94 2wd V8 Swap, need some guidance on springs

[NBraun]

Alrighty, I have a 94 2wd that I put 1.5" Rough country leveling springs, as well as swapped in an explorer 8.8, and used the explorer springs. I want to be able to run 31" tires without it looking too lifted. However, I found that with the 1.5" springs it didn't lift it at all, and that's going from the tired 4cyl springs that were in there. I tried to fit f150 springs in there, but they would not fit, not to mention that were extremely stiff. I'm assuming the best option here is to put in spacers on the front springs, but figured I'd ask if there was a better spring option I'm overlooking.

The other issue is running the explorer springs. It seems these are WAY too stiff. This was my first axle/spring swap. I went from the 4cyl monoleaf which handle like a couch to this, which I can't seem to drive straight on a gravel road it's so stiff. It looks like the only other swap would be a 64" springs and i've heard those are also very stiff. Is there a spring that i'm overlooking here too?

 

[franklin2]

Good thing you got little to no lift from the springs. You have the twin-I-beam front suspension. You cannot lift it or lower very much at all without getting into alignment problems. You may be able to get by with a spacer or spring that lifts it up to 1.5 inches, but that will be with the most extreme balljoint eccentric alignment bushing you can buy.

Just take a jack and a measuring tape. Measure the bumper height, and then put the jack under the frame in the front and lift the frame the amount you want to lift the truck. Then get back and look at the front tires. They will be out at the top, tucked in at the bottom. This is what the alignment guy has to deal with. He only has so much adjustment.

 

[SenorNoob]

Explorer springs shouldn't be that bad. Is it a regular cab short bed truck with the bed empty? I know mine is much smoother with a little weight in the bed. It's why I keep heavy a toolbox bolted in.

Just a thought, but are your shocks limiting your up travel?

 

[19Walt93]

I put the stiffest stock springs listed for a 93 Ranger in mine, figuring they'd hold up the 351 OK. It came with dropped I beams and I kept them rather than buy stock beams, the rear axle housing is on top of the springs now and it sits pretty level with the slightly longer shackles. It rides pretty good for a 3/4 ton but it doesn't bother me.