First Truck 1998 Ford Ranger 93K Miles - Suspension system maintenance

[sahasranshu]

Hello Enthusiasts,
I became owner of a 1998 Ford Ranger 2.5L RWD with 93K miles last week. It was a one owner vehicle in Louisiana which wasn't driven much and sitting on the owner's backyard. I have a sedan, and this is my first truck ever. I do understand trucks with leaf springs and in general trucks of that era won't have a smooth ride like modern day cars/trucks.

Upon visual inspection, I see bad front end sway bar links. I am seeking recommendations from you all as to what maintenance should I perform to make the ride smoother? It is eminent that rubber bushings go bad over time. Could you please recommend what all rubber bushings should I consider replacing that would make my ride smoother?

Anything else that I should consider other than rubber bushings? I do not intend to do expensive mods at the moment.

Thank you all for your time.

 

[superj]

probably shocks will make the ride smoother.

 

[sahasranshu]

probably shocks will make the ride smoother.

Thanks, So I shall leave the front coil springs and rear leaf springs AS IS and just change the shocks.
I am considering KYB Excel G Shocks Part No 344397 (Front) and 344396 (Rear). May I know your opinion on KYB struts?
Since my vehicle is RWD only I don't indent to do much off-roading with it.

 

[Lefty]

There are a few upgrades you might want to try. The cheapest is a pair of leaf spring clamps ($20.00) which will add a nominal amount of strength to the back. They also work a little like a sway bar, keeping the bed more level on tighter turns.

You might also want to look at suspension products made by James Duff. I rather like his traction bars. They are helpful on rough roads. I like them because they reduce axle wrap and make for a cleaner feeling on shifts.

I prefer a more stable ride with tighter steering. I installed a junkyard 1" Explorer sway bar. Some feel the ride is more harsh. It's a matter of choice. Read the tech library if you are interested.

Note the James Duff traction bar mounted up above the leaf spring. Also note the leaf spring clamp six inches in front of the axle.

Note the one inch thick Explorer sway bar and link pin.

Suspension is the easiest and cheapest upgrade for the Ranger.

 

[sahasranshu]

There are a few upgrades you might want to try. The cheapest is a pair of leaf spring clamps ($20.00) which will add a nominal amount of strength to the back. They also work a little like a sway bar, keeping the bed more level on tighter turns.

You might also want to look at suspension products made by James Duff. I rather like his traction bars. They are helpful on rough roads. I like them because they reduce axle wrap and make for a cleaner feeling on shifts.

I prefer a more stable ride with tighter steering. I installed a junkyard 1" Explorer sway bar. Some feel the ride is more harsh. It's a matter of choice. Read the tech library if you are interested.View attachment 114624

Note the James Duff traction bar mounted up above the leaf spring. Also note the leaf spring clamp six inches in front of the axle.

View attachment 114625
Note the one inch thick Explorer sway bar and link pin.

Suspension is the easiest and cheapest upgrade for the Ranger.

Your suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks

 

[superj]

I have used kyb with no complaints. Not particularly on the ranger but in other vehicles, like my older bmws

 

[sahasranshu]

I have used kyb with no complaints. Not particularly on the ranger but in other vehicles, like my older bmws

Thanks, will install KYBs then after I am done with the engine and trans maintenance.