Have there ever been any factory or aftermarket overload springs sold for Rangers? My dad's old F150 has them as a factory option and they are great. I was planning to put some Explorer leafs on but this would make for a better ride if available.

For those not familiar, these are not the same as helper springs or add-a-leafs. These sit on top of the spring pack and engage their own bump stops when the suspension is compressed about half way. When the back is empty they have no effect on spring rates.

 

Found a pic of what I'm asking about:

 

Pic didn't work.

 

I have the Timbren rubber springs installed: http://timbren.com/timbren-applicati...fs/FRR050A.pdf

 

Thanks, I've never even heard of that. How do you like them, and how much gap is there between the rubber and the axle?

Now if I do go with the explorer springs and remove my blocks, that should solve the problem of the factory bump stops being to short.

 

What do you mean by being to short? If you remove the block the bump stops will go untill they rest on the axle tube. So if by too short you mean you dont think you get enough suspension travel now then yes.

 

I have about one inch between the Timbren rubber aprings and the axle when unloaded. The heaviest load I've hauled is 1200lbs of landscape bricks - only a short distance. The suspension was compressed but not bottomed out and driving was normal. I also haul an atv and other gear a few times a year so the springs will be engaged then.

 

Well, my factory lift blocks have a tab that engages the bump stop that is about 2 inches above the axle. So if I remove them the axle will travel up 2 more inches before hitting the bump stop. I'm assuming thats bad or Ford wouldn't have bothered. Is that not right?

 

I think its bad because it allows the leaf spring to bend to far, somebody correct me if im wrong.