need advice about ranger rear suspension

Post by **zip ties** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 1:24 pm

Hey my name is dave and this is my first post! I know and have met some of you through flava puff cralwers jeep build, and because Tsmall's truck is parked in my front yard. I need some advice about fixing the rear spring/lift block set up I have on my truck. I have an 84 ranger long bed with 2.5" factory blocks, 2" lift blocks, (one broken), stock springs(1.5" arch with empty bed) and stock shackles. I would like to put explorer springs, with belltech 6400 shackles and get rid of both blocks. My questions are: 1) will the springs and shackles give me approx the same lift I currently have +/-1" ? 2) will the flex be approx the same? 3) explorer springs seem to come in 2 flavors, 1st 3 leafs with 1 over load or 2nd 4 leafs, all arched with no over load spring, which should I use? 4) how cheep can this all be done for? I am also willing to cut up the spring packs and make a set of 4-5 leaf spring spring packs to achieve the desired ride height. Thanks for any advice you can toss my way.

Post by **Steinberg** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:08 pm

dejavu... did you make this same post on TRS recently?

Post by **Steinberg** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:16 pm

to answer your question... the 6400's will make up about 1.5" of lift. if you really want to ditch all the blocks, you'd more than likely have to frankenstein a thick leaf pack together to come out even. if you want to throw a stock explorer pack in there, count on keeping the factory blocks.

a third option would be to flip over your shackle hanger on the frame. it requires some cutting and welding to the shackle hanger to make it work, but it will drop the pivot some 4" to give you another 2" of actual lift. by this time your pinion angle will be way off and will need some shims to bring the pinion back down.

Post by **zip ties** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:00 pm

yep, that was me. I think I will go with the shackles and expolorer leafs. Do you have any recomendations on 3 or 4 leaf spring pack? or does it not matter. Thanks for your advice.

Post by **Steinberg** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 3:05 pm

not sure on that one. most likely the 4-leaf is rated for more load (possibly came in exploders w/ tow package?), and the 3-leaf pack might flex better, but I'm just speculating. given the choice, I'd go for the 3-leaf for a wheeler.