1987 ranger long bed squatting without anything in the bed

[That_4.0_ranger]

hey so i was wondering if its normal for these older rangers to have a bit of a squat to them as they get up there in years because my new 87 has quite the squat to it but there is no weight in the bed. is this normal for these or do i need to replace my springs my 91 dose that to because the rear leafs are toast but i was wondering if thats the case here. also heres a pic of what i mean

 

[gaz]

That_4.0,

No, they should have some positive rake, the tail should be higher than the nose. I would definitely put some effort into those spring packs.

I would go to the yard and grab a set of 91-96 Explorer springs, then build new packs from the 2 sets. I would use the Explorer overload spring and add leaves until I had a positive rake of approximately 2".

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Just get new springs, they are not that expensive and much worth not having to deal with replacing bushings.

IMO for my std cab longbed regular Explorer springs are too much, the ride is pretty harsh without the fiberglass topper or camper in the back. It carries crap like a little ant though, it goes to level and I haven't gotten it to squat past level yet.

You should have lift blocks between the axle and spring, make sure someone down the line didn't delete them on you.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I moved your post over to the suspension forum...

I would also take a good look at the spring hangers and shackles... they're know to rust and collapse.

 

[sgtsandman]

If the hangers and shackles are still intact, I would look at replacing the springs. They do sag over time.

Since chances are good that you are going to have to cut bolts to replace whatever is wrong, it might be a good time to just replace hangers, shackles, and all.

The only thing I might leave alone are the front hangers. I haven seen much issue with them compared to the rear ones that catch all the spray from the tires. They do eventually go bad but since that fuel tank has to be dropped to change them, it’s better to leave that dog lay if they look ok.

 

[fastpakr]

Like @85_Ranger4x4, I've got Explorer springs in mine (from an '01 Sport Trac). After installation I removed my previous 1.5" lift blocks as well as the factory blocks, and there's still plenty of clearance for the 285/75-16's I'm using. They definitely fixed any sagging issues, but they're stronger than what the Ranger needs. At some point I'll look at options for softening things back up a bit.

 

[That_4.0_ranger]

i

I moved your post over to the suspension forum...

I would also take a good look at the spring hangers and shackles... they're know to rust and collapse.

went out and looked at the springs and they actully arch down because they are so worn out

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Your truck is burdened by a heavy soul. Guessing it is still carrying the sins of its 4.0.

Say 12 Hail Marys, and sit it down with a cup of tea. Sometimes they just need prayer and someone willing to listen.

 

[That_4.0_ranger]

Like @85_Ranger4x4, I've got Explorer springs in mine (from an '01 Sport Trac). After installation I removed my previous 1.5" lift blocks as well as the factory blocks, and there's still plenty of clearance for the 285/75-16's I'm using. They definitely fixed any sagging issues, but they're stronger than what the Ranger needs. At some point I'll look at options for softening things back up a bit.

View attachment 68841

well for what i do stiffer leafs will be perfect ill definitely look into that

 

[bobbywalter]

If you have explorer springs and it rides too hard. You need more tools.

 

[4x4prepper]

Bronco II and Rangers are known for weak rear springs. I put a 1.5" add a lift in my B2 and air shocks. Air shocks are only there for trailing towing and soften the ride a bit. I will probably put on some Explorer or FSB shocks, as FSB shocks worked well for me in the past.

 

[racsan]

I have single-leaf fiberglass springs, went with coil helpers so I would have better load capacity. rides a little rough completely empty but it aint that way often.

 

[That_4.0_ranger]

Bronco II and Rangers are known for weak rear springs. I put a 1.5" add a lift in my B2 and air shocks. Air shocks are only there for trailing towing and soften the ride a bit. I will probably put on some Explorer or FSB shocks, as FSB shocks worked well for me in the past.

i just yarded the 8.8 LS rear end out of my 91 or 90 parts truck idk the exact year but anyway im taking those springs and some of the 87s original pack and putting them together in hopes to build one tough set of leafs for the 87

 

[4x4prepper]

racsan, I like how the way the shocks are mounted, I never considered doing it that way on my B2, but, I am doing a 3" body lift, so, that looks a lot simpler the what I had planned.

 

[racsan]

the drivers side is mounted that way because the original bracket rusted & broke, I did that rather than put it back original. It works fine, did all that almost 4 years ago.