Old Coot

Old Coot here     Regarding  the Ranger rear spring setup, I'm installing on the 49 1B1.   I added  additional steel to the  bottom of the forward spring  brackets, to keep the  alignment of the spring  eyes in the same location.   Rear  shackle brackets fit nicely to the new location, but the existing frame looked weak , due to the rear bumper mounting holes, so added reinforcement plates to the inside of the frame.   I'm installing a Ford  8.8  out of a Explorer, so removed all mounting brackets.  Ordered  all necessary Weld On spring perches, U bolts and Shock mounting  Brackets. 

It looks like I will have two issues with the change.   Even though I had planned on the change  of spring width  from 1.75 in  to 2.5 in. , I did not plan on the increased  depth of the Ranger brackets to the frame.  Still waiting on components to verify  dimensions, but first look says I will be very tight  to the brake mounting hardware on the rear of Disc brake housing. Also the u bolts will be  very close to where the 8.8 axle housing  starts "necking " down in size. Adding a welded stop block to keep the U bolts in position could  be required. 

2nd  Item (possibly more manageable)  is wheel clearance to spring.  I can add wheel spacers to alleviate this  problem or play with Wheel back spacing. 

So waiting  for  purchased components.  I'll  install and see what  needs to be modified and if It can be  done keeping safety in mind.

49 B1  Here   Also  unhappy with Rear  springs especially the rear shackle.     Just bought  a Ranger  rear spring setup.  Thinking Ranger will be closest  truck  to the  Pilothouse in this size range.

 Springs on Pilot House  are 26 in front  and 26 in to rear  so Ranger is  25 7/8 to front  31 in to rear.  Shackles Same length. Lots of real estate out back.

Major difference is spring depth on Ranger is 6 1/2  where  Pilot house is 7 1/2  So should set lower. 

Rear perch will fit nicely out back   Metal is pretty "holey"  so I will add plate to inside frame to stiffen this area.

Front perch is the  problem.    Need to add additional material to lower part of bracket and corresponding holes  as the upper portion of the Ranger perch needs to be cutoff.  So thinking  3/16 plate  approx. 7 1/2 x 6 in  and remove a "vee" section so the bracket fits close enough to weld and the modified bracket will fit flat on the side of the frame.

Grind out and remove existing  rivets on cross member.    Add Grade 8 bolts with locknuts and Loctite.   Remove  any additional interference to  new modified front ( or) Rear perches 

I'm hoping this  setup will give me   options for  the 2.5  std. springs,  I wouldn't have using the 1 3/4 in  original.  and a much stronger suspension to mount an 8.8 rear axle. 

Just started this project this week  so need to purchase some steel.  Just started the complete truck so it will be awhile before  it becomes road worthy.

Wish me luck.