Need new shocks, but what specs?

[ThermionicEmissions]

Hi all, as per the subject line of this thread, I need to replace the original front and rear shocks in my '07 Ranger (2WD, 3.0L, Supercab, 4- door, auto), and I'm at a bit of a loss trying to figure out what type / size shocks I need. This is primarily due to not actually knowing the trim level of my Ranger, so I'm hoping someone may be able to figure that out based on some of the following details:

1. No trim level markings on the body (e.g. no "Sport" or "XLT")
2. Has power windows, locks
3. Front suspension is torsion bar and shocks, rear is leaf springs and shocks
4. Stock tires (as per door sticker) are 235/75/R15
5. Interior floor is vinyl / plastic - no carpet
6. GVWR: 4980 lbs.
7. Height: 68" (I mention this, because CARMAX lists all 2WD Rangers as 66" and 4WD as 69"). Perhaps someone cranked the T-bars? I do like how it sits a bit higher up. No idea if doing so would warrant larger shocks (the current shocks are stock).
8. Height of edge of front wheel-well / fender: 33"

It seems to have the specs of the Sport...just no Sport insignia on the side.
The truck started life as a fleet vehicle for a local school district, so perhaps trim levels get a bit blurred with fleet vehicle-sales.

Feeling a bit lost, so thanks for any info!

 

[Dirtman]

The only specs that matter are 4wd vs 2wd and torsion bar or coil suspension, and that only matters on the front. The rears are all the same.

 

[ThermionicEmissions]

The only specs that matter are 4wd vs 2wd and torsion bar or coil suspension, and that only matters on the front. The rears are all the same.

Thanks for the info! As usual, I'm over-thinking things

 

[sgtsandman]

I think the XL trim level didn’t have any kind of markings indicating trim for a while. Yours might fall in that time frame.

That all being said, Dirtman pretty much hit the nail on the head.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I'm also an overthinker, and to simplify things like this I would just remove the old part and take it with me to the local parts store to match up the new one.

 

[MikeG]

Except that Ford OEM shocks are pretty crappy (well they were back in the 1990s). So I don't know if you want an 'exact' replacement.

Put a set of Ranchos on it and be happy. Or whatever brand you prefer.

 

[ThermionicEmissions]

I think the XL trim level didn’t have any kind of markings indicating trim for a while. Yours might fall in that time frame.

That all being said, Dirtman pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Yeah, I originally thought it was an XL, but started to wonder when using some part-finder / tire-finder web forms didn't provide matching options. For example, I'd select the XL trim level, but the stock tire size (235/75/R15) would not be shown as an option on the XL, but would be on the Sport.

 

[Ranger850]

You could try running the VIN to see what came stock on the truck. I don't know if "tire size" is how I would categorize my truck, since they are easily and often replaced with different sizes. I know several guys who have pieces that came off of better equipped trucks on their lower trim equipped trucks. (like, rims & tires)

 

[ThermionicEmissions]

You could try running the VIN to see what came stock on the truck. I don't know if "tire size" is how I would categorize my truck, since they are easily and often replaced with different sizes. I know several guys who have pieces that came off of better equipped trucks on their lower trim equipped trucks. (like, rims & tires)

235/75/R15 is what's printed on the door certification label.

 

[MikeG]

Trim levels don't have anything to do with shock length. The weight of the vehicle and spring capacity / lengths / etc. is all you need. Same chassis configuration engine / transmission / drivetrain, compare to that.

 

[Dirtman]

Trim levels don't have anything to do with shock length. The weight of the vehicle and spring capacity / lengths / etc. is all you need. Same chassis configuration engine / transmission / drivetrain, compare to that.

None of that matters. There was no difference in the shocks between the regular cab, extended cab, super cab, load rating etc in 2007. 2wd or 4wd and torsion or coil is the ONLY spec that made a difference in the shocks. All the rears are the same no matter what except that the fx4 lvl 2 got bilstiens.

 

[MikeG]

I wouldn't doubt that. What I meant to say is, the only things that COULD affect what shocks are needed are the basic properties of the truck as far as mass, suspension travel, etc. Not trim. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[sheep herder]

But trim level might matter. 2WD XL and XLT had coil spring front suspension. Sport has torsion bars. No idea if the shocks are different or not but there is a big difference between Sport and XL/XLT.

 

[MikeG]

I thought the trucks went from coil / TTB-TIB in 1997, to torsion bars from 98 on?

 

[Dirtman]

There were torsion bar AND coil spring models all the way to 2011. Both spring types and 4wd/2wd used IFS.