Should I upgrade front end and rear shocks?

[Fryedbm]

Happy Independence Day and thank you to all the veterans!!!
As you guys know I am fixing my work truck. I own a handyman business and use my Ranger for it. I will soon have a crossover tool box in the bed,I frequently haul a lil 5x8 metal trailer with a riding lawn mower and of course load the bed and trailer with things like trees,brush,trash,ECT. Do you feel when I rebuild the front end and do the rear shocks I should pay the extra and upgrade to the heavier duty? What would the pros and cons be? All thoughts welcome. Thanx fellow Ranger enthusiasts!!!

 

[Blmpkn]

It wouldn't hurt. I'd suggest bilstien 4600s, should be about 300$ for all four. 300$ IS considerably more than a lot of shocks.. BUT considering what they do and how long a set lasts it really shouldn't be that big of a pill to swallow.

Another thing to consider is your leaf-packs and their rating. It may be worth upgrading to a stiffer set, or adding some sort of overload setup, depending how much weight you haul and how frequently you haul it.

 

[rubydist]

I agree the Bilstein shocks are the way to go.

 

[Roert42]

stiffer shocks would provide a better ride loaded, but probably more of a harsh ride when empty. Lighter/ stock shocks will ride better empty and end up with a sloppy ride loaded.

If you plan on going around will a bed full of stuff all the time I would install the payload2 package stuff, heavier springs and shocks. Also if you have an auto transmission, a secondary trans cooler would be good idea too.

 

[sgtsandman]

Look at the load ratings your truck has and it will give an idea what rear springs you have. There are three or four spring sets (depending on how you look at it) that are available for the Ranger, 950/1050#, 1250#, and 1750#. Get a good idea on how much weight you are carrying on a regular basis and go from there on which springs you need.

As far as the front, it depends on your suspension setup, you will either have coil springs or torsion bars. There is an upgrade for coils but it isn’t anything “official”. You’ll need to take a gander in the tech section on what they are and what else might be needed. For torsion bars, there are three load levels. I forget what the first one is, A?, B, and 1. 1 is the stiffest/heaviest load rating.

A friend of mine uses a ‘98 RWD, regular cab with a 2.5 engine for his handy man business and I don’t think he upgraded anything outside of the 1250# rear springs I put on it before he bought it. He also has a contractors cap with the side tool boxes on the truck. So, he has loaded it down pretty good.

 

[Fryedbm]

Look at the load ratings your truck has and it will give an idea what rear springs you have. There are three or four spring sets (depending on how you look at it) that are available for the Ranger, 950/1050#, 1250#, and 1750#. Get a good idea on how much weight you are carrying on a regular basis and go from there on which springs you need.

As far as the front, it depends on your suspension setup, you will either have coil springs or torsion bars. There is an upgrade for coils but it isn’t anything “official”. You’ll need to take a gander in the tech section on what they are and what else might be needed. For torsion bars, there are three load levels. I forget what the first one is, A?, B, and 1. 1 is the stiffest/heaviest load rating.

A friend of mine uses a ‘98 RWD, regular cab with a 2.5 engine for his handy man business and I don’t think he upgraded anything outside of the 1250# rear springs I put on it before he bought it. He also has a contractors cap with the side tool boxes on the truck. So, he has loaded it down pretty good.

Thanx!!!

 

[Uncle Gump]

Bilstein's are a great shock... certains Rangers had them from the factory.

They're expensive...

Middle of the road KYB Gas-A-Just will be better then a bunch of other stuff you may find. They use to have a lifetime warranty also.. My Mono Max did...

 

[pwrshft99]

Didnt realize the difference fresh shocks would make. Performance shocks would have been nice, but i got a 25% off coupon from Advanced and did Monroes all the way around for under $100. No regrets yets