Single Rear Leaf Spring: Why?

[Mad German]

I just noticed (new guy to learning about the Ranger) that the Ranger uses a single rear leaf spring. I just assumed that a standard leaf pack was under there. I saw an FX4 in the parking lot that looked great, so I walked up for a closer look. As I looked at the tires and suspension, I noticed that there was only a single rear leaf spring (and an overload spring).

So my question is, why is this advantageous over a traditional leaf pack? I believe the Tremor uses a traditional multi leaf pack, yes?

Apologies for the elementary question, but I'm just surprised at what I saw. Thx guys!

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[VAMike]

Lighter also, but I don't know how much of a factor that is

 

[P. A. Schilke]

I just noticed (new guy to learning about the Ranger) that the Ranger uses a single rear leaf spring. I just assumed that a standard leaf pack was under there. I saw an FX4 in the parking lot that looked great, so I walked up for a closer look. As I looked at the tires and suspension, I noticed that there was only a single rear leaf spring (and an overload spring).

So my question is, why is this advantageous over a traditional leaf pack? I believe the Tremor uses a traditional multi leaf pack, yes?

Apologies for the elementary question, but I'm just surprised at what I saw. Thx guys!

Simple answer...Cost and weight.

best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[Fawnbuster]

the spring actually does nothing
if you look even closer, up above the rear axle, in front of the rear bumper, tucked up above the spare tire there is a rare earth magnet that repels the earths crust and actually allows our rangers to float like a spaceship.
the spring is only there for aesthetics.

I believe that magnet may also recharge the damper but I'm waiting to hear back from NASA

 

[Glocker]

I'm not crazy about the Ranger's rear leaf setup. I keep seeing more and more reports of these things failing! I know of a couple that have bent and I know of a couple that have snapped. I've got an add-a-leaf on mine and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that this is enough to deal with the extra weight in my truck, the occasional off road trip, and towing my boat!!!!

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Just wait, the next gen Rangers will probably have rear coil springs.

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