1999 Sport Springs question

[qjdb]

I have a 1999 Sport, and I have a problem / question.

Well, let me show you a picture:

As you can see, I have one leaf spring, the same on each side.

Is this something that is normal? Or is this something that I should be getting replace right away, and I am insane if I drive it farther than is necessary to get it to the nearest Shock and muffler place?

Here is a close up:

To me, it looks like the other older springs were replaced with small chunks of metal, sort of like spacers.

Again, is this normal, or was the previous owner insane? I have been pulling a pop up tent trailer around, as well as a utility trailer, and not really noticing how much it drops, etc.

Help me out here, oh gurus of the Explorer.

 

[RangerX]

Totally normal. You could swap in a full pack from a 4-door if you wanted.

 

[qjdb]

OK, so then the tow rating that is in all those charts is still valid, then? (4.1 axle, V6, etc)

 

[Gator Jeff]

OK, so then the tow rating that is in all those charts is still valid, then? (4.1 axle, V6, etc)

Yup. But if you plan to tow anything near that rating, get an auxiliary transmission cooler with auxiliary filter and temperature gauge. Lots of threads on here explaining this.

And, if you are towing that much, you definitely should get 4-door leaf packs. What you are seeing are the spacers so that everything else relative to the axle and body stay the same. A lot of people have done this swap including myself and highly recommend it. There's plenty of threads here discussing how to do it.

Considering that your spring plates look a lot like mine do, be prepared to have a tough time getting the lower shock mounting bolt free. An impact wrench is the best thing, but otherwise get a 1/2" breaker bar and soak the bolts with PB Blaster at least a day before the swap. While you're at it, you may want to get new shackles as well. They tend to rust out and they're only about $40/pair. Again though, the bolts will be tough.

 

[Ritsui]

OK, so then the tow rating that is in all those charts is still valid

It's what Ford printed, but I wouldn't necessarily use the term "valid". Just from driving experience in the first year I had my Sport, I wouldn't have towed half what the chart says with the mono-leaf springs. Like so many others here, I replaced them with full leaf packs. To add to what Jeff posted above, you can use springs from any 1995 to 2002 Explorer or Mountaineer or buy them new.

Just search the forums for "monoleaf" and you'll find tons of info.

 

[qjdb]

Yeah, I saw those leaf-swapping threads, that's what got me to look under my truck in the first place I just put the thread in the modified section, because I thought that it might have BEEN a modification.

Thanks everyone. My tent trailer is only (max) 2000 lbs, and I didn't notice any problems the last time I went, but I am doing a longer trip in the beginning of July, and just wanted to be prepared.

I will very probably do the swap later, but right now, the $ is going towards the trip.

 

[Gator Jeff]

My tent trailer is only (max) 2000 lbs, and I didn't notice any problems the last time I went, but I am doing a longer trip in the beginning of July, and just wanted to be prepared.

I will very probably do the swap later, but right now, the $ is going towards the trip.

Transmission problems aren't always noticible until it's too late. Unless you have a gauge, the first sign may be 4 Neutral gears.

Understand the $$$ situation. I'd prioritize getting at least a temperature guage for your transmission before the trip if you're towing that trailer. Even the Great White North can get warm in July. We'd hate to see you spend next year's vacation $$$ on a long tow and a new transmission.