1995 Ranger extended cab with OEM suspension. What can I do on a budget to improve?

[queen of spades]

I have a 95 ranger with stock suspension (other than new Monroe shocks). The ride is painful compared to my '02 SuperDuty.

What could I do to stiffen up the suspension all around without a full on lift or lower job? I don't mind the stock height, but want this Ranger to feel a bit tighter to drive on a daily basis.

 

[BlackBII]

With your truck being over 20 years old now, it may be in need of new bushings on the radius arms, axle pivots, leaf springs, etc. Which shocks did you get?

The front coil springs may be worn out as well, which can be replaced by Moog progressive rate springs. Rockauto carries them.

 

[queen of spades]

With your truck being over 20 years old now,

The truck only has 48,000 miles. It's been used very lightly over its lifetime.

it may be in need of new bushings on the radius arms, axle pivots, leaf springs, etc. Which shocks did you get?

Monroe 32235 Monro-Matic Plus
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000COSAM4/?tag=959media-20

Same brand/part on the back.

The front coil springs may be worn out as well, which can be replaced by Moog progressive rate springs. Rockauto carries them.

The truck does have a light rubber on metal squeal coming from the front somewhere. I doubt the bushings alone cause it to have an overall soft, boat like ride though. Figure the truck was pretty much like that off the showroom floor. The old Rangers weren't designed for race tracks or hauling heavy loads, they were economy trucks.

I'll check out the Moog springs. Any recommendations on leaf springs on the back? I mentioned above I have the Monro-Matic Plus shocks all around (new), what should I look at as an upgrade from that? Hate to throw away $50 but I'll bump up in quality if I can drastically improve the ride.

Would a stiffer sway bar up front help too or is it not worth the $? I just want to shore up the ride, not turn it into an actual race car.

 

[1996xlt]

How do the steering components look? Even with low miles, the stock rubber bushings in the ball joints, sway bar end links and etc are likely toast at this point.

As far as the shocks, a lot of users (myself excluded) here have had nothing but good things to say about Bilstein shocks; they're a little pricey, but worth it to most.

 

[BlackBII]

The KYB monomax shocks are very good as well. I have some on my Ranger right now and the ride is excellent, if not a little stiff. It helps with the handling and in the corners.

Sway bar bushings are another one to look at. Really you need get under there and look around to make sure nothing needs to be replaced.

Explorer leaf springs can stiffen up the rear, or replacing them or an add a leaf.