I'm trying to figure out where to get some replacement front springs for my 93 ranger. I talked to a local auto parts place here, they said they could get a pair of "Heavy Duty" springs for about $90. Which got me to wondering...

What all do I need to know about springs? Is there some sort of specs I should be looking for?

I'm sure like most things, you get what you pay for - prob is, I don't know squat about springs...

 

Basically what truck/engine combo do you have. The front springs for a standard cab with the 2.3 2wd will be considerably weaker/lighter than springs for a 4.0 ext cab 4x4, which will be much more "heavy duty".

Are you looking at improving the stance of your truck? like lift/level? or are you looking at just getting back to the way stock was?

Once you decide on a spring, installation usually isnt that fun. Depending on how much rust the truck has on it, and if its 2x4 or 4x4. The main problem i had when doing mine was the main nut that holds the spring onto the axle was completely rusted. I was able to turn it a little bit but it stripped off withint a matter of min and it was a long process to get it off, involving tools such as a torch, dremel tool, cheater pipes, etc. Best bet is to soak the stud down and get a toothbrush size wire brush in there and brush the rust off. the nut will come off much easier that way.

Did they say what the HD springs were for? If you have a 4.0 ext cab 4x4 i'd probably go with the HD springs. I guess it depends on what part store and how they do their inventory. If they just list springs for the ranger, and they have standard and HD, the standard is probably for the reg cab and the HD is probably for the EXT CAb. anyway, good luck let me know if you need anything.

 

Truck is 93 Ranger 2.3l M5OD 2WD std cab

Just trying to get it back to stock condition... getting a lot of front wheel hop on road bumps... occasionally enough to scare me! Shocks are about a year old... might gonna need something better than the cheap shocks I slapped in there!

 

Yeah, if you get some decent shocks that would probably help. They wont replace worn out springs though, even the best shocks. What part store did you go to? I just dont know if the HD springs will lift you up too much or what. Just beware of that.

 

Looks like some oem springs are about $55 - $65 each. I'll call the stealership and find out their price as well...

Any reccomendations on shocks? Street use only, completely stock truck... Not looking to spend a fortune here...

 

The stealership wanted $205 for the pair... I got them for less than half locally here...

Now to pick some decent shocks, and see how much of a job THIS turns out to be...

 

If its just a street truck then i would go with the middle of the road shock. About $30-40/shock or more. I ordered some Skyjacker shocks from summit racing and they are actually nice for being an "off road" shock. It was interesting because most of the other shocks i've bought want to expand all the time, the skyjackers would stay where you put them. Kinda interesting. Just dont get the $11 dollar specials whatever you do!

 

I got a pair of KYB Gas-a-just shocks to install when I put in the springs...