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  #1  
Old 07-17-2011, 08:38 PM
ernestrulezd00d ernestrulezd00d is offline
Ford Ranger Owner
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 52
Exclamation Stock leaf spring codes - Help!

Hello, everyone.

I am new to the forums and the world of Ford Rangers. I just purchased a 1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L 4-cylinder 5-speed regular cab long bed truck as my first vehicle. I have spent some money on parts and other things to get it in good working order, but there's one thing that is troubling me. It seems as though the previous owner installed aftermarket rear leaf springs on it, and they are way too stiff for me. They are so stiff, in fact, that they give the truck a bone-jarring, uncomfortable ride. I'm looking to use this for a daily driver, so I need rear leaf springs that won't be so darn unforgiving. I can't seem to find any information on what the code is for the stock leaf springs that came on this particular vehicle, and I was wondering if you guys could help me out. I don't anticipate having trouble finding replacement leaf springs once I know what the code is and what it corresponds to. I would appreciate any help that I can get. Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 07-17-2011, 10:31 PM
cacher cacher is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2010
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Default Re: Stock leaf spring codes - Help!

You bought the same exact truck I have. One of my leafs broke, and I replaced them with a extra duty pair from JC Whitney-might try there.
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~1994 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4-Banger 217, 000+miles~
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  #3  
Old 07-18-2011, 04:10 AM
ernestrulezd00d ernestrulezd00d is offline
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Posts: 52
Default Re: Stock leaf spring codes - Help!

Thanks for the input, cacher. What sort of ride does that give you? Do you use your truck as a daily driver or...? I guess I should mention that right now, the rear leaf springs that are on it lift the bed of the truck so that the clearance between the wheel well and the top of the wheel is bigger than it should be. I'm looking to minimize that and give the truck a better ride, so I need to install rear leaf springs that will be less stiff and give me less lift.
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1994 Ford Ranger XLT
2.3L 4-cylinder 5-speed
Two-wheel drive
Regular cab w/ long bed
158,xxx miles when purchased
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  #4  
Old 07-19-2011, 07:34 AM
cacher cacher is offline
Grumpy Ole Man
 
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Default Re: Stock leaf spring codes - Help!

It raised up the rear end a small amount,but I honestly don't see a stiffer ride due to having a fiberglass camper shell on it.
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Cree Proverb

~Draw me not without reason, Sheath me not without honor~ 17th century swordmaker Gallegos

~1994 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4-Banger 217, 000+miles~
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  #5  
Old 07-19-2011, 09:39 AM
ernestrulezd00d ernestrulezd00d is offline
Ford Ranger Owner
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 52
Default Re: Stock leaf spring codes - Help!

Ah. All right. I figured that if I didn't replace the leaf springs I would have to put weight in the back to make it ride better. I think I'm just gonna get some from a local junk yard. Thanks.
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1994 Ford Ranger XLT
2.3L 4-cylinder 5-speed
Two-wheel drive
Regular cab w/ long bed
158,xxx miles when purchased
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  #6  
Old 07-19-2011, 06:22 PM
sgtsandman sgtsandman is offline
Tank Diver
 
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Posts: 3,129
Default Re: Stock leaf spring codes - Help!

Stock springs are rated at 1250 pounds for a regular cab truck. There are springs out there rated for 850/1050 if you plan to carry very little. There are also spring out there that are rated for 1750 (Super Cab and Long bed models - I think).

1250# springs are listed as either 3/1 or 4 leaf (some count the base plate as a leaf). 1750 Springs are 4/1 or 5 leaf. The lighter springs come in different fashions, one leaf, two and three.

Try running a google search on Ranger leaf springs. I used to have links but lost them when I got a new computer. You could also check to see if there is a local spring or spring and driveshaft shop around and what they have. Shipping can be a killer because of their weight and size, so a local shop might be the better bet.
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  #7  
Old 07-20-2011, 07:16 AM
ernestrulezd00d ernestrulezd00d is offline
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Posts: 52
Default Re: Stock leaf spring codes - Help!

Hey, sgtsandman.

I really appreciate your input. This should help me with my search for the stock leaf springs. I have a regular cab truck with a 114-inch wheelbase, so I think that amounts to a long bed, but correct me if I'm wrong. I will look to see what I currently have on there, count the leaves, and use that as a reference; I'm thinking that I will need springs with four leaves. I'm not planning on hauling large loads regularly, so I think the best bet for me would be to buy springs rated for 1250 lbs. I have talked to a salvage yard in my area, and they have stock leaf springs from a 1994 Ranger for $50/side. I will be sure to ask them what the wheelbase is of the truck that they came off of and how many leaves they have so that I know they will be a good fit for my truck.

Thanks so much for your input. I was really having a tough time finding what I needed.
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1994 Ford Ranger XLT
2.3L 4-cylinder 5-speed
Two-wheel drive
Regular cab w/ long bed
158,xxx miles when purchased
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