98 Ranger ride height problem.
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98 Ranger ride height problem.
I am new to the world of truck modifing, but would like as much help with my problem as possible.
My, 98 Ford Ranger ext cab 2wd, does not sit level on flat ground. The rear of the truck is a couple inches lower in overall ride height (from ground to inner fender) than the front. This is a problem that I would like to fix if at all possible with the least amount of time and money. Everything is stock at this point but am open to changing that.
I am not sure if it is a problem with my shocks not being fully extended anymore. Or is it a problem with my leaf springs not being able to hold up the constant weight (constent 300ish pounds in bed of truck)? Should I replace my leaf springs? Should I add more leafs to the current leaf springs? Should I just invest in a lift kit for the rear axle?
Any help, suggestions, or tips would be great. Thanks!
My, 98 Ford Ranger ext cab 2wd, does not sit level on flat ground. The rear of the truck is a couple inches lower in overall ride height (from ground to inner fender) than the front. This is a problem that I would like to fix if at all possible with the least amount of time and money. Everything is stock at this point but am open to changing that.
I am not sure if it is a problem with my shocks not being fully extended anymore. Or is it a problem with my leaf springs not being able to hold up the constant weight (constent 300ish pounds in bed of truck)? Should I replace my leaf springs? Should I add more leafs to the current leaf springs? Should I just invest in a lift kit for the rear axle?
Any help, suggestions, or tips would be great. Thanks!
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I have tools and tool boxes and a canopy over the bed, so maybe only 200 pounds give or take. But I have always had about that much weight in it and only in the last year or so have I been noticing the rear of the truck getting lower. What is the fix for this?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: So. Cal.
Examine all your rear spring related components. The springs could be sacked-out, or there could be broken parts. Some users also have reported that various parts have completely rusted through. Check frame mounts for damage/rust also. 300 lbs. shouldn't be enough to cause the rear to sag.
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reddog99,
Thanks for the advise. I just finished checking everything out that I could get to underneath and around the rear springs and axle and frame. I am no mechanic but I did not notice any cracks in any of the hardware and I did not see any rust or rusted out components.
Is there an easy/cheap way to lift the rear end to compensate for the sag in the back?? Or would it entail replacing the rear suspension??
Thanks.
Thanks for the advise. I just finished checking everything out that I could get to underneath and around the rear springs and axle and frame. I am no mechanic but I did not notice any cracks in any of the hardware and I did not see any rust or rusted out components.
Is there an easy/cheap way to lift the rear end to compensate for the sag in the back?? Or would it entail replacing the rear suspension??
Thanks.
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Alex from GA,
Thank you for the suggestion. I will look into adding a spring to my exsiting ones. Besides longer u-bolts is there any other parts I may need to replace? I would like to save myself a trip back and forth from the parts store and/or junk yard if I can. Thanks for the help!
Thank you for the suggestion. I will look into adding a spring to my exsiting ones. Besides longer u-bolts is there any other parts I may need to replace? I would like to save myself a trip back and forth from the parts store and/or junk yard if I can. Thanks for the help!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Gainesville, GA
I can't think of anything else you'll need. Look at your existing u-bolts and if they have about 3/8" of thread below the springs you won't need new ones. I added 2 springs to my big Ford to hold a slide-in camper a bunch of years ago and they worked great. When I removed the camper a few years ago I took out the added springs with no problem.
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Alex from GA,
Cool. I measured my u-bolts and I have about 1 1/2" of thread sticking out past the current nut. From my calculations this should be enough for one or two springs per side. Good to know they are easy to remove, however, I probably won't worry about removing them. I am just looking to lift the rear end to level out the truck overall, and then leave it. Thanks for everything!
Rags,
Perfect, good to know. I will look at getting a longer one (for each side). Thanks!!
Cool. I measured my u-bolts and I have about 1 1/2" of thread sticking out past the current nut. From my calculations this should be enough for one or two springs per side. Good to know they are easy to remove, however, I probably won't worry about removing them. I am just looking to lift the rear end to level out the truck overall, and then leave it. Thanks for everything!
Rags,
Perfect, good to know. I will look at getting a longer one (for each side). Thanks!!
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