Explorer Springs into 1954 F100
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: FL
Explorer Springs into 1954 F100
I've read a bunch of threads on here about using the Explorer springs on the 48-56 F-1/F-100 trucks. I've also read about using Ranger spring hangars.
A few questions:
What years Explorer springs?
What years Ranger hangars?
Why not use Ranger springs & hangars??
I believe this will require relocating the spring hangars - Any other major surgery associated with this swap?
A few questions:
What years Explorer springs?
What years Ranger hangars?
Why not use Ranger springs & hangars??
I believe this will require relocating the spring hangars - Any other major surgery associated with this swap?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,580
Likes: 29
From: in a barn
I used ranger hangers on my truck #2 build, I believe I have the years listed with the pictures in the build thread.
Springs have different center points and lengths, so not every spring will work for every application.
I am using Dakota springs and hangers on my truck #1 build and S10 springs with ranger hangers on my truck #2 build, lots of pics in the build threads.
Here is a link to a site with the info for many springs, makes it easy to figure out the differences in size, eye style, and load capacity.
F1 F2 F3 Leaf Spring Replacement, 1948-1952 Ford Pickup Leaf Springs
Springs have different center points and lengths, so not every spring will work for every application.
I am using Dakota springs and hangers on my truck #1 build and S10 springs with ranger hangers on my truck #2 build, lots of pics in the build threads.
Here is a link to a site with the info for many springs, makes it easy to figure out the differences in size, eye style, and load capacity.
F1 F2 F3 Leaf Spring Replacement, 1948-1952 Ford Pickup Leaf Springs
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I also used 90 Dodge D-50 (Dakota) springs and hangers on my 49 F-1. IMHO, they are better than Explorer because they come from a pickup and you don't lose load carrying capacity. They are also pretty close to the same length as the original springs. They were not hard to adapt to the Ford frame...
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 949
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From: Metro Detroit-MI
I just did a little research on the Exp and Ranger springs (I didnt want anythng but Ford parts on my truck)
I did brand new ranger springs, shackles, front and rear spring mounts, axle/ubolt plates,and u bolts for fairly cheap (considering everything was new)
Springs $65 each plus shipping was $180 (junk yard wanted $75 each for used)
shackels 20 each
front hangers 55 pair
rear hangers 20 each
axle plates 40 shipped.
I will need to fab up some lower shock mounts after I install the axle so i didnt get the plates with the shock mounts on them.
Everything I bought was brand new/reproduced parts, so no rust or junky beat up worn out parts and it was actually cheaper than going to the scrap yard plus i didnt have to leave my house.
Here is my thread, there is some useful info on the bottom of the last page
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-51-f1-3.html
part numbers are Dorman 722-010, 722-011, 722-019 for mounts and hardware plus the link to the springs from SD spring (IIRC)
I did brand new ranger springs, shackles, front and rear spring mounts, axle/ubolt plates,and u bolts for fairly cheap (considering everything was new)
Springs $65 each plus shipping was $180 (junk yard wanted $75 each for used)
shackels 20 each
front hangers 55 pair
rear hangers 20 each
axle plates 40 shipped.
I will need to fab up some lower shock mounts after I install the axle so i didnt get the plates with the shock mounts on them.
Everything I bought was brand new/reproduced parts, so no rust or junky beat up worn out parts and it was actually cheaper than going to the scrap yard plus i didnt have to leave my house.
Here is my thread, there is some useful info on the bottom of the last page
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-51-f1-3.html
part numbers are Dorman 722-010, 722-011, 722-019 for mounts and hardware plus the link to the springs from SD spring (IIRC)
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 949
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From: Metro Detroit-MI
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Cargo Master
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From: in a barn
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 949
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From: Metro Detroit-MI
Seriously, your info helped a ton. I cant imagine ordering/installing stock replacement springs and bushings/pins, for the cost of swapping the exp/ranger components its a no-brainer unless you are retaining a stock truck
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
Explorer springs were rated higher than the 1/4 ton Ranger springs. By swapping in the Explorer springs into a Ranger, you get about a 1.5-2" lift, and they fit right in. So essentially they are the same, only thicker. AS new, the Explorer springs are a lot more expensive.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 949
Likes: 0
From: Metro Detroit-MI
Droptop70ss found me a link to where Ranger spings were $65 each plus shipping (which wasnt bad)
Actually, both ranger spings shipped were cheaper than any single explorer sping I could find and pretty close to what the scrap yards wanted
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