I said earlier, you can also get a 6” lift leaf spring. Then if you removed the 2.5” lift block you would gain 3.5” of lift.
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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Awesome, thanks! What about this chevy leaf spring thing I keep reading about? I haven't found a great deal of information about it.
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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63” Chevy leaf springs will lift a Ranger 2.5” to 3”. However, you have to move the front hangers about 6” forward.
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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Originally Posted by Bobburt444
Awesome, thanks! What about this chevy leaf spring thing I keep reading about? I haven't found a great deal of information about it.
TRS Magazine - Chevy Leaf Spring Swap

done
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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Your simplest and overall cheapest option would be to go with the skyjacker 4" leaf springs. The 4 inches isn't quite accurate. I installed the 6" springs on my truck and saw close to 8 inches of lift at first. they have since sagged to about 7 inches. So for you the 4 inch should get you right where you want it. They also have the pinion angle built into the bottom leaf so it will angle the axle for you.

I looked up the SKYFR34S on 4wheelparts they have them on sale for $365 a pair. there is a very good chance you can get those installed for $350 out the door. they will need new ubolts too so make sure to mention that. If you don't have the tools or the know how to do one fo the other swaps then this will be the better option.
 

Last edited by HarryTasker; 09-06-2010 at 08:37 PM.
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Old 09-06-2010
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Originally Posted by wellcom2knoxvile
Thanks!


Originally Posted by HarryTasker
Your simplest and overall cheapest option would be to go with the skyjacker 4" leaf springs. The 4 inches isn't quite accurate. I installed the 6" springs on my truck and saw close to 8 inches of lift at first. they have since sagged to about 7 inches. So for you the 4 inch should get you right where you want it. They also have the pinion angle built into the bottom leaf so it will angle the axle for you.

I looked up the SKYFR34S on 4wheelparts they have them on sale for $365 a pair. there is a very good chance you can get those installed for $350 out the door. they will need new ubolts too so make sure to mention that. If you don't have the tools or the know how to do one fo the other swaps then this will be the better option.
Installing them myself wouldn't be a problem. I'm still trying to figure out if Explorer leafs would just be the best way to go, but I'm not sure how they would ride. I'm positive the skyjackers would ride the best, but they're kinda pricey.
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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I'd go with the Skyjacker leaf springs, I love mine.
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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get the expo leafs. they will ride very nice, and if you need more lift get the belltech shackles... getting new skyjackers is expensive and they wont be broken in, IMO a waste of money for the performance you can get with expo leafs.
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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Originally Posted by wellcom2knoxvile
get the expo leafs. they will ride very nice, and if you need more lift get the belltech shackles... getting new skyjackers is expensive and they wont be broken in, IMO a waste of money for the performance you can get with expo leafs.
Where can I find information about all the different explorer leaf codes?
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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you dont need any info.. go to the pick in pull yard up in lynnwood, and get a set from a 4 door expo with 4 wheel drive for 11 bucks per side.. thats all you need to know!
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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oh ok, cool haha. Lynnwood, that's pretty far from where I'm at. The closest yard is actually enumclaw for me.
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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where are you in seattle? there is another pull apart yard in tacoma
 
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Old 09-06-2010
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I'm actually about 15 miles southeast of Seattle. Seattle is just the nearest, most recognizable city haha.
 
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Old 09-07-2010
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ok, like i said, there is a pull a part yard down in tacoma, not to far from you, there will have expos, call them first tho!

Tacoma
2416 112th St. S.
Lakewood, WA 98499
Phone: 253-588-1775

Pull A Part - Self Service Auto Recycler and Used Car Parts
 
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Old 09-07-2010
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Is there a difference between Sport Trac leafs and Explorer leafs?
 
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Old 09-08-2010
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idk, doenst matter, there are like 500x100 wrecked expos in junkyards around washington, thats all you need! haha
 
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Old 09-15-2010
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what year models of explorer springs will fit on a 2001 ranger?

nevermind i found the answer
 

Last edited by ag3ntelit3; 09-15-2010 at 10:20 PM. Reason: found solution
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