Original Poster: wvcat
Disclaimer: Activities and vehicle modifications appearing or described at The Ranger Station and it’s pages may be potentially dangerous. We do not endorse any such activity for others or recommend it to any particular person – we simply describe the experiences and opinions of other Ranger/Bronco II owners. If you choose to engage in these activities it is by your own free will and at your own risk. Any and all modifications will likely cause a vehicle to behave differently than stock. Some modifications may significantly increase your risk when driving the vehicle or be dangerous in some driving situations. Use good judgment when engaging in any activity or making any modifications. Do not take unwise risks. Consult a certified professional if you are not sure of something. The Ranger Station and the authors of these articles assume no liability for how any particular individual chooses to use the information presented here. Some of these modifications may void your vehicles warranty. Please also read our Legal notice HERE.
Since I was doing these I thought I would Submit a how to.
Parts:
First off the parts. I bought these kits off eBay. At 43.95 a side its way cheaper than Ford and includes the bolts. Even though they are made in China (and I’m pro American) the Ford ones are definitely junk! Both sides shipped to my door was $102.25, and I had them the next day.
Amazon:
The damage, after the shackle was removed.
You will have to jack the frame up to relieve spring tension.
Optional tool- Sawzall! It makes life a little easier by getting the extra rusty metal out of the way.
Grind the heads off the rivets.
Use a chisel to remove the remaining bracket material.
Grind the rivets flush with the frame and punch them out with a punch.
Next I took the grinder with a soft disk and cleaned the area and sprayed some paint on the frame to try and protect it a little.
The easy part, just bolt it on. FYI- when tightening any suspension bushing always do so with the weight on the suspension.
For some reason Ford decided to give you 2 nuts instead of rivets on the drivers side, I have seen this on all the trucks I have worked on.
