Leaf Springs?

[GLyford]

I like the little things. Only reason I went full size on my current truck is that it was what I could find in my price range when I was looking. Now I kind of like the little bit of extra room, but I'd get another ranger in heartbeat.

 

[QueBota]

Agree, this '91 Ranger is like a mini F150, Ford 8.8 out back, 3.73 Trak Lok that actually works, Dana 35 up front, Twin Traction Beam front, either love that or hate it. Added Warn locking hubs, wish it didn't have the less than reliable push button TCase, SuperCab with jump seats in the back. Truck is solid, no rust of any consequence. I try to tell my son, if he spends $4K on the truck (he "inherited" it for free) it should be good for many, many miles. Used parts are plentiful and relatively cheap. They made a ton of Explorers between '91 and '94, most parts interchange.

Plus all the quality time he gets to spend with and mechanical pearls of wisdom he get's from the old man. For a "modern" 19 yo he's a good kid (young man), good all around mechanic. He works as an electricians apprentice, whenever I talk to his boss, he always complements his knowledge and work ethic. I like to think that's a reflection on me but probably just ego on my part, he does fine on his own, makes me feel good when I hear that. I can still picture him as a 5 yo laying under a tractor with me and grabbing tools. Now he's a 19 yo, 5' 10", 200 lbs (stocky) with a full beard and mustache. Where did that time go? The older I get the more I understand the things my father used to tell/teach me, wish he was still around, he loved a good project.

I will try to post a pick of the truck if I get some time tomorrow.

This forum rocks,
Q

 

[Capricious]

Had a 1994 Mazda pick up (same as Ranger)

Was driving at 25 mph with no load and heard a "bang." Stopped and checked the truck- did not notice anything wrong. Started driving again and heard a rattle. Stopped and checked again and noticed second leaf of the stack on the right was broken and starting to rotate out of the stack. Wrapped the spring in duct tape and headed for a shop. Once on the lift noticed the second leaf on the left was also broken.

Made a couple of 800 mile "road trips" with two guys, a little luggage, and about 15 junk outboard motors in the back. Guess it was too much for the truck.

 

[crazyal]

Leaf springs usually break further back. New springs usually have a pad between the leafs to reduce the friction but once they are gone you have steel on steel. When not in use the steel rusts, when being used the extra friction heats the spring up. Given time the metal weakens. I have broke one spring at the eye. Actually it was the bend where the flat part of the spring transitions to the round of the eye. When I would step on the gas the rear would move sideways. You really should replace them as a pair. In fact they are different depending on which side you are putting them on. They actually include things like average passenger weight (you always have a driver and maybe 30% a passenger so they will make the driver's side spring slightly stronger) and which side the fuel tank is on. The other weak spring will make the rear feel "funny" and could cause you to loose control.

 

[Mace Canute]

Wonder if women might have used a torch to "adjust" the leaf springs similar to what is done when lowering a coil spring suspension.

That's funny! :laughing: