Coil-Overs
CMAX, please do not post in all caps- its as if you are yelling.
Sorry about the CAPS guys.
I am currently working on this coil-over conversion as well. I recently was off-roading at Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Michigan. The last day I was driving through some moguls and I came up to one big one. Let’s just say the front suspension didn’t handle it to well!!! First, both of the SuperLift front shocks are shot. Second, SuperLift bump stops are all bent up. Lastly, the driver side CV slipped out of the differential cone.
After a little digging around this is what I have found to be the problem. The SuperLift shocks from the 4” Lift Kit do not have the required amount of travel if you have applied a Torsion Bar Twist up front and a warrior shackle lift in the rear.
Here are the specs on the SuperLift shocks from the 4” Lift Kit:
Front Shock: Part #:85331/Ext. Length=20.91”/Col. Length=14.91”/O.D.=2.38”/Mounts: S1 & BP7
Rear Shock: Part #:85146/Ext. Length=26.07”/Col. Length=15.57”/O.D.=2.38”/Mounts: BP8 & EB1
Initially, I planed to upgrade the front torsion bars to a V8 spring rate code of 1 or 2. Then use a longer travel shock from SuperLift.
Here are those specs on the longer travel SuperLift Shocks:
Front Shock: Part #:85290/Ext. Length=24.67”/Col. Length=14.79”/O.D.=2.38”/Mounts: S1 & BP7
Rear Shock: Part #:85151/Ext. Length=30.07”/Col. Length=17.70”/O.D.=2.38”/Mounts: BP8 & EB1
***Note: Rear Mounts are not the same, just take out mount BP8 from old shocks***
Instead, I decided to go with the coil-over conversion because I really hate the torsion bars while off-roading. They do not look good and they just get in the way. First, I got in touch with the guys at RCD and obtained all the info for the 1998-2002 Ford Ranger 5” suspension lift. I have a pdf instruction manual and brochure with all the part numbers if any of you guys need it I will be happy to email it to you. Here is the list of the parts I got from them:
Part#: 20-52498-9
Description: Upper Front Shock Mount
Qty: 2
Price: $38.34ea. $76.68 tot.
Part#: 20-52498-11
Description: Lower Shock Mount, Drvr.
Qty: 1
Price: $41.25ea.
Part#: 20-52498-12
Description: Lower Shock Mount, Pass.
Qty: 1
Price: $41.25ea.
Part#: 20-69319
Description: Hardware Pack Containing: (Shock Mount)
Qty: 1
Price: $40.89ea.
The total was $208.99 shipped.
Just like the rest of you I am stuck on the coil-over shocks/springs. I have looked at Bilstein, FOA, King, and Fox. Bilstein’s cost too much and have no travel like boominxplorer says. Fox looks like the way to go.
Choices are:
The 2.0x6.5 shock from Fox:
Shock Travel: 6.50"
Extended Length: 19.35"
Collasped Length: 12.85"
Shaft size is: 5/8"
Fox Part #: 980-99-001A
Maybe??????
The 2.0x8.5 shock from Fox:
Shock Travel: 8.50"
Extended Length: 23.35"
Collapsed Length: 14.85"
Shaft size is: 5/8"
Fox Part #: 980-99-002A
The 2.0x6.5 has been used on tha704mafia X with a 12” coil of spring rates ranging from 600-800lbs depending upon V6 or V8 models.
I am looking into using the 2.0x8.5 with two coils because it has the extra travel to compensate for the torsion twist. The main spring is on the bottom and once it coil binds the top tender spring will take over. My problem is calculating the dual spring rates. I have tried using the FOA calculator, but it’s a little confusing. One I am estimating the sprung weight of my 2-Door X. Second, does the combination of two shorter springs having higher spring rates give a lower spring rate? (I ask because the FOA calculator is giving me around 1500lb/in main and 1000lb/in tender which results in a 600lb/in spring rate total) is this right??
My last worry is will the second coil spring clear the top shock mount? Any suggestions?
New bump stops and limit straps will limit the travel from over extending my CV’s again. Maybe custom CV’s in the future……..
CMAX