Since I got my '03 FX4 I've noticed it has a little lean to the passenger side, opposite of the typical Ranger lean. I got underneath and did some measuring. The front is perfectly level, but the rear is where the difference is. I narrowed it down to a 3/4" difference between the top of the leaf spring and the bottom of the frame between the drivers and passenger side, the passenger side being the lower. The spring hangers are in perfect condition as are the spring bushings. I've known the previous owner of this truck since it was new and it has never been wrecked or abused. The truck drives and rides fine and responds normally to the "bounce" test (pushing down on the bumper and rebounding) The shocks are fine but that doesn't really make a difference in this situation.

Anyway, just wondering where is a good place to buy a replacement spring pack from. I'd rather just get a new one instead of a junkyard part. Also, does anyone know what code or part number the factory leaf pack is and if there is a difference between the FX4 (level 1) springs as opposed to any other 4x4 Ranger.

It's really not a huge deal but the difference is noticeable when you look at the truck from the rear and I would like to get it fixed.

 

AFter some searching, I came up with this Ford part number...3L5Z5560SA $145 for the assembly from Ford Parts Network. Does that seem like a decent price?

 

Not a bad price for new, but you will want to make sure it is the same spring rate as what you currently have. That way you don't have mismatched leaf springs.

 

I wonder what the stock rate is? That part number is for a factory replacement pack so I assume it would be the same. The guy had asked for my VIN so I assume he matched it. I'm not sure which digit in the VIN relates to suspension though. I definately want to get the right part.

 

The identification tag on the inside of the driver’s side door will tell you what spring code you have. It is either K or C.

 

Thanks!

Guess Ill throw a plug in here...I've ordered lots of parts from Ford Parts Network. Great place, they are quick with answering Emails, and have decent prices on OEM Ford parts. I'll probably get my spring pack from them since it will be a Ford part and not a knockoff.

 

Truck has a "K" spring code. Was looking online at used ones just to see what was out there and it appears that 4x2 and 4x4 have the same spring. Is that right or should I specifically search for a 4x4 version?

 

rangers have a lean as its. its pretty common. i understand the wanting of new springs, but before you drop the bills on it, research the ranger lean.

 

nah, thats right man! 4x4 rangers only added a 2.5" lift block to the mix to give you the extra height. the springs themselves should be the same.

 

Car-part.com says this about your year leafs:

(gasoline), (code), thru 11/02, C
(gasoline), (code), thru 11/02, K
(gasoline), (code), thru 11/02, 3
(gasoline), (code), from 12/02, C
(gasoline), (code), from 12/02, K
(gasoline), (code), from 12/02, 3


Yeah.......good luck with that.

 

Actually I solved the problem. I swapped in new shocks and after a drive, the truck leveled right up, within a 1/4" from side to side. I think one of the original rear shocks was stuck. They were in really crappy shape.

 

That's good.