Lowering '97 with 5.0 swap

JackLima · Sep 18, 2016

I want my '97 to sit about 3/4" lower than stock. What would be the best way to do this? I'm not sure if I should do dream beams in the front or just do some lowering springs. As for the rear end, I've got the stock 7.5" rear end in it right now(probably only holding up because it doesn't have near enough tire on it). I have the 8.8(3.73, lim slip, disk brakes) out of the explorer I used for parts and I've got the leaf springs for it too. If I just put it on as it is, how much drop would I get? Should I put the Ranger springs on explorer axle? Some other combination(want it fairly cheap, but if it'll work better, so be it)

That might be confusing, I want my truck 3/4" lower. What's the best solution for achieving that while swapping to an axle that is already spring under.

don4331 · Sep 19, 2016

JackLima:

I'm assuming you wanting 3" front, 4" rear not just 0.75"?

For 3" front, dream beams in front would be my recommendation; cutting coils for that much drop would result in very stiff ride, and probably result in alignment issues. Putting Explorer axle in back (over springs) makes about a 4.75" difference (3.25" axle tube, 1.5" spring pack). Explorer springs have a 1/2" more arch than the Ranger ones, so would get you very close to 4"... DJM's solution is 2" longer rear shackles which results in axle moving down 0.75" as axle is a little ahead of center of spring.

If you're only wanting 0.75" cutting front coil and removing 'overload' spring would be my recommendation.

Hagan · Sep 25, 2016

don4331 said:
JackLima:

I'm assuming you wanting 3" front, 4" rear not just 0.75"?

For 3" front, dream beams in front would be my recommendation; cutting coils for that much drop would result in very stiff ride, and probably result in alignment issues. Putting Explorer axle in back (over springs) makes about a 4.75" difference (3.25" axle tube, 1.5" spring pack). Explorer springs have a 1/2" more arch than the Ranger ones, so would get you very close to 4"... DJM's solution is 2" longer rear shackles which results in axle moving down 0.75" as axle is a little ahead of center of spring.

If you're only wanting 0.75" cutting front coil and removing 'overload' spring would be my recommendation.

I'm considering buying another Ranger for a DD. I want it to be lowered though.

If I did dream beams up from, Explorer axle in back with spring under axle would it be too low? <-Need a C notch?

Lowering '97 with 5.0 swap

JackLima

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don4331

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Hagan

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