2002 Ranger Edge Shock recommendations

[Stewie]

I have a 2 wd 2002 Ford Ranger edge. I would like to replace the shocks. I do not do any off road and I want a fairly smooth ride. I won't be doing much heavy loading, and I was wondering if I should just go with the Motorcraft, or a decent aftermarket.
What would you owners out there recommend?

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

motorcraft ones will give u the ride it has right now.
my brother has monroe sensa-trac on his ranger and they have a nice feature, they go soft on calm rides and stiff up a bit on loads and demanding driving.
i like the ride his truck has with those.

i have gabriel g-force ultra LT on mine(white gabriel shocks) and they have a decent ride. not too soft and not too harsh, like the regular black gabriels do.

 

[Stewie]

Thanks for the reply. I am sure there are more options out there. I was hoping for a better response.
I would really like to hear if an aftermarket shock is actually better than OEM.

 

[daniel3507]

There will be a lot of opinions on that one. If you are looking for an improved ride, aftermarket will be the way to go. Like has been said, Motorcraft will ride like it always has. The only reason you would notice a difference with them is if your shocks now are just destroyed. I have adjustable shocks up front which i really like. They are fun to play with and you can really dial them in depending on the driving you do. I have mine fairly firm since i do a lot of highway driving. In the rear I have bilstein replacement shocks. I was able to notice a big difference with them but at the same time, my old shocks were shot. All and all though I am very pleased with my setup and would have no problem recommending them.

 

[Stewie]

The problem is that one side is bouncing and the other is reasonably good. I am pretty sure they are original shocks and they are a least 8 or 9 years old. I am looking for recommendations on specific models of shocks that people have used on there stock Ranger Edge pickups and found a big inprovment in handling and vibration dampening.
Another thing is this is my first truck and I really don't don't know what to expect in the ride quality. I am only doing city and highway and I will be off road as little as possible.