Installing front coil springs in a 1983-1990 Ford Ranger

Installing a lift kit in a truck isn’t always easy, in fact it never is, it today I install Rough Country 2” leveling springs into my raven black 1985 Ford Ranger XLT 4X4. The coil spring install does not go as planned, but the coil springs did fit and did get installed by the end of the day. The process is the same for replacing stock springs or installing lift kit springs, the only difference is the height of the spring. This can usually be done using only hand tools from your average tool box or workbench at home, at least with most classic cars. Budget 4x4 and cheap 4x4 enthusiasts who like to live the built not bought way with all the rust and patina that it entails will agree that lift kits are almost as essential as universal joints when it comes to Ford ranger mods. so whether you are building a danger Ranger or other classic cars just remember that it takes time, patience and a lot of penetrating oil.

[@kalemathews1899]

I remember looking at this truck when you had it for sale. Came very close to buying it.

[@Foxcanfixit]

It was a really unique truck, but I am always finding new projects I want and have to sell one to get another, otherwise I would probably still have it.

[@jaimetorres9050]

Just bought a 89 ranger xlt 4x4. Real excited to begin the journey to greatness and this video helps me with lift ideas and tire sizes. Thanks

[@toddbob55]

Love those square body Rangers

[@OOICU812]

Dude, not only are you informative, you're also hilarious. Subbed.

[@Foxcanfixit]

Thanks!

[@J_ismyname48]

Now we know where all the great finds on old tools went to....lol. Awesome tap and die set sir! Great video 👍👍

[@Foxcanfixit]

Thanks man! I’m always on the lookout for older and oddball tools in antique stores and flea markets

[@J_ismyname48]

@@Foxcanfixit me too buddy, only problem is here in NC everybody thinks anything old is worth alot of money thanks to the American Pickers TV show lol. I get lucky every once in a while tho. Take care!

[@flippinstixs2355]

By far what i needed to know and pretty entertaining as well good stuff man

[@Foxcanfixit]

Thanks, I’m glad it helped you out!

[@timothycollette8263]

looks great bro!

[@stephenjames7438]

This guy is as sarcastic as I am.... love it brother! I'm wanting an all coilover suspension but I got 4 " suspension lift and 2" body any suggestions

[@Foxcanfixit]

I haven’t looked to see if there is a Ranger Rear coil setup. I’d assume there is, prob check out some prerunner and Baja sites to see what’s available. OR, check on KZbin and see if someone has done one with junkyard parts, which they probably have. Either way, with enough ingenuity I’m sure a rear coil setup can be done on a ranger.

[@aaronbrandes7456]

Love the commentary.

[@matthewanderson3206]

Great video man. Helped me alot with lifting my 86 Ranger. Did you get a wheel alignment and also did you have to replace your caster/camber bushings? Thanks

[@Foxcanfixit]

I bought adjustable bushings to correct the camber but sold the truck before installing. So I never got it aligned, the toe was still good and it tracked down the road straight, just needed the adjustable bushings installed then aligned. I think I bought Moog bushings that adjusted up to 1.5 degrees of camber. Glad it helped.

[@nalyd1109]

Dislike how you cut the nut off. But still a great video and very helpful on the process of installing new coils.

[@Foxcanfixit]

Yeah, I didn’t want to cut it, but there was no other way short of heating it with a oxy-acetylene torch, which I don’t have...yet. Thanks for watching!

[@AdrianGonzalez-ew8gu]

Should make a video on how to remove the seats been struggling to take mine off on my 90 ford ranger

[@Foxcanfixit]

The spring perches or you talking about the actual bench seat?

[@AdrianGonzalez-ew8gu]

@@Foxcanfixit bench seat i got 1 more bolt in the rear corner of each side but i cant seem to find it

[@Foxcanfixit]

Did you try sliding the seat a far forward as it will go on the tracks, sometimes they are hidden and you gotta slide the seat to find them

[@alexknees1885]

Did you have to install new caster/cambers after this 2'' lift? I have an '87 Ranger and plan to do the same thing but I read alot of issues with the cambers and casters and them needing to be swapped.

[@conormccullar4797]

Hello sir. Great video!! Did you do anything previously to rear to lift it up? The truck looks great and would love to something similar to my 91.

[@Foxcanfixit]

When I bought it someone had already done lift blocks in the back. I don’t like lift blocks, and I’ve heard I can use Explorer leaf springs instead so I’m looking into that.

[@G.Harley.Davidson]

Isn’t there supposed to be a rubber coil spring isolator tat he on the bottom of the spring? It keeps the meal from spring from rubbing against the metal from he radius arm.

[@Foxcanfixit]

On this one, no. It’s just the metal spring pocket seats. The upper pocket is indexed to the spring so the spring doesn’t rotate

[@G.Harley.Davidson]

@@Foxcanfixit oh ok. I’ve got a Bronco II

[@mikelitorus7113]

Lmfao he said 3/4 and 3/4 is 6/8!😂😂😂😂

[@Foxcanfixit]

While it’s not my best video, being tired apparently made for some good commentary. Thanks for watching!

[@tonyrandazzoe8210]

I'll take that long bolt for my 88 2WD if you don't want it :-)

[@mathieucastellani9152]

Hi from french Polynesia, where i could find the lift kit for my Ford Ranger XLT 1996 2X4. thank you. Regards

[@Foxcanfixit]

There are many different manufacturers and many types of kits. Rough country is who I would use, their kits are available on most 4x4 retail sites like Quadratrac, Morris, 4wd, etc.

[@vicvic3499]

Like the vid, question can you keep the stock shocks when installing "2 leveling springs ?

[@Foxcanfixit]

While they will still physically fit, you will have zero or nearly zero down travel because the stock shock will be almost fully extended. I would not recommend doing it.

[@nsb_drum]

I’ve been looking all over for this info but can’t find it. On your front axle there is what looks to be a sideways shock mounted on the steering linkage (visible in the shot around 30secs in this video showing front of truck). What is this called and what does it do? My Bronco ii does not have it.

[@nsb_drum]

Just found it. Looks like it’s a steering stabilizer and probably aftermarket. Thanks for your videos! I’ve saved quite a few while I’m fixing up my new to me 1989 Bronco II.

[@Foxcanfixit]

@@nsb_drum yes, it’s a steering stabilizer. Not always necessary, but with bigger tires it does help with bump steer, death wobble, and the like.

[@markdanderson8263]

I don’t think 3/4 + 3/4 = 6\8ths? 😂

[@kevincuadras9129]

Buenas tarde quisiera saber cuántas pulgadas levantaste la Ranger que medida de llantas son?

[@Foxcanfixit]

The Ranger is lifted 3 inches in the rear with a lift block and 2 inches in the front with Rough Country 1.5-2” leveling springs. Also 2”lift Skyjacker Shocks. The tires are 30x9.50/R15 Achilles Desert Hawk XMTs.

[@kevincuadras9129]

@@Foxcanfixit muchas gracias la verdad muy buena Ranger de las mejores que eh mirado para mí gusto

[@JuanRodriguez-fb6wc]

@@Foxcanfixit traducir esto al español

[@Foxcanfixit]

If I can figure out how to add subtitles in español I will do it

[@iheavyz8570]

Yooooo

[@kevincuadras9129]

Dónde compraste los resortes?

[@Foxcanfixit]

I got the front springs from Rough Country. 1.5-2” leveling springs. Also got rough country 2” lift shocks

[@SpadesWoW]

Take ring off

[@xxxdatboi22xxx66]

Tire setup?

[@Foxcanfixit]

30x9.50R15 Achilles Desert Hawk XMTs. 3” lift blocks in the rear, 2” leveling springs in the front. 2” lift Skyjacker shocks