So today was the first time I have even heard about coil over conversion on RBVs. I got so excited I joined and read through all the threads on the site, and finally got to the end of one and found out ORW doesn't offer the kit anymore!!!! I have all the fab skills and tools to make brackets, but the document I found on here didn't have complete detail. I know the hole position can be modified a bit, but I would like to build the brackets before I tore everything all apart, as its my daily driver. The info I found is a great help, but not complete. From what I can find, the brackets weren't patented, and the specs are public domain. Does anyone have a set of brackets off of their vehicle they could take measurements from? I am planning on doing this, but can't have much vehicle downtime. Also, there was no drawing for the lower coilover mount? I will draw up a detailed print of this on pro/engineer and put it back in this thread if I could get the info.Thanks for reading and helping out.

Mark

Edit: forgot more info! going on a 05 4wd 4.0 ranger xlt with t-bars cranked to the max, shackles on back, and a 1 inch bl

 

Here is a very rough drawing of the coil-over conversion brackets that you might find useful. The original drawing was done by someone else, but I redrew them to include more specifications. It's the best I've seen.

 

Thanks for posting, I had seen that previously. There isn't enough information there to draw up an accurate drawing though without angles. When that was drawn, did you draw the angles correctly?

 

It's not drawn to scale, but the measurements are correct. You don't need angles if you make them to the measurements provided. I could make up a new drawing that includes angles and is drawn to scale, but since you have the program you can too. Keep in mind, they don't have to made exactly the same, you have some room to be creative.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I understand there is some creativity allowed, I was just trying to draw something that worked for everyone. From my drafting experience, getting the piece to be fundamentally correct, correct angles are needed. I wouldn't be having such a hard time if I was at my dad's shop to pull off a wheel and see what I am fabricating. I was just hoping someone had specs or the pieces laying in their garage. If you had angles available that would be great. I would put it into a full print that could be brought to a shop if the tools were not available. Seems like the hardest part for most people going into a project on a daily driver is having all the information before getting started-me included. Thanks again.

Mark

 

I don’t understand the problem. The rectangular pieces are 90* angles. And, where the pieces are welded together are 90* angles. The only angles that are actually important are the welded ones. The rest can be made at whatever angle you want. If you have the measurements you can figure out the angles. I don’t have them either, but with measurements the lines will only go together one way, which will give you the angle. Sure it will take more time to figure out, but it’s your only option. Nobody has a more detailed drawing.

Here is an example of the finished product:





Here is a picture showing why most of the angles aren’t important:

 

KLC, honestly it's one of those things where its hard to "imagine what you need to do" until you actually do it once, then it makes all sense.

But with both the beginning diagram and the later picture I think he could figure it out. What may help him is to buy the coilover and create the bracketry. then he can create the op bracketry(seems to be the easy one to make), put the coilover in place in the coil bucket. Then make the bottom bracket pieces, "mock set them up in place", tack weld, pull em off and weld them completely. Then when the bottoms have been built correctly he can bolt it all up from the bottom.

Just a question for anyone, is it possible to modify the coilover top and bottom "connections" yourself?

 

Aaron, you are right, which is why I included pictures. I figured a visual aid would clear up any confusion.

The most important part is drilling the holes and welding the pieces together, which I would definitely mock up on the vehicle.

What do you mean "connections"? I'm sure I could answer your question, but I don't understand what is being asked.

 

When you buy the coilover I guess ORW modifies either the top or bottom "connections"(eyelets, bolt holes, whatever) on the coilover so they're able to bolt into the brackets?

 

Oh, they just include spacers so that the coil-over fits snugly in the mount when tightened. Otherwise, they would slide back and forth on the bolt.

 

oh hmm, that doesn't sound special at all lol.

 

I think after looking at the orw install pics https://www.ranger-forums.com/f101/o...4/index11.html I have decided I will just buy the coilovers and build the brackets as I go. Seems this would be the best way to avoid clearance problems rather than just build then try. Thanks for all the info.

I have about 70,000 on my 2005, suppose I should just get new tie rod ends and such since I am in there.

 

This picture cleared everything up for me.

 

See, that's what I was saying. You can see by the picture you posted how different those brackets are from what I used. There is a lot of room to be creative. The design is always the same, but most of the actual angles and lengths can differ. Like I said, the only angles that matter are the welded ones, which are all 90*.

If you want me to I will sit down and draw up a design for you to use that is a cross between what I used and ORW offered. I will make it to scale so that all you will have to do is print it out and trace it on the material.

 

That would be great, I am sure others would appreciate that also, I can't be the only one who still wants to do a coil-over upgrade. I could save a lot of work and put them into cad software and use the cnc plasma cutter at school. Thanks for all the help

 

Okay, I've got a rough design drawn on paper for most of the pieces. I will clean up the design and lay it out on a few sheets and get it posted up later this week.

 

this would be so easy to make on my own lol....bracket wise...

 

If the brackets are so easy to make, then why will no company make them and sell them? RCD sounds like they are trying to avoid liability, and ORW says they had differences in vehicle models. I know I can make them myself, but some help from someone who has done it before will save a lot of time..

Like I said, after I get a design made, I will put up a cad drawing that can be taken to a shop for people who don't have fabrication ability. I, like most of us, wish there was more suspension options for RBVs available.

 

Make them and ill get a set. But I'd like you to try em out first, need to make sure they're quality :)

 

Don't forget the (weld on) gussets for the upper hoop while you're at it.. Might as well since they're just simple straight pieces..

SUBSCRIBED!



GB :)

 

id honestly be down to try and make a set for someone... if someone made some actual to scale drawings it'd make iit alot easier.

not trying to like rip people off or brag, but really the principles simple and i have the tools...so id be down to try.

 

I plan on SASing. Was about to buy 4.88 diff but guy hasn't gottne back to me recently. I'd prefer the reliability of solid axle.


*edit* ive been going back and forth between coilovers and SAS

 

I would love to have a SAS, but don't have the ability for the down time, or the money to do it right. Maybe when this vehicle is retired from daily driver status.


I am sick of how rough the torsion bar system is-and my front shocks are shot anyways. Coil overs seem like the way to go for what I am looking for. I have as much lift as I need for 285s, and I don't think the front end can handle much more size reliably. Coil overs are relatively simple, and relatively inexpensive for the ride comfort and adjustability.

Now I just have to order the coil overs and get working.

 

They're actually pretty damn expensive dude. But none the less, they have been said to be a nice improvement. If you make the brackets correctly you should seriously make yourself an extra ten sets. Box em up at whatever price you want(ORW was maybe 120$/set?) and you will have a steady market over time for them. I don't think the liability issue matters though, just post pictures on r-f of your welds so you get the general consensus from welders that they look quality.

 

Yeah when I get mine figured out, I can just get a sheet of 1/4 steel and run a bunch through the cnc plasma in the machine shop at the school. I would imagine most people who would want these would have access to a welder? Maybe could just cut them and send them out not welded? I have a nice welder, and a friend who is a certified welder could also weld.