Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Junkyard spring options

Old Oct 8, 2011
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Junkyard spring options

So my new to me ranger rides nice and sporty in the front, but it is unnecessarily stiff in the rear. I know from my s-10 days that the 4wd springs were a little softer but more progressive.

Is this true for the rangers as well? What years can I pull from? I see the newer rangers sitting nice and high stock with 3-4 leaf packs. All I can think is that must ride nice.

Right now I have stock springs with 2in blocks, if possibly I would like to replace the blocks with bigger springs but deavers are not an option right now.

Thanks in advance,
Travis
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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Some people ditch the blocks and put in Expo leaves. They give 2 inches of lift. They aren't softer though, they ride stiffer.

If you want a softer ride maybe upgrade to the softest Ranger leafs. Not sure the codes but you can check door panels if you find out what to look for.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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Well where it sits the rear bounces over ever little crack and never compresses unless a big bump is hit.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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your ride is typical of most rangers...my 03 FX4 rear end is on the stiff side too
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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It's not on the stiff side it almostfeels like it's seized. I did notice that the stock springs almost sit on the load spring. If I jump in the bed the most movement I can get is about an inch, and I'm a big boy. I guess I'll save for some deavers...
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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Sounds like your springs are just plain shot. Go to the JY and find yourself a nice set that have some umph in them. Maybe look at newer Rangers?
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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look for a ranger with C code leafs
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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I was looking at newer stx and I like their height. How do I tell if they a c rated? Also do the 4wd and 2wd have different spring rates.

I would post pics but I'm unable to load from my phone. Photobuckets in a min.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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look on the cert. label in the door jamb and if you see a letter C under the susp. code then it has C leafs
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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Depending on packages you get different springs. If you look at the Ranger door sticker there should be a spot there it says "Spring A3" or "Spring 1C" The first character is the front spring code, the second is the rear spring code.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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Originally Posted by Masteratarms93
"Spring 1C" .
hey thats my spring code lol
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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So I'm looking for a 1c? Is that the softest? How are they rated?
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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C is the stiffest leaf pack and the 1 doesnt concern you because you dont have torsien bars
 
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Old Oct 8, 2011
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So what is the softest? I never carry loads. At most one dirtbike. So load capacity is not a big deal.

Would removing the load leaf be ok until I find a new pack? Or can I flip the load leaf so it's curved the other way?
 
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Old Oct 9, 2011
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Originally Posted by djfllmn
hey thats my spring code lol
All FX4s are 1C lol. A3 is mine.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2011
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Originally Posted by Masteratarms93
All FX4s are 1C lol. A3 is mine.
ah but im only an off-road not a lvl2 lol..unless all fx4 off roads got 1C lol
 
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Old Oct 9, 2011
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My spring codes are F E.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2011
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Second letter is your rear spring.
For the softest ride, go to your local junkyard and find a 2wd ranger. Take said springs.
theres about a billion different springs that came in rangers, (not really, just 15 or so over the years) the 2wd springs will give you a soft ride (that available) and still be able to hold some weight.
However, i'd recommend looking into new shocks also if you want a softer ride, springs are pretty much universal for ride quality, its only a matter of payload.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2011
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Originally Posted by djfllmn
ah but im only an off-road not a lvl2 lol..unless all fx4 off roads got 1C lol
Yup. ALL FX4s. Level I and II.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2011
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Originally Posted by Masteratarms93
Yup. ALL FX4s. Level I and II.
ok lol...thanks
 
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