Hi,
I just bought a 67 Ranchero that sat in a field for 18 years. I am just finishing the suspension with all new everything including springs, poly bushings and disk brakes. Then 5.0 efi with a C4 trans. I plan on towing a teardrop trailer (800#) and a small amount of camping gear.

My question - Would it be advisable to add overload springs or maybe air shocks? I never had a chance to drive it so I have no idea how much load they can handle.

Thanks,
Ken

 

Nominal 1000 lbs was the usual "limit" for those. Anything over 500lbs in the back is going to be an issue. Towing 800lbs would be no problem.

As for a hitch, find someone who knows what they are doing, as you'll basically be bolting it into sheet metal. And then there is that darn gas tank in the way....

I towed one of these (with not a lot in it) with a '65 Mustang and a hitch bolted into the floor of the trunk in front of and behind the gas tank.

http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/Eq....aspx?model=rv

I've probably been closer to death than that trip, but not much... Although it went without a problem I must say.

As for air shocks--no. Get good shocks that control the car.

Overloads? No. Size up how the rear suspension works. Smooth ride? Too smooth? Does it really sink with 400 lbs in there? (Invite several skinny or a couple fat friends over to stand in the back) What I did with that Mustang was to add a leaf. The old springs were flat at rest, and the new leaf gave me about 1.5-2 inches in the back, and put some arch in the springs. It rode much better after that, since it wasn't hitting the bump stops all the time.

What axle to do you have? Probably an 8" with a 3.25 ratio. You should consider an AOD as you'll be running a lot of revs on the freeway if you're geared that way.

 

Thanks 85e150six4mtod. That is exactly the info I was looking for. I did not even think about the rear axle ratio this did come with a 9", I will have count the turns.

Thanks again,
Ken

 

Reminds me of movie Goldfinger where crushed 62 Lincoln is put in 64 Ranchero ! With blood dripping out too
No sag, no drag, must have been 4500 lbs
hahahahha