1990 stock ranger rides horrible

[Bossman]

I got my 90 2.3L Turbo Ranger out of mothballs very recently. Put some new 205/75r14 tires on it. This thing rides horrible. Very jarring on the bumps. I know my front shocks are completely gone and the rears are probably as well. I wouldn't think that would make it ride so rough. My 1996 2.3l Ranger rides wayyy better. What would be the cause of the two riding so different?

 

[SenorNoob]

Has the suspension settled to the point that you're hitting the bumpstops?

 

[Bossman]

NO, I went and double checked and they are ~2" from the I-beams. I can bounce the front by hand pretty easy and doesn't hit the bump stops. Maybe I'll play with tire pressure a bit. Anyone know if the early trucks had stiffer springs front or rear than later trucks?

 

[Shran]

I'd think the bad shocks would be a pretty obvious place to start.

Pivot and radius arm bushings can play a large part in ride quality. So can cab mounts... worn/sagged springs, alignment issues, seats that have fallen apart, etc.