chopper35nj Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 I have been reading... and reading etc. etc and haven't been able to find what I am looking for. So, here's the question, has anybody here installed '86 to '03 Ford Ranger or '91 to '94 Ford explorer springs in the rear of their rig? They are comparable in length and capacity to the MJ springs and are far more reasonably priced than any stock replacement springs that I have been able to find. I do not want to use a bastard pack or AAL mostly because my main springs are just past it. These springs would require that the alignment pin be flipped as the Fords are both spring over but aside from that there should be little or no modification required. I would like to know what the ride height and ride quality is on the Ford springs as opposed the stock MJ springs. Any thoughts?? Thanks for any useful information. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 The centering pins for the MJ springs are not centered on the length of the main leaf, they're off by something like four inches. How does that compare with the Ford springs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 I know that my friend had a set of Deaver's for a ranger he was going to install in his XJ. But it would have pushed his axle back 3" or so. Not sure that the leafs are going to be long enough for MJ, unless SWB is that much shorter than LWB leafs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 They are the same, SWB or LWB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 The centering pins for the MJ springs are not centered on the length of the main leaf, they're off by something like four inches. How does that compare with the Ford springs? The "centering" pins are not centered for any of the springs the OP listed. "A" distance is from the front spring eye to the pin; "B" distance is the measurement from the pin to the rear spring eye. All are 2-1/2" wide leafs and are either 4 or 5 leaf configuration. Measurements are as follows: MJ Measures (A/B) = 26/31 Ranger Measures (A/B) = 31/25-5/8 Explorer Measures (A/B) = 25-11/16/30-15/16 The Explorer measurements are nearly the same; the Ranger springs could possible be flipped 180*. Other things to be considered are the spring rate, bushing hole size, and free arch. There may be other variables, and it would be worth investigating further and proving out these springs as possible viable replacements for the MJ rear springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 I don't think the Ranger springs can be flipped. It would have to be checked, but usually the leaf tip spacing is tight at the front end and pretty wide at the tail. Reversing a spring like that would result in some potentially strange ride and handling characteristics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Probably Eagle, and maybe they might work just fine for an MJ driver. But as long as MJ-spec engineered replacement springs are still available, nobody will move forward to check it out. MJ parts are drying up, but it's not like trying to find rear springs for the below. :yes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper35nj Posted August 19, 2015 Author Share Posted August 19, 2015 Hornbrod and Eagle, It would appear that at least one sight advertises the Ranger springs measurement (A/B) 31"X 25 5/8", I saw that one too, however all of the other sights that I have looked at has those #'s reversed. I will have to have a look at a Ranger personally to confirm, but from what I have seen the majority has them listed (A/B) 25 5/8' X 31". These measurements are pretty comparable to stock MJ springs. I am really more concerned with the arch and ride height when installed the capacity is similar at 2500 lbs. and that is plenty for my application as I run air towing shocks for added capacity when needed. From what I have seen the lift springs that are a good price will add too much lift for my liking and the stock replacement springs that I have found are half again as much. I do intend to add a small amount of lift (1 1/2" to 2") to comfortably clear 31" to 32" inch tires and actually make it look like a truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Sounds promising for the Ranger springs then since the MJ and Ranger are designed for the same p/u truck purpose. Would be wise to check it out. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper35nj Posted August 19, 2015 Author Share Posted August 19, 2015 97 to 03 F150 springs also look like an option at (A/B) 26.5" X 31.5". On a Ranger this gives about 6" of lift so if the ride height of Ranger springs is lower as I think the Ranger springs may be flatter this could be good compensation and maybe solid lift springs from the JY for cheap for those of you looking for more lift. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper35nj Posted August 19, 2015 Author Share Posted August 19, 2015 I was hoping to hear from somebody that had already tried out a set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 4wd MJ leafs....2wd MJ leafs...Explorer leafs if I remember right (did the work in 06 and sold the truck years ago) I ended up using the 2wd MJ main (the explorer one is close but not close enough to center the tire in the wheelwell) and the two 4wd MJ lowest leafs (overload plus the one above it) with the Explorer main (with the eyes cut off) and the Explorer #2 leaf in between. got me a stock level truck. was a lot of work for no particular benefit, but I had to replace the MJ mains and they were all already in my possession so I mixed and matched til it was level again. oh, and the center pins on Explorer leafs are bigger and drilling through leafs is, um... fun. :( 2wd MJ main Explorer main with eyes removed Explorer #2 4wd MJ #3 (the most important one for retaining stock height) MJ overload edit: found a pic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper35nj Posted August 19, 2015 Author Share Posted August 19, 2015 And..... now something new has been added, lol. I just noticed that the Grand Wagoneer rear leaf packs have exactly the same dimensions as the stock MJ rear springs and parts geek has them for less than $100 a piece Dorman part # 2307-05214716. capacity is only 1150 lbs. though. Just food for thought. AND...... Andy's Auto Sport has 3-4" lift Pro Comp springs for the GW on sale at $114. Thoughts??????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 the length measurements are only part of the story. arc when under weight is also very important. the explorer leafs were pretty close, but would lower an MJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 And..... now something new has been added, lol. I just noticed that the Grand Wagoneer rear leaf packs have exactly the same dimensions as the stock MJ rear springs and parts geek has them for less than $100 a piece Dorman part # 2307-05214716. capacity is only 1150 lbs. though. Just food for thought. AND...... Andy's Auto Sport has 3-4" lift Pro Comp springs for the GW on sale at $114. Thoughts???????[/size] If I remember correctly, the Grand Wagoneers were spring over, like the XJ. That would mean the Waggy springs start out with a LOT less arch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper35nj Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 Pete, How much lower?? I could compensate with a set of shackles. Eagle, you're right, that's why I brought up the lift springs. Do you think that a Wagoneer spring set up for 3-4" of lift would get it in the ball park? At that price I would pull the trigger if I had some confirmation as to where it would get me and anybody else that might be in the same position. I don't want used springs, I don't want much if any lift and I don't really want a bastard pack especially since the main MJ spring seems to so critical, mine are shot. So... I guess the question is, how much does a stock set of waggy springs lower an MJ? Anybody know?? If it's 3-4 inches then this sounds viable. Also, if anybody is interested there is a set of new 4" lift MJ springs on CL in the Philly area, I would buy them myself, but with that much lift the front end geometry would be more than I would want to deal with and too much money to sort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Eagle, you're right, that's why I brought up the lift springs. Do you think that a Wagoneer spring set up for 3-4" of lift would get it in the ball park? At that price I would pull the trigger if I had some confirmation as to where it would get me and anybody else that might be in the same position. I don't want used springs, I don't want much if any lift and I don't really want a bastard pack especially since the main MJ spring seems to so critical, mine are shot. So... I guess the question is, how much does a stock set of waggy springs lower an MJ? Anybody know?? If it's 3-4 inches then this sounds viable. Also, if anybody is interested there is a set of new 4" lift MJ springs on CL in the Philly area, I would buy them myself, but with that much lift the front end geometry would be more than I would want to deal with and too much money to sort. I have no idea what the ride height would be in an MJ. Would you mount them as spring under? I don't think they're a good choice for a pickup. I used to have a '78 full-size Cherokee. I bought it used, and the rear springs were sagged so badly that if I used a jack under the rear axle, I couldn't take a tire off without also jacking the body away from the axle to make clearance. I put in a Rancho full-length AAL that was supposed to generate 2 inches of lift -- that got it basically to where it should have sat for stock ride height. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper35nj Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 Yes, I would mount them spring under, just like stock MJ. I am aware of the wag sag I have had 1 Wagoneer and 2 GW"s and the @$$ was always dragging. but the springs that I am referring to are upgraded for greater GVW and arched for the lift. They are aftermarket, brand name up rated springs, ProComp. So, if stock like new waggy springs would lower an MJ 3-4" this "sounds" like a viable option. And, the pair would be $150 less than the few other options for a "stockish" pair of MJ springs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Pete, How much lower?? I could compensate with a set of shackles. dunno for sure. Didn't measure and had no intention of using the Explorer main anyway. could easily be a couple inches lower. I used the MJ's #3 leaf to compensate. car-part.com can probably find you a pair of used leafpacks. also, every Explorer I've pulled an 8.8 from has been spring-under. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper35nj Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 OK, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the 4" Wagoneer springs after reading a string on here where a member used a set of used, stock Wagoneer springs in SOA and got about 4 1/2" of lift. If I am getting all of this rite spring over on stock springs should net about 5 1/2" to 6 1/2" of lift. So...... with 4" Waggy springs in SUA I should net about 1" to 2" of lift and That should be little enough that I can compensate in the front with spacers or up country springs and some adjustment (I do plan on installing adjustable lower links to compensate for caster changes) I "think" that there should be enough adjustment in the stock steering linkage to compensate???? Comments, thoughts???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish here? If you want to clear 31s all you would need is a 2" lift up front and a Chevy drop shackle in the rear. What is the load rating of the FSJ leaf packs? Will the @$$ sag 3" with a spare tire in the bed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish here? If you want to clear 31s all you would need is a 2" lift up front and a Chevy drop shackle in the rear. Actually, all you need to clear 31s is to put 31s on the truck. I've run 31x10.50s-15s on my '88 MJ after removing the lift, and I currently have 31x10.50-15s on the '88 Cherokee -- at stock height. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper35nj Posted August 21, 2015 Author Share Posted August 21, 2015 Shelbyluvv What I am trying to accomplish here is NEW springs at a reasonable price, stock height would be just fine with me. Stock Wagoneer springs have a slightly lower spring rate than stock MJ springs but the FSJ is considerably heavier than the Comanche and these springs are up rated to carry more payload, they are essentially a re-arched heavier duty spring. I DO NOT want used springs. I DO NOT want a bastard pack, and even if this option were OK with me my main leaves are shot and this seems to be the most critical spring in a bastard pack. The up rated FSJ springs that I have referenced can be had for $150 a pair less than stock MJ springs. If this works out as I hope it could be beneficial to every reader in this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted August 21, 2015 Share Posted August 21, 2015 The below thread might give you some insight regarding FSJ spring characteristics. Granted the poster went with used FSJ springs in a SOA configuration, but there's some good info here: http://comancheclub.com/topic/23624-grand-wagoneer-rear-spring-soa-swap-done-more-pics-added/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamsmith Posted September 6, 2015 Share Posted September 6, 2015 I'm very interested in hearing/seeing your result in this experiment. If it works out, I will likely follow suit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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