hey guys and gals

its looking like i need to replace my leaf springs so i was wondering if i could get some input and ideas on what to replace them with

i have a 98 4x4 and im wanting to turn it in to more of a pre-runner/Baja truck and would like to stay away from cutting up my bed if possible but still want that aggressive suspension all with out spending alot of money .

so my question is what can i replace the springs with for a pre-runner susp. with out cutting my bed
but if its really worth it i may put a lil bed cage in and what should i use in that case?

Thank you very much
-Andy

 

1983-2009 Ford Ranger Cantilever Rear Suspension - Long Travel Suspensions - Dixon Bros Racing

 

in Colorado?

 

youd save in the long run just cutting up your bed and putting a bedcage...check for some used shocks and deavers online

 

Search deavers

 

Deaver F-31 is the new prerunner pack. the older pack was called f-23s if i am not mistaken. the race pack is g50.

i have f31's that were rearched and added an 8th leaf to the packs. rides nice..
run a camburg or similar shackle, and a kartec drop shackle hanger and it will all fit under the bed and allow use of all the travel(about 12" is realisticly what you will see)
do NOT use the factory shock mounts, ha they dont like offroad abuse... snapped the mount off on my truck. you can run about a 8" shock under the bed and be good to go if u cycle it

 

cant you use chevy springs? thought i saw that somewhere. i might be wrong though

 

yea the 64" springs and you just relocate the front spring hanger more forward since they are longer

 

yes i live in colorado but my uncle and i go down to the dunes and hang out with team stroble motor-sports
plus i want to be able to play around with my dad in his buggy




im thinking might as well go with deavers and cut my bed a lil and make my own bed-cage so that i can still keep my seats in the bed of my truck.

 

what do you mean cycle it?

and how would you suggest mounting the shocks?

 

i would monut the shocks off the spring plate(see dixon bros website)

and by cycle it, fully bump the suspension(compressed to the bump stop) and fully droop it out. find an angle the the shocks will smoothly flow in and out and not want to catch on the seals inside the shock.

^^ does not have to be perfect or exact. but to get the most out of the suspension its worth it.

 

to do this set up what all would i need?

 

flip the shackles get chevy leafs and built a small shock hoop for some longer shock and there will be minimal bed cutting

 

could you possibly post a pic for an example for the hoop?

 

That cantilever is $1500 and $800 for the shocks. It's expensive but it is the wa to go if u want 18" of rear travel and have all the bed space. Or get the Deaver f31 for $550 and some rear shocks and u can jump ur truck with just that but don't expect much. But if u want good control and smooth ride at high speeds get the cantilever or get a bedcage (which u can get made for 300) with leafs and shocks.

 

well im getting my exp springs tomorrow!