Ford Ranger struts

[dammitmartini882]

I have a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT that needs some help in the area of suspension. I’m not a car guy but I feel it’s my responsibility to maintain the vehicle I own so I ask this: are struts something I can do at home or do I need a lift? I’m not seeing any videos on changing struts, but see a multitude of ones changing shocks, which i now know you can do at home. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[pjtoledo]

a small technicality, Rangers have shock absorbers, not struts.
they are easily replaced, excluding rust issues.
the hardest part is gas charged shocks will expand when the shipping straps are removed so some muscle work is involved.
for a 2 wheel drive coil spring vehicle it helps if the front is raised 8-12".

shocks only dampen up 'n down motion
struts dampen and hold the wheel upright.

 

[sgtsandman]

Most Rangers and vehicles based off them don't have struts (coil spring and shock are installed and removed as one unit). The shocks and springs are attached and installed separately.

Shocks aren't difficult to replace in theory. Rust can complicate things though. If you have a basic ratchet and wrench set, you might be able to do the job yourself. Having someone with you that has replaced them before would be a good thing to have if you are new to working on things. I would try fitting the sockets and wrenches you have to the bolts and nuts holding the shocks in place before ordering parts and tackling the job.

If the fasteners are so rusty that they are hard to identify, I would recommend paying a shop to replace them.

 

[CamTheHedgehog]

If the fasteners are so rusty that they are hard to identify, I would recommend paying a shop to replace them.

Always remember- It can't be tight if it's a liquid!

 

[SenorNoob]

Always remember- It can't be tight if it's a liquid!

Risky around a shock if it's still charged.

 

[CamTheHedgehog]

Excellent point.

Be careful out there!

 

[ericbphoto]

Always remember- It can't be tight if it's a liquid!

I’ve heard this often. But I’ve encountered liquids so tightly packed into a volume that they nearly explode when a pinhole leak is introduced.

 

[CamTheHedgehog]

I’ve heard this often. But I’ve encountered liquids so tightly packed into a volume that they nearly explode when a pinhole leak is introduced.

....like a sealed shock.