Two problems related to rear suspension leaf spring leaf have been reported for the 1998 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
At approximately 150,000 vehicle miles, the middle leaf on both rear springs has fractured just in front of the rear axle. Discovered 5/27/2005 when the broken piece fell out of the left spring. Subsequently discovered the identical piece was missing from the right side. Recovered piece shows fatigue failure.
Was at a stop sign & had heard a loud clunk & clang. Then, there was a lot of rattling and it got worse as vehicle moved. Then, something fell. Pulled over. Noticed leaf spring had partially broken. There was some rust on it. Mechanic indicated entire rear left leaf spring needed to be replaced, had parts.