1999 Ranger Axle Swap Question

[CBlake85]

I am swapping the stock 7.5 inch rear axle assembly for and 8.8 inch rear axle from an 03 FX4. The rear shocks on my truck need replaced so I’ve been looking at different options. Looking at the Ford dealer website, it appears the rear shocks for an 03 Ranger are different than shocks for a 99 Ranger. My question is, with the axle swap to the 03 axle, would I need to get rear shocks for a 99 or rear shocks for an 03? Thanks for all your help.

 

[pjtoledo]

1998+ the rear shock difference is basically 2wd vs 4wd. the 4wd is a couple inches longer because of the blocks between the springs & axle.
both '99 and '03 4wd rear shocks are the same length.
any differences may be due to tuning for ride comfort etc.