Rear end looks a little let down and saggy and an exhaust question

[Tedybear]

Quick questions for the group.

Put the ol' beast on the road today. We noted that the rear end seems to have quite the sag. Judging by the front tire clearance to the fender and the rear tire clearance to the fender. Looks like a couple inches of difference.

This does use that "Mono-Spring". One thick leaf spring on each side and that's it.

Now I've done the dance on our Bronco II with all new springs under it. I'd really rather not replace leaf springs again. (huge PITA) What would be some alternatives that can work? Leaf spring helpers? The coil over the shock for additional load leveling.. Maybe adding a mini "lift kit" for just the back end?

Looking for options. It runs and drives, Kinda gutless unless you drop your foot into it. Needs a tune up in a bad way....

Also we need to replace the flanges on the converter to pipe. The last owner managed to cobble in a couple of ladder clamps to hold it together. I'm surprised it's working as well as it is. Hillybilly 101 repair. Does anyone happen to know off hand what size flange repair kits will be needed?

Thanks!

S-

 

[Mike65]

Our 99 Sport had a rear spring sag & I replaced the rear shocks with the Monroe spring assist shocks & adjusted the torsion bars to level it out.

 

[J_C]

Problem with a lift kit for the rear is you don't get back the load handling. IMO your remaining options without touching the existing springs are only either air adjust shocks or the Gabriel or Monroe Coil-Overs.

 

[swshawaii]

Agree. Monroe 58617 coil overs are the under $100 pair bolt on solution if you don't want new leafs or AAL. Definitely
one of the most highly regarded suspension upgrades on EF. Monroe could easily charge double and they would still sell.

http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-58617-Sensa-Trac-Adjusting-Absorber/dp/B000C53RXK

 

[anti eloi]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/exp-13120


This is the most cost effective way to get some lift back.

I installed these and also used Bilstein HD shocks.

KYB gas-a-just are almost as good and a lot less expensive.

Try Rock Auto for KYBs and google for RockAuto 5% coupon code.

 

[alohamonte]

Why not replace the leaf springs? They run about $150 per side.

 

[Tedybear]

Why not replace the leaf springs? They run about $150 per side.

Trying not to open a can of worms. I did that repair on our Bronco II. Replacement of all 4 springs with ones from an explorer first generation. While the underside didn't have much for rust, the bolts where pretty well seized in the bushings and it took a few extra hours to remove them.


First time I can remember the ones from the donation truck in the salvage yard came out easier then the ones still in use.

S-

 

[chefduane]

+1 for the Monroe coilovers. Much better ride stance and handling didn't suffer in my case.

 

[Flash]

What I would do in your case is:

Spray the bolts with something decent (PB Blaster?) not WD40 over a couple of days to see if you can get the bolts out.
Replacing the leaf springs with multi leaf, especially multi leaf off an F150 is your best option.
If the bolts still don't move then look at your other options keeping in mind that with coil overs yet get new shocks too.

What I did was bolt in a pair of BMW M5 rear coil springs in between the leaf and the frame, kludgey but it worked.

 

[Tedybear]

What I would do in your case is:

Spray the bolts with something decent (PB Blaster?) not WD40 over a couple of days to see if you can get the bolts out.
Replacing the leaf springs with multi leaf, especially multi leaf off an F150 is your best option.
If the bolts still don't move then look at your other options keeping in mind that with coil overs yet get new shocks too.

What I did was bolt in a pair of BMW M5 rear coil springs in between the leaf and the frame, kludgey but it worked.

Kinky. I like it!

Actually I might just throw a helper spring under the mono leaf for the time being. Reason? Very limited funds are left. Or the coil overs, they seem to be a reasonable cost.

Next on the list would be the clock spring, and getting the speedo working. I suspect a broken wire at the speed sensor (The speedo jumps and works only when the drive train is at just the right angle. This would be on decel and accel.)

I still have to crawl back under it and verify the pigtail and check for the green goobersnot on the connectors.

I have to get the priority of the repairs set up. Decent tires, Likely speedo and clock spring. Engine need a tune up and I think something is going on causing a noise out of the exhaust manifold. Need to ID it and isolate that. And of course, fix the exhaust where the flange rotted out.

So yeah....This isn't over

 

[Flash]

Kinky. I like it!

That's what I did. Kludgey but it works and at no cost.
It's secure, doesn't rattle at all.

 

[Tedybear]

I take it that mod is done either ahead of the axle tube or just behind the axle tube?

Or does that sit square on top of the axle tube and an extra U-Bolt in place... Photo hints at just ahead or behind the tube...

 

[Flash]

I take it that mod is done either ahead of the axle tube or just behind the axle tube?

Or does that sit square on top of the axle tube and an extra U-Bolt in place... Photo hints at just ahead or behind the tube...

Just behind the axle.
Depends on how long your springs are.

 

[beach]

Agree. Monroe 58617 coil overs are the under $100 pair bolt on solution if you don't want new leafs or AAL. Definitely
one of the most highly regarded suspension upgrades on EF. Monroe could easily charge double and they would still sell.

http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-58617-Sensa-Trac-Adjusting-Absorber/dp/B000C53RXK

I've got them on the rear, granted with shackles and TT and 31s. But my truck didn't sag as bad vs others, but after the coil overs, about maybe half an inch lower on the rear left side vs right.

These shocks are awesome, I had the monroe adjustable air shocks before these, the Coil Overs are far better. Rear is so planted and controlled. I actually scored mine on Ebay for $125 for a pair and just checked amazon and on prime their $93 for a pair.

 

[Tedybear]

I've got them on the rear, granted with shackles and TT and 31s. But my truck didn't sag as bad vs others, but after the coil overs, about maybe half an inch lower on the rear left side vs right.

These shocks are awesome, I had the monroe adjustable air shocks before these, the Coil Overs are far better. Rear is so planted and controlled. I actually scored mine on Ebay for $125 for a pair and just checked amazon and on prime their $93 for a pair.

I'll add those to my list. Sounds odd to be talking about a sagging rear end. Almost "Kim Kardashian"....

(bad joke, long day)