Tired & sagging leaf springs

[MDub]

My 99 Ranger has lost the arch in the rear springs. I've hauled a fair amount of stuff and after 150,000 miles now the rear springs are flat. The overload spring is the only thing keeping the springs from inverting.

Anyone else have this problem?

What would be better - new spring packs or getting the current packs re-arched? Any reccomendations for new packs. Any junk yard finds that would match up?

Thanks for any feedback.
Mike

 

[Tbars4]

...I would suggest an AAL (Add A Leaf)...These are designed to help support a heavy load where your stock springs are really not...

...Do a search on here for AAL.....You just add it to your existing leaf pack...

 

[Scott B.]

I would replace the entire spring pack. An add-a-leaf is just as much work to install (or perhaps more) and won't last much longer than a year. (Sorry Ted, personal experience.)

Re-arching would help, but again, only for a limited time.

 

[Tbars4]

...For only $39 bucks for both, my AAL holds loads everyday and it wheels great...(My experience)...:

...But I totally agree on the re-arching...Not worth the time or money..:thumbdwn:...Their is also the "Coilover for Loads"...I have an old thread or notes on them somewhere here...They may suit the purpose of hauling oversize loads everyday..

 

[Riceman]

Get "new" springs from a junkyard. Get the newest/lowest mileage 4-leaf (3 with an overload) springs you can find. If that isn't enough, then get an AAL.

 

[MDub]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. In regards to the AAL - do you have to disassemble the whole pack or can you leave the main leaf connected to the front eye and rear shackle, and just mix in the AAL and re-assemble with a new center pin and U-bolts?

What would a fair price from a shop be to get this done (just labor)?

As far as economy I know the AAL would be the cheapest. I'm not hauling overweight loads, just frequent small loads. Usually 300lbs or so and rarely if ever more than 700lbs (hauling drums and P.A. equipment).

My mail concern is that since the springs are already flat (the overload spring is always in contact with the other springs, even when empty) will the AAL be over-stressed and fail quickly? I would like to keep using my Ranger for at least another 4-5 years.

Any ideas where to get a new pack from. I'm a bit weary about going with a JY pack because I think I'll be in the same situation before too long. Unless there is a heavy duty replacement from another model (like how S-10 springs can be swapped onto a jeep XJ).

Thanks again!!!

 

[rwenzing]

Unless there is a heavy duty replacement from another model (like how S-10 springs can be swapped onto a jeep XJ).

Thanks again!!!

Check the door jamb label on late model junkyard Rangers. Look in the box marked SPG, SPRG or something like that to find the "spring code". It will be a number for the front spring followed by a letter for the rear spring pack OR 2 numbers followed by 2 letters on Rangers made in the last 5 years.

What you want is the code for the heaviest optional spring pack which will include the letter "C" or letters "CC". These springs are specified for many 4x4s and for the optional higher payload package on some models. Get the newest/cleanest/lowest odometer set you can find and you will be golden. It'll probably cost in the neighborhood of $75~100 for the pair.

 

[MDub]

Awesome, I think I'll try to find a JY score, maybe something that's been in a front end collision with low miles hopefully.

One last question, Can springs from an 8.8 rear end go on the 7.5 rear end that I have??

 

[Scott B.]

One last question, Can springs from an 8.8 rear end go on the 7.5 rear end that I have??

Yes.

To be sure, measure the width of the leaves.

In case you don't know, it is recommended to not reuse u-bolts.

 

[BSlusser]

What about F-150 leaf packs? Don't those restore factory ride height with a tad bit of stiffness?

 

[rwenzing]

What about F-150 leaf packs?

Too long to fit the stock mounts on a Ranger.