What's wrong with my rear suspension?
Hey guys, I’ve got a 2004 Ford Ranger XLT (Euro spec), and I’m pretty sure something’s wrong with the rear suspension.
The truck rides extremely stiff, almost like it’s static. I know what leaf springs are supposed to feel like, and I’ve driven my friend’s Ranger, which is basically the same truck, even with an extra leaf, and his rides way better. Mine has almost no flex in the rear. It’s really harsh over bumps and especially bad off-road. The only time it feels somewhat normal is when I have weight in the bed, then it softens up and becomes more manageable.
It’s bad enough that passengers have actually been thrown up and hit their heads on the roof over bumps.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the rear leaf spring has what looks like an extended rear shackle or attachment point. I don’t think it’s stock because my friend’s truck doesn’t have it. Could that mess with the suspension geometry enough to make it ride like this?
Also, when I lift the rear so the wheels are off the ground, on one side, the second leaf isn’t even touching the main leaf, and on the other side, they are touching, but I can still move them with a screwdriver.
Another thing is that the leaf springs look really flat, almost straight, not like they have much arch to them.
Does this sound like worn-out leaf springs, a bad setup, or something else? Could that extended shackle be the problem? I can give more info if needed.
