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Rear Leaf Questions

mkd8919

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June 2, 2014
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City, State
Nebraska
Year, Model & Trim Level
1993 Explorer XLT 4x4
I’m looking for some advice on how to proceed with the rear springs on my explorer. A while back I looked underneath and noticed on the driver’s side, the back half of the 2nd leaf broke off and is no longer there. Both the driver’s and passenger springs are very rusty. The shackles are also very rusty. The passenger side shackle has rusted through on one side where the shackle and frame meet. Despite the broken leaf, I have not noticed any sag, either left to right or front to rear. I haven’t had any problems that seem like they would be caused by the spring either. However, I’d like to replace my springs and shackles, if only for peace of mind. I plan on towing a small motorcycle trailer sometime in the future and I would be nervous to do it on a broken spring and rusted through shackle.

Right now my explorer is basically stock. It spends 99% of it’s time on pavement. My door spring code is N U. I believe it had the factory tow package; it has the factory tow wiring, and the D4 rear end. I haven’t had any plans to do a lift, but I was planning on going with slightly larger tires in the future, and anything that helps overall performance is welcome. I would like to at least retain the same functionally it had stock, so at least the same carrying capacity.

I’ve been looking through the forum and it seems most members recommendations are to pull springs from the junkyard, ideally from a low mile explorer. From what I’ve seen, most people recommend cutting them out with a recip saw to save time. My concern at this point is I have yet to see a low miles explorer in my local junkyard. Most seem to be 200,000+ miles. They are also already jacked up and on stands, so there is no way to tell if the springs are sagging or not. Does anyone have any advice on finding a good set of springs at the junkyard? I don’t currently own a cordless recip saw. Would it be worth it just for this job? Also, is there a list or guide of which years/ models used the same size springs? Is there a cross reference of spring codes between years? I tried searching the forum but I didn’t feel like I found the answers I needed.

Thanks!
 



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The rear leaves from a 91-2001 4dr should bolt right in. That being said, you (should) be able to find the lowest-mile 2nd Gen you can and pull the springs from it. I'm sure someone else will say if that isn't the case. Good luck with it!
 






There's a lot here but I'll hit the highlights:

I would be nervous to do it on a broken spring and rusted through shackle.

So would I. I would replace leafs, shackles, u-bolts and leaf spring eye bushings. While you're in there, take the opportunity to clean up the rust on the frame, prime, paint.

I’ve been looking through the forum and it seems most members recommendations are to pull springs from the junkyard, ideally from a low mile explorer.

I would not. Those recommendations might be pretty old. A lot of Ex's in yards have been sitting in the mud and grass a long time and their leafs are in poor condition. I would get a new leaf pack.

I would not mess with a reciprocating saw to cut out old leafs.

Also, is there a list or guide of which years/ models used the same size springs? Is there a cross reference of spring codes between years? I tried searching the forum but I didn’t feel like I found the answers I needed.

Thanks!

There are no "spring codes" that I know of, but you need to avoid 2nd gen Sport (2-door) springs as they are the infamous 'monoleaf' spring pack. Contrary to popular belief, *ALL* 1st gens had the same leaf pack, whether 4-door or 2-door.

Your axle code D4 is 3.72 limited slip. That's an ok gear ratio, for tires up to 30 inch. 31's will be a little doggy with that ratio but do-able. I ran 3.27's with 31's so ask me how I know.

Of course we know 91-94 leafs will fit. I'm unsure about 95-01 but it's likely they would also fit. Just avoid 95-01 Sport monoleafs...

When I get home tonight...I have a good list of spring providers and I will give you some links and stuff. When I do that I will post info about upgrading to larger u-bolts also.

Yes I am at work and in a hurry. Don't tell anyone
 






All right...so new springs:
http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/products/Ford_Explorer_Leaf_Spring_Rear_HD-1281-37.html

ARB / Old Man Emu 2" lift spring:
http://store.arbusa.com/Old-Man-Emu-Leaf-Spring-CS042R-P20999.aspx
sold thru
http://www.4wheelparts.com/

Other custom spring places:
https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/
http://www.deaverspring.com/
http://customsuspension.com/
http://www.jamesduff.com/
http://www.springsnthings.com/

Bushings:

Prothane sells a supposedly complete bushing set:
http://www.amazon.com/Prothane-6-2019-Total-1991-1994-Explorer/dp/compatibility-chart/B000GVLI90

Energy Suspension supposedly sells a complete set also:
Energy Suspension Part# 4.18102G

LMC Truck has lots of spring hardware for rear leafs
http://www.lmctruck.com/index.htm

That's all I have. Good luck with whatever you decide.
 






Rhett gave great advice. I agree.

Rhett thanks for the spring supplier links!!! Despite SOA, my springs still sag and it drives me crazy.

Ruffstuff.com have parts as well!!!
 






Rhett gave great advice. I agree.

Rhett thanks for the spring supplier links!!! Despite SOA, my springs still sag and it drives me crazy.

Ruffstuff.com have parts as well!!!


Oops! I mentioned the u-bolt upgrade in my first post, and I forgot to post the info! It is RuffStuff.com and they sell 5/8" diameter u-bolts (3.25" x 10 x 5/8) which is an upgrade from the OEM 1/2" diameter u-bolts.

The only trick is you would have to drill out your spring plate/shock perch.

i'm gonna start a thread on that since I can't find what I need and I need some advice on drilling the plates.
 






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