Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

dune suspension

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 25, 2014
  #1  
KyleChristenson's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: San Luis Obispo, CA
dune suspension

What components would I need for a better suspension for the dunes?

I have a 1992 Ranger 4.0
 
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2014
  #2  
cheese_man's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,126
Likes: 6
From: arthur
a front solid axle conversion is your best bet

the newer jeep wide body front axles are a near perfect fit for the rangers
 
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2014
  #3  
06FordFX4's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 694
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Uhm, solid axle for the dunes? No.


OP are you 2wd or 4wd
 
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2014
  #4  
RonD's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 30,635
Likes: 2,952
From: Vancouver, BC
Low tire pressure is best suspension for dunes

So carry a pressure gauge and portable compressor, I would start at 15psi and lower as you see fit, most tires require 6-8psi to remain seated on the rim, but a hard corner can still unseat a tire.


Low weight is also best, so 3,200lbs Ranger isn't best, lol
Unless you plan on lowering the weight the 4.0l isn't going to make you fly off any hills, so I don't think suspension travel will be an issue.

Problem with sand is it moves out of the way, so you sink or dig in, keep a steady speed.
Cornering with a front heavy vehicle(like a Ranger) is also an issue as the front will dip and dig in, keep your foot on the gas when turning, 2wd or 4wd, it can help lift front end.
Avoid braking, just let off the gas and you will slow down quite fast, braking builds up a mound of sand in front of each tire, when you start to take off again you may just dig a hole at each wheel, assuming Limited slip.

4 wheel independent suspension with limited slip or locker differentials would of course be best in any off-road environment
 
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2014
  #5  
06FordFX4's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 694
Likes: 2
From: Canada
4 wheel independent suspension with limited slip or locker differentials would of course be best in any off-road environment



LOL what?! No.
IFS and IRS is better in ANY offroad situation? Keep dreaming man. Wow.
 
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2014
  #6  
RonD's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 30,635
Likes: 2,952
From: Vancouver, BC
Interesting statement, I guess we each have our own opinion.

For simplicity, ease of repair and ground clearance, solid axle would be the best choice.

For ride, control and traction, independent wins the day


There are specific situations where solid axle is better and there are specific situations where independent is better, and if you are building a vehicle for only one of those situations then you pick the best for that.
But in general on and off road applications independent is the best choice.

In my opinion, of course.
In sand, independent would be best.
 

Last edited by RonD; Oct 26, 2014 at 03:45 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2014
  #7  
06FordFX4's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 694
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Yes. In sand independent is better.

But you said it was better for "all" offroading.
 
Reply
Old Oct 26, 2014
  #8  
RonD's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 30,635
Likes: 2,952
From: Vancouver, BC
OK, that was odd, and it was any not all, lol, semantics, but in any case I guess that's concluded
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2014
  #9  
06FordFX4's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 694
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Originally Posted by RonD
OK, that was odd, and it was any not all, lol, semantics, but in any case I guess that's concluded
Any, all, same ****.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2014
  #10  
BLK02's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 1
From: BC
Why bother bringing up independend rear susp at all? Its a ford ranger..

OP you might want to check out dezertrangers, will be more suited to you.
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2014
  #11  
06FordFX4's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 694
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Originally Posted by BLK02
Why bother bringing up independend rear susp at all? Its a ford ranger..

OP you might want to check out dezertrangers, will be more suited to you.
Because its RonD, that's why lol
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
safaripacific
OLD - Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
17
Sep 10, 2012 07:08 PM
01_ranger_4x4
Snapshots
23
Jun 7, 2011 08:26 PM
meangrean
Wheels & Tires Semi-Tech
3
Mar 25, 2011 07:58 PM
blackrainja08
Wheels & Tires Semi-Tech
1
Oct 1, 2006 04:56 PM
NP_Prerunner
Suspension Tech
17
Aug 6, 2004 08:31 AM




All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:48 PM.