hey guys its been a while. Moved into a new college so I've been adjusting to it (Dorm Life is the sh&t!!). ANYWAYS, I've been getting parts for my cummins swap. got the engine, but right now im focused on the suspension. I got a really good deal from a friend to get his explorer 8.8 with disc brakes, which ill be getting a super8.8 kit later on this year. Now I'm worried about the front. I'm def. saying d44, but the 2 axles I'd like are different setup up. The waggy d44 is leaf sprung, which is what'd id prefer, but hard to come by, then I'm considering the late 70's f100 d44 (there's a decent amount of em at the pull-a-parts near me), except its coil setup. Both seem good options, but I'm worried that the coil setup wouldn't handle 700lbs too well. SO, my question is, which would be better off? overall im looking for about 9-10" inches of lift after it settles, planning on running 35's most likely. Thanks in advance!

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1985 Ranger 2.3l L4 stock with ghetto exhaust and moon visor gone :/
1986 ranger 4x4 3-5" lift?,30x10.50 pathfinder radials, front bush bumper, 300inline 6 swap (In progress)

It doesnt matter between the two. You just need the proper spring rate for either to handle the weight. Dodge and Ford have been running Coils on their 3/4 and 1 ton trucks for a while now, the weight wont matter as long as the coils or leafs are made to handle it.

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RR

hmm ok, that makes it easier to choose then. since I'd be running f150 front axle, with the stock springs how much lift would i be getting? im aiming for 9"-10", so would i probably need lift springs?

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1985 Ranger 2.3l L4 stock with ghetto exhaust and moon visor gone :/
1986 ranger 4x4 3-5" lift?,30x10.50 pathfinder radials, front bush bumper, 300inline 6 swap (In progress)

sounds like you are aiming for big gay truck land for the lift. F150 solid axle coils should work watch the spring rates there are tons of spring rate calculators on the internet check around.

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'05 Ranger Edge SAS'd, 5.38's, D60/D60U, 38.5" TSL SX's, October 2012 TOTM, build thead

im gonna ignore that first part . I figured a 700lb engine would compress f150 springs more than say a 520-ish lb 351w? therefore requiring larger springs to keep the same height? I'm not a supporter of the, "stuff the biggest tire you can fit method". 9" lift seems plenty for 35's and well enough for 38's later on.

I like this:


More than this:

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1985 Ranger 2.3l L4 stock with ghetto exhaust and moon visor gone :/
1986 ranger 4x4 3-5" lift?,30x10.50 pathfinder radials, front bush bumper, 300inline 6 swap (In progress)

520lb 351+a heavier frame+more body. I run maybe 6" for 37" and its still huge, but I guess later gen trucks sit higher than gen 1s

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'05 Ranger Edge SAS'd, 5.38's, D60/D60U, 38.5" TSL SX's, October 2012 TOTM, build thead

true. Idk about the stock height difference, might look into that. where did your 10.25 rear axle come off of? I've never heard of that.

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1985 Ranger 2.3l L4 stock with ghetto exhaust and moon visor gone :/
1986 ranger 4x4 3-5" lift?,30x10.50 pathfinder radials, front bush bumper, 300inline 6 swap (In progress)

Ford 2500/3500 1985-1997 replaced by the sterling 10.50 in 1999-now. the 1993 and up 10.25s are stronger than the earlier ones. Mine is getting snagged should be one of he later ones my front D60 was a 1992/1993.

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'05 Ranger Edge SAS'd, 5.38's, D60/D60U, 38.5" TSL SX's, October 2012 TOTM, build thead

hows the width on your axles? do they stick out "noticeably", or alot?

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1985 Ranger 2.3l L4 stock with ghetto exhaust and moon visor gone :/
1986 ranger 4x4 3-5" lift?,30x10.50 pathfinder radials, front bush bumper, 300inline 6 swap (In progress)

A bit but they are cut down.

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'05 Ranger Edge SAS'd, 5.38's, D60/D60U, 38.5" TSL SX's, October 2012 TOTM, build thead