helper springs

[saum2]

Hi All, New Ranger but rear end drops quite a bit with Caravan on the back. 150Kgs Ball weight. Question is; do you recommend helper springs or another method to raise the rear end and raise the caravan front. Hoping to make a change without altering the comfort ride unladen.

[jstanovic]

Some here have modified their existing springs. The rear leaf springs have one leaf that is curved downwards - they remove it, turn it around and reassemble. This gives about 15-20mm lift which then sits level when towing with only a little more harshness when unladen.

Airbags are another option that is adjustable so can suit whatever load you have/don't have.

[rustfree]

Hi All, New Ranger but rear end drops quite a bit with Caravan on the back. 150Kgs Ball weight. Question is; do you recommend helper springs or another method to raise the rear end and raise the caravan front. Hoping to make a change without altering the comfort ride unladen.

I have used quite few variations.
In my case it was important that vehicle covers a wide range of requirements
- reasonable comfortable and handling when empty.
- good articulation for 4wd when empty
- load handling at GVM with a slide-on camper

1. First attempt was Ironman helper springs:
Pro: adjustable to a degree, relatively cheap
Con: adjustable only via spanner on the the clamps and sticks a bit out for more demanding offroading

2. Second was turning the second stage spring
Pros: cost nothing and worked quite well for higher load
Cons: almost no articulation when empty, for me almost useless for 4wd and very harsh on the road (note: when empty!)
Wife acceptance was 0

3. Third attempt:
Boss airbags
Pros: very high pressure rating compared to others and inbuilt bump stop allows them to run from 0 to 50 psi to cover empty to GVM
I removed the second stage spring entirely and added a lift block to achieve 2" lift and a very compliant and adjustable suspension.
Cons: you need matching adjustable shocks to match the adjustability of the suspension, $$$

I am at stage 3.1, still playing with the matching shocks but consider adjustable Dobinsion Remote reservoir. I could get my current Dobinson shocks re-valved (they are at the limit when I run the truck at GVM) but that again would probably get to harsh when empty

Hope that helps a bit with the decision making process
Cheers
Mike

[saum2]

Thanks Rustfree, Probably eliminates the Helper springs and the idea of reversing the bottom curved one.

[Trublu]

I do a lot of towing and find the Ironman helper springs do the job for me (220Kg tow ball weight) my ranger is a hi rider and I will agree with rustfree comments if you are into 4wd driving I would not use them as you run the risk of hitting your chassis, as for harshness they will soften out after a while still giving you that lift when needed and a nice ride when empty.
Cheers.

PS: If you are into 4wd driving along with towing then most likely adding an extra full leaf is the go as this what most suspension places told me.

[Bala]

My van has 150kg ball weight. I flipped the spring and found it just right. Have done quite a few km with it.

It is a firmer ride of course but you can't have it both ways.

[Grant L1]

I have to ask the op if the 150kg ball weight is what is plated on the van when it came out of the factory empty, if that is the case your total weight maybe a fair it higher. Mine cane out of the factory plated at 125kg but with gear aded it is now 220kg and this is on a 2.6t gross van.

I have aftermarket constant 300kg rear springs from new and they ride no harder than the origonal ford rear springs. This vehicle is used for both towing and off road use.

[saum2]

The 150kgs came from my ball weight scales, the plate says 190kgs. Van is 2.7T fully loaded. So maybe the scales are out?? the 10% rule may be even closer. Anyway, the rear springs will need a change to bring everything level. (Tow vehicle & Van)

[saum2]

well, just to complete this thread, fitted 0-200 comfort springs and new foam cell shocks, the upgrade raised the rear 50mm, ride is the same as new, so hoping everything goes well once the Van goes on. cheers

[saum2]

Ok so the new 0-200kg springs are in but now there's vibration noise while highway running at 60kph, can't hear any noise above that speed. Any ideas? is it no driveline due to the raised rear end?

[Scotty56]

Ok so the new 0-200kg springs are in but now there's vibration noise while highway running at 60kph, can't hear any noise above that speed. Any ideas? is it no driveline due to the raised rear end?

Most likely will need one of these https://www.roadrunneroffroad.com.au/ts ... kit-ford-p or similar