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Still can't decide which new shocks for 2010 Ranger


Garth Libre

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Bilsteins, Ranchos, Monroe, KYB ..? All I want is simple, dependable shock replacement for a my unmodified 2010 Ranger. It's a straight forward job to replace them because I have an electric impact wrench, but I can't decide which ones to buy. I don't go off roading; I just want something comfortable and safe before I replace the tires. Last month I replaced the front sway bar ends and that made a difference.
 
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Uncle Gump

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This needs to be moved to the appropriate suspension forum.

You have it in the 2wd mini truck... but you mention off roading. So is it 2wd or 4wd?
 

Garth Libre

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This needs to be moved to the appropriate suspension forum.

You have it in the 2wd mini truck... but you mention off roading. So is it 2wd or 4wd?
2wd --- The only off roading I do is to drive 1/8 mile on the entrance road to my house which is a smooth gravel path that even my sports car can handle.
 

SenorNoob

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I'm not the best resource for this, but I've never had a problem with the cheapest thing I could find.
 

SenorNoob

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I think they are Monroe.
 

Uncle Gump

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I use to be a distributor for KYB. Sold more shocks then I can remember... only had a couple warranty requests.

I currently run KYB MonoMax on my truck.
 

Garth Libre

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Another question is why is it so difficult to determine which shocks I need when I go to the auto parts sites. I keep putting in 2010 regular cab, 4 cylinder Ford Ranger and they keep asking me for more information. I put in the vin and even that doesn't seem to help.
 

Uncle Gump

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There were 2 versions...

Torsion bar

Coil spring

I don't believe I've ever seen a 4 cylinder with Torsion bars though.
 

Garth Libre

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There were 2 versions...

Torsion bar

Coil spring

I don't believe I've ever seen a 4 cylinder with Torsion bars though.
Mine has sway bars and coil springs. I still don't know which shocks to order. Rock Auto keeps asking for more information than just the vin. Other suppliers are just as vague.
 

Brain75

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Another question is why is it so difficult to determine which shocks I need when I go to the auto parts sites. I keep putting in 2010 regular cab, 4 cylinder Ford Ranger and they keep asking me for more information. I put in the vin and even that doesn't seem to help.
You can blame the "computer age" for that...
couple factors at play here..
1) the VIN number is really really limited information - the 8th digit is engine, the trans is NOT in there, the 2wd/4wd might depending on make and manufacturer (example in rangers 2wd/4wd is encoded in the vin somewhere, but probably not on any other make) - the transmission is most definitely NOT in the vin on a ford (it's in the door sticker), so even if they (parts counter personell) have your vin, they do not have all the info.
2) they have no car knowledge or background most of the time - it's just a person who rather work at oreilly's than walmart. All they are doing is following the prompts on the screen.
Maybe it is a guy who bought a TJ jeep when they were a kid, fell in love and never owned or wrenched on anything other than a Jeep after that.


The best thing to do is to crawl under the truck, get the part number of the existing AND all your info and go in with everything: "I need a replacement for a Monro SUX6000, it's going on a Fubar 2000 XLI 9.9L 2wd manual, transmission code 99."

1730661476346.jpeg
 

JoshT

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Sway bars are a completely different component from torsion bars, and have no bearing in shock selection. I've never seen RockAuto ask for a VIN, but that could be due to having some clue as to what I'm looking for. Here's the options you need to select to filter RockAuto for your vehicle. Of course you can further narrow by selecting front or rear, but you don;t say if you are looking for one or both.

Screenshot 2024-11-03 141208.png


I do notice that the filtering doesn't seem to be doing a great job for that though. After you filter you'll want to be careful to avoid the options that say 4WD or Torsion bar.


You are going to get similar options at your local parts stores or their websites. Forget using VIN to search. Search your year, make, and model. Provide engine and transmission if asked, but they will have little bearing on shock selection. Even 2wd or 4wd doesn't really matter, but if they ask it's 2wd or RWD. Beyond year make and model all you really need to know is if the shocks are for coil spring or torsion springs. All coils are going to use one set of shocks, all torsions are going to use a different set of shocks.


As for which ones to select, you can't really go wrong with any of them. Especially not for a street driven vehicle. I've been well served by Gabriel, Monroe, and KYB. Currently have Bilsteins on my '99 and they are probably the best shock I've run, but it's also a 4x4 and they were installed when doing more rough road driving. They've even got OEM Motorcraft shocks, and those have done the truck well for the last 14 years. Selecting from RockAuto, I'd probably skip the ones that are listed as "Economy" or "Heavy Duty". Nothing wrong with those but economy is just that, the budget option, and heavy duty is probably valved for more severe duty use. The others will probably provide better ride quality and/or handling.
 

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Call FOX tech support 800.FOX.SHOX . Inquire regarding their PN# 980-24-648 what Fox has
2-3 inch lift.
 

JoshT

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Call FOX tech support 800.FOX.SHOX . Inquire regarding their PN# 980-24-648 what Fox has
2-3 inch lift.
:icon_confused:

He's 2wd, apparently stock height, doesn't off road, and is shipping for stock replacement shocks.

Why would he want to spend for Fox off road racing shocks for a 2+3" lift?
 

pjtoledo

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easy option
go to a Ford parts site, enter your VIN and look up shock part number.
then go to Rock Auto and buy that part number.

some Ford parts sites sell at discounted prices. and local dealers don't charge shipping.

the most important criteria is to specify coil springs. they are shorter than torsion bar/4wd shocks. 1998+ that is.
 

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