My Low Buck Ranger Build

[Lonesome7.3]

This is more of a detail oriented build. I think the small things I do woll pay off more than a bunch of flashy mods.

I have done other things as well. I turned the frotn rotors, replaced the calipers and pads, and now it stops great. The bed liner did nto fit right. I found out the hold downs were not installed propperly. So now it fits great. Half of the bulbs in the gage cluster were nurned out. A bunch of stuff like that.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I tackled the rear leaf springs on my one day off. I spenthalf the day in a salvage yard looking for an Explore that already had the rearend pulled so it would be easier. Rightwhen I was about to call it, I found the perfect candidate. I gave the counterman $40. But, I got a lot of other miscellaneous stuff as well. So I am notsure what I have in the springs. I can say I have less than $65 total ineverything I needed to left the truck though. That does not include worn out suspensionparts I had to replace anyway.

Okay, I stated with aset of good looking springs out of a later model Explorer. As you can see theyare taller and have one more leaf than the Ranger spring packs. I need thatextra leaf. If I throw more than three bags of feed in the back of the truck itsags. The stock packs were too soft, sat too low, and were too soft. Plus, the bushingswere worn out and it squeaked on every single damn bump. No matter how small.

The first thing I had to do was reverse the center pin to aspring under configuration. I just happen to have the perfect bolts for thejob. I use 2.9 head bolts whenever I need a new center pin. I usually use themon one ton springs so I was not sure if they would work on these. They did work great just like the othertimes. The round head fits in the alignment hole on the spring perch and theshank fits the holes in the leaves. I had to use a stone bit to clean up theburrs in the spring perch so the head would fit. And I used a drill bit to dothe same in the leaves. I did not drill out the holes, just cleaned them up fora smooth fit. I leave the bolts long in case I want to add something later. I used a step bit to drill out the alignmentplate that sits on top of the packs. I drilled just enough for the bolt to fit snugglyand keep everything with in speck.

I inspected the leaves and did not find any cracks or deformities.The bushing are a bit worn but not worn out. When I do the rear end swap I willa new set. I used the Ranger shackle because the Explorer used a differentconfiguration.

The Explorer packs actually gave it more lift that Ithought. I am not complaining, I think it turned out great. I should have noissue installing the 31 inch tires and hauling feed and supplies now.

Ride report is next.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Ride report

The first thing I noticed is the springiness from the frontlift has been reduced a lot. I am guessing the rear is now applying leverage on the front so it calmed down the bounce. The whole truck feels stiffer now. Buthat is to be expected. It feels better I think. The previous suspension was just too soft. All in all the truck rides great and handles fine. I have not hauled anything yet, but I can already feel a big difference. So I suspect it will handle about 10bags of feed without much of an issue.

Next I hope to address the rims.

 

[01f1502wd]

I noticed on my truck when I swapped the block lift with lift leafs and added a few to level it out, and a trailer/some sort of payload the ride was stiffer but seemed more controlable than with the blocks. custom leaf packs FTW!

Did that model ranger come with leaf over or leaf under setup from the factory?

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Maybe later models did. I am nto well verses on Ranger past 93.

 

[Zembonez]

You could run 33s with that much clearance.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Nah, I like to have some clearance between the fender and tire. Plus, I do not want to oush the components any further with larger tires. 31's are only a couple of inches bigger. SO I think they would be fine and lower my RPMs on the interstate just enough.

 

[Zembonez]

Yeah. I was just saying you should not have any clearance issues. 31s should be plenty of tire for that truck.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I did not think about it until you mentioned it. But I think you are correct. I think 33s will fit. I am looking forward to getting them on. My tirs are so bad I cannot get traction semi wet roads.

 

[Zembonez]

If you go too big, you'll start wearing out suspension and steering parts and get really shitty mileage.