Need rear shock suggestions

[deeman]

I have a 2008 RWD Ranger. I ordered and installed KYB Excel-G shocks Details on shocks about 2 years ago. I use my Ranger to pull a 5x8 landscape trailer which weighs about 2,000lbs with my stuff in it. Anyhow, it's obvious that the rear of my truck looks to be sagging with or without the trailer connected - making me think the rear shocks have failed.

If I test the shocks by pushing the rear of the truck down they don't have the typical bad bounce you see on a vehicle with bad shocks. It's just the rear is sagging and does not seem to be doing much in terms of softening the ride with or without the trailer.

Can you suggest some economical shocks for a more heavy-duty capability? I DO NOT want airbags and could give a f#* about how the truck "looks", it's a work truck and nothing else.

Thanks!

Mike

 

[Uncle Gump]

Shocks have zero to do with suspension height. If it's sagging... it's all about the leaf springs.

 

[deeman]

Ahhh, you are right Grumpy. I posted this then did some research and found you are correct. Do you see any option to enhance my current leaf springs or do they need to be replaced?

 

[Bill]

You can buy OEM equivalent, which have about 1150 lb rating, or you can buy heavier springs that have about 1600 to 1800 lb ratings. They can be purchased from most of the major online car parts retailers. If you order directly from some of the companies that make the springs you might save a few $$, but watch the shipping. The car part retailers drop ship from the closest distributors. Whereas, you will have to pay more for shipping from a longer distance if your order from a spring manufacturers a thousand miles away.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Depends on what you want to spend.

$25 leaf spring clamps to eek out another year or two

$150 - 250 replacement springs

$500 HD springs and lift shackles

$800 - 2400 Deavers

$2500+ rear 4 - 5 link coulover custom setup

Dealers choice.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Spring replacement will be your best option.

The do make some simple bolt on helper springs that could help get you by. Search the net... many options.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Springs are shot, the Ranger packs stock are on the soft side for actually using the truck like a truck. My first Ranger when I sagged the springs I got some junkyard packs and built a set, using the longest leaves possible for ride quality, I cut the eyes off a main leaf and put it under the main, then another three leaves (5-leaf pack). That worked pretty good until I smashed the truck.

My Choptop I did much the same thing using heavy Explorer leafs to try for some lift which worked, but I’m not entirely happy how it turned out. It works, just think it could be better.

My F-150 I did a 5 leaf pack using F-250 leafs and it’s a stout beast. With a ton in the bed it sits like a stock F-150…

Dad has a set of 1750# rated springs in the shed for his v-8 Ranger when we can get it together.

Air bags would work, but so will springs. All in what you want to do and spend.

 

[sgtsandman]

Check to see if you have a spring shop or spring and driveshaft shop near you. The one by me sells springs up to 1,250 pounds for the Ford Ranger. The hangers, shackles, and bolts can be got at any auto parts store. The u-bolts can be gotten at either place.

 

[CruznEight]

For about a hundred bucks you should be able to buy some helper air bags. I bought some for my other vehicle because it sat low as well. The work great and make it ride better.

 

[deeman]

For about a hundred bucks you should be able to buy some helper air bags. I bought some for my other vehicle because it sat low as well. The work great and make it ride better. View attachment 96578

Interesting, thanks for the suggestion! Are you still enjoying and happy with the airbag option?