I don't care if it lifts, it, 3 inches or less would be fine if it does (actually, would be nice if it did 3 inches). I'm mostly looking for a stronger leaf spring (and the right shock combo) so I can tow with my truck without worrying as much. Normally I tow a 1500lb car with a 1000lb trailer, but sometimes I end up towing a 3200lb car with a 1500lb trailer.

So yeah, I'm mostly wondering what is the best way to set my rear suspension up for this?

 

Chevy springs...I believe 63 inchers. 4700lbs must be pretty harsh with a 5spd though. That's like double its stock tow rating.

 

I hope he knows how to install those chevy leaf springs..when he could just get helper leafs...

 

you have to drill holez in ur framez ( in your frame)

 

blah yall...just throwing an idea out there. jeeze.

 

We weren't hatin.

Chevy springs are

I should prolly use them when I throw my RCD on..?

 

its all good.

 

I'd get helper air bags if I were to do it again. Load the trailer, add air to level, hit the road. No ride quality issues involved.

 

thats true ^^, if you get chevy springs your ride is going to get stiffer as they are made for a full size truck.

 

Actually a 4.0 ranger with 4x4 has a tow rating of approx 6000lbs (5,820
lbs is what it states) but that's including an automatic transmission and a 3.73 axle ratio. I'm not 100% on how strong the 5spd is, hell, I'm not even 10% sure, but my saving grace will hopefully be my stock clutch. The 4.10s wont hurt either.

Stock Clutch is more of a fuse for a stock transmission. The clutch should slip before the tranny brakes if Ford set it up correctly. Obviously you can still beat on the transmission and break it with a stock clutch, but driven correctly you should be able to keep the tranny going for awhile.

I did this same type of pulling with the same car/trailer setup, only on my 93 Explorer 4.0 5spd. I kept it out of 5th gear on the highway, kept my power mods to it at a min. and always had 91 octane in it (lower power + smoother running = happier engine/drivetrain). When I sold the truck the input shaft was a little loose, it would benefit from a repair but the guy has been driving it with zero problems thus far (Ford Tech who is a friend of mine). So I'm hoping the tranny they used in the 5spd explorers is approx. the same tranny they have in my ranger, best case it would be stronger because they developed the technology further, but that's just wishful thinking.

Crappy camera phone pictures, but this was a fun drive! I didn't have time to wire in a brake controller so I was forced to plug along on the interstate without trailer brakes. I only boiled the fluid once! However I will never, EVER do that again.



Actually, that's a fantastic idea! Do you have any suggestions on where to get some of these or what brand to go with?

 

http://www.airliftcompany.com/ride_control.html

 

or add a new mount for air shocks...

 

i dont know where you're from... but if you were so compelled, i have a (pair) national 9-leaf pack with bushings & hangers i'm willing to sell.

9 leaf compared to the stock 4 (?). They'll probably give you a little lift, too.

The other ideas sound solid too.