Suspension Springs with Fitting Position Front Axle, Rear Axle for FORD RANGER PJ, PK 4WD

4WD springs carry the weight of the vehicle and everything on it, and they set how high it sits. On a 4WD, springs are usually chosen by two figures: the lift they give and the load they are rated to carry. Matching the spring's load rating to the weight your vehicle actually carries is what delivers the intended ride height, a level stance and a comfortable ride. Leaf springs are common at the rear of utes and on older 4WDs, while coil springs are common on wagons and the front of many vehicles. Use the vehicle search to find 4WD springs to suit your PJ, PK 4WD RANGER.

What Do PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Springs Do?

Springs hold the body up and absorb the energy of bumps by compressing and extending. Every spring has a rate, which describes how much force it takes to compress it a given distance. A softer spring compresses more under the same load, giving a more compliant ride but sitting lower when loaded. A firmer spring compresses less, holding ride height under heavy loads but riding harder when the vehicle is empty.

Springs work together with shock absorbers. The spring supports the weight and stores energy, while the shock absorber controls how quickly the spring compresses and rebounds. A spring that is matched to the vehicle's load, paired with a shock valved to suit it, gives a good balance of ride height, comfort and control.

What Spring Load Rating Does Your PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Need?

It depends on the constant weight the vehicle carries. Constant load is weight that is on the vehicle most or all of the time, such as a bull bar, winch, canopy, drawer system, dual battery setup, fridge, water tanks, roof rack and recovery gear. It does not include occasional loads, such as a trailer or a one-off trip carrying building materials.

4WD springs are typically rated for a load range in kilograms, separately for the front and rear. Choosing a range that matches your usual constant load helps the vehicle sit at the intended height and level from front to back. A spring rated below the actual load will sag and leave the vehicle sitting low, while a spring rated well above it will ride harshly and sit higher than intended, especially when the vehicle is empty.

The most reliable way to choose is to weigh the vehicle, front and rear axles separately, as you normally drive it. Fitting heavy accessories before the springs are chosen means the springs can be matched to the vehicle's real weight from the outset.

Matching PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Front and Rear Springs

Front and rear springs need to suit the loads at each end of the vehicle, and those loads are often very different. A bull bar and winch add weight over the front axle, while a canopy, drawers and water tank add weight at the rear. Choosing front and rear springs separately, each for the load at that end, keeps the vehicle level.

If one end is sprung for much more or less load than it carries, the vehicle can sit nose-high or nose-low. That affects headlight aim, handling and steering feel, and on independent front suspension vehicles it can change alignment. Getting the balance right at both ends is as important as choosing the right lift height.

How Much Lift Do New PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Springs Give?

Lift from springs is usually quoted as an approximate figure at a stated load, commonly in the range of around 30 to 50mm, with some heavier-duty and parabolic leaf spring kits quoted higher. The figure assumes the vehicle is carrying the load the spring is rated for.

Actual ride height varies. The same spring will sit higher on a lightly loaded vehicle and lower on a heavily loaded one, and differences in vehicle weight, accessories and the condition of other suspension components all affect the final height. New springs also settle slightly over the first few hundred kilometres. Treat the quoted lift as a guide, and choose the load rating carefully, since it has as much effect on ride height as the lift figure itself.

PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Leaf Springs or Coil Springs: What's the Difference?

The vehicle's suspension design determines which type it uses, and the two work differently.

Leaf Springs for Utes and Older 4WDs

Leaf springs are made from a stack of steel leaves clamped together and mounted to the chassis at each end, with the axle clamped to the middle. As well as carrying weight, they locate the axle, so no separate arms are needed. Leaf springs carry heavy loads well, which is why they are typically used at the rear of utes, and front and rear on some older 4WDs.

Parabolic Leaf Springs

Parabolic leaf springs use fewer leaves, each tapered in thickness from the centre to the ends, rather than many flat leaves of even thickness. With fewer leaves, there is less friction between them as the spring flexes. Parabolic springs are generally associated with a more compliant ride and improved flex compared with conventional multi-leaf springs, while still carrying significant loads.

Coil Springs for Wagons and Coil-Rear Utes

Coil springs are wound steel springs that sit between the body or chassis and the axle or suspension arm. They carry weight but do not locate the axle, so they work alongside control arms, radius arms or trailing arms. Coil springs are common on 4WD wagons, at the front of most 4WDs and at the rear of some utes, and they are generally associated with a more compliant ride than leaf springs.

What Are the Signs of Sagging PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Springs?

Common signs include a ride height lower than it used to be or lower than standard, a rear end that sits low even when lightly loaded, and a vehicle that leans to one side. You may notice the suspension bottoming out over bumps, reduced ground clearance off-road, or headlights that aim higher than they should because the rear sits low.

Springs sag gradually as they age, and faster when they carry more load than they are rated for. Worn shock absorbers, bushes and mounts can produce similar symptoms, such as bottoming out and a floaty ride, so an inspection is recommended to confirm whether the springs or other components are the cause.

PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Springs, Airbags and Occasional Loads

Springs should be matched to the constant load. Choosing heavier-rated springs to cope with a load carried only occasionally, such as towing a caravan a few times a year, leaves the vehicle riding harshly the rest of the time. For occasional heavy loads, airbag helpers fitted alongside correctly rated springs are a common way to add temporary support. Airbags support the springs but do not replace them, and they are not designed to carry the vehicle's load on their own.

Does Your PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Need New U-Bolts and Shackles?

When fitting new leaf springs, the hardware that holds them in place deserves attention too.

PJ, PK 4WD RANGER U-Bolts

U-bolts clamp the leaf spring to the axle. They are tightened to a high torque, which can stretch them slightly, so used U-bolts may not clamp as securely if they are refitted. New U-bolts are commonly recommended whenever new leaf springs are fitted. Longer springs or packs, or added spacers, may also need longer U-bolts.

PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Greasable Shackles and Pins

Shackles connect one end of a leaf spring to the chassis and allow the spring to lengthen as it flexes, while pins pass through the spring eye bushes. Greasable shackles and pins include grease nipples, so the bushes can be re-lubricated during servicing. This is designed to make servicing easier and help reduce wear and noise, particularly on 4WDs exposed to water, mud and dust.

Do Springs Change Your PJ, PK 4WD RANGER GVM?

No. Heavier-rated springs let the vehicle carry its load at the correct ride height, but they do not change the vehicle's gross vehicle mass, the maximum it can legally weigh. Raising GVM requires an approved and certified GVM upgrade. If your vehicle is close to or above its GVM when loaded, springs alone will not make it legal to carry more.

Fitting PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Springs: An Overview

Springs store a large amount of energy, so fitting them should be carried out by a qualified suspension technician with the correct equipment. Coil springs on struts require care when compressed, and leaf springs need the axle supported while U-bolts and shackles are removed and refitted. All fasteners must be tightened to the specified torque, with spring bushes tightened at normal ride height. A wheel alignment is recommended after fitting, since a change in ride height affects alignment.

Get the Right PJ, PK 4WD RANGER Springs with Formula 4x4

Springs are part of the Formula 4x4 suspension parts range.

Start by weighing your vehicle front and rear as you normally drive it, and list the accessories that make up its constant load. Decide on your preferred lift, and whether you need new U-bolts, shackles or pins. Search by your PJ, PK 4WD RANGER to find 4WD springs to suit it. If you are unsure which load rating suits your PJ, PK 4WD RANGER, contact the Formula 4x4 team.