Truck is an 01' XLT rwd, 2.3L

I think my front coil springs are on the way out... they prolly have 140k miles on them , and when I looked at them the previous owner put these knuckle things in them which when I searched are called coil spring boosters... there are two in between the coils on the passenger side and one on the driver side. They appear to be metal.


Would it be wise to just get the same OEM springs on rock auto for $60 or get some type of taller springs?

If getting taller springs would I need to get new shocks? I replaced all the shocks last year, so they are fine. I'd prefer not to have to redo all suspension stuff...etc.

Just wondering what one would recommend. I am not looking for a lift but leveling it out in the front would be ok in my book... just not sure which springs specifically people recommend?

Saw these:
1.5in Leveling Coil Springs Lift Kit for Ford Ranger / Bronco / Explorer (Non 4L Engine) [9264-4] | Rough Country Suspension Systems®

But doesn't state 01' Ranger at all... and can't seem to find any...

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

At 140k miles I would imagine your stock springs have sagged a little.. or maybe a lot. If it were me I would just get stock coils, especially since you just changed out your shocks. Usually you would need new shocks if getting lift coils, or leveling spacers, etc.

 

^X2^

You will need new shocks if you get lift coils and/or spacers. You will get some lift by putting in stock springs because yours have sagged after 140k. But the lift wont be much.

 

Got pictures of the spacers:

See below.



So I found two Moog springs on rock auto: Specs appear to be identical with the exception of two things. Ride height and Load as depicted below.

This one saying for an extended cab and single cab:
MOOG Part # 80664 http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...nid=601&jpid=0

Free Height - Inches 15.53
Load - lbs 1722.00



This one is saying for an extended cab:
MOOG Part # 80662 http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...nid=601&jpid=1

Free Height - Inches 15.92
Load - lbs 1941.00


So based on that I would imagine that both will fit. Though the difference isn't much in height would the 2nd ones be a better choice for a little bit of a lift... but it would be a harsher ride?


Thanks much,
-Nigel

 

The stiffer springs for the extended cab are different load rating to account for the extra weight of the cab. Both will fit and the extended cab springs will give you a little more lift. It will ride rougher though, so that is your call. The stiffer springs will also sag less over time compared to the softer springs.

Personally I have a torsion bar ranger and can not give first hand experience to how much rougher the ride is. I imagine it is similar to cranking the torsion bars though, its a rougher ride but you get some lift. Personally, I like the stiffer ride, especially off road. Similar to the bilsteins I put on my truck. Some guys say they ride too rough, some guys live by them. I really think this is going to be personal preference for you and not a "which is better" kind of scenario.

 

I think I am going to get the stiffer springs honestly. I have used the RAMATT sound proofing stuff in my single cab... over 100+ lbs of it, so it might actually wash out via the stiffer springs.. and not be nearly as bad as if I didn't have that extra weight in the cab..

Do you recommend new spring insulators for both top and bottom? By that picture I posted it doesn't even freaking look like I have them on the bottom!

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

I'm not that familiar with coils for rangers, so I'll let someone else chime in about the new spring insulators.

If it were my truck I would get the stiffer springs. It's a truck, its not going to ride like a Cadillac in the first place. I rather have stiffer springs and not worry about having to haul things. I think you will be happier and more confident with the stiffer springs.

A popular "upgrade" for us torsion bar guys is upgrading our torsion bars to the #1 bars, which is essentially the same thing as putting on stiffer springs on your truck.

 

theres no spring insulators on the bottom, just the top, im currently not running any due to they were about gone when i lifted

 

Good to know!
I wasn't sure since rock auto had both top and bottom insulators. Would there be any benefit to adding bottom insulators or would it be better to just get new top ones and no bottom insulators?

Also from looking at doing the install it's pretty straight forward. I remove the shock, and can probably just undo the bolt to the upper control arm and lower the entire spindle out of the way then be able to slowly pull the spring out.

Thanks again,
-Nigel

 

chain it up don't need it popping out at you

 

I was going to rent the spring compressors at advanced and use them. I think my front springs are definitely saggy now. When I changed out my wheels and had the front end jacked up, the bottom of the fender was almost 34" off the ground, now after a couple days it's down to like 32" with those stupid spacers in the coils... The ride isn't bad, but I'm sure they probably do need replacing. Should be interesting to see if I gain some height or ride quality improves.

I take it too that an alignment would be needed after the springs just for safe measures?

Fun fun!

-Nigel

 

Yup, you are going to need an alignment after any suspension work. You're going to want those new tires wearing evenly!