leaf springs

[bychance ford]

i just ordered add-a leaf online for my '99 ranger,2wd.it currently rides level like a car but if i put a load and or trailer it sags too much,for me anyway.so i am going to add-a-leaf to raise it one and a half inch and stiffen it a bit.any pointers--looks pretty straightforward though.2 c-clamps for sure but any other suggestions for this coming weekend job?

[12Ounce]

I've never done this particular task. You want to make sure the rear axle stays "square" with the body (as the u-bolts are installed) or you will have alignment problems.

Probably just "eyeballing" along the outside face of each rear wheel, toward the front wheels, will show how square the rear axle is.

[bychance ford]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

I've never done this particular task. You want to make sure the rear axle stays "square" with the body (as the u-bolts are installed) or you will have alignment problems.

Probably just "eyeballing" along the outside face of each rear wheel, toward the front wheels, will show how square the rear axle is.

there you go,12 ounce--i did not think of that--thanks.

[rhandwor]

You are better off going to a junk yard and buying two used springs. Cut off the shackles and run it full length one or two links. One if you just want it a little stiffer. You will need two new center bolts. These have a round head and go into a hole on the axle. This is how you align them. Spray the ubolt nuts with p-b blaster for a week before you start. Make sure you have enough threads to cover the number of leafs you are adding. After you install them check one week later to make they are still tight. Some times you need new clamps to keep the springs straight also. Either a spring shop or some parts stores have what you need. The short springs give you some stiffness or pot but not where you need it. Before going to a scrap yard measure width and length from the center pin both front and back. They will cut off the shackles for you.

[bychance ford]

that is a good idea,i didn't think of it.but i did put the add-a-leaf on and i am satisfied,lifted and stiffened it up pretty good,since i was doing that added new shocks in back.all went smooth till yesterday when i put shocks on from auto zone up front.they were horrible and did not fit exactly on bottom two bolts.i looked on auto zone web site and gabriel and found out they gave me front shocks for a 4wd,not 2wd as specified and on my receipt.got the correct ones today and went on easy.all is done-for now.thanks