2WD Suspension . . . softer

[woodyedmiston]

Can anyone suggest a front spring that would fit into the front of my 99 Ranger SC. I'd like to try smoothing out the ride just a bit when I go through street intersection dips.

Also open to other suggestions.

You rock crawler, off-road types forgive me for being such a pansy.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i would look at changing your shocks before you try experimenting with the springs.

 

[RangerRocker]

i would look at changing your shocks before you try experimenting with the springs

+1

 

[therieldeal]

+2 on changing the shocks

how many miles on them?

 

[woodyedmiston]

Shocks are new + 3-5000 on a complete new front end rebuild. Shocks are Autozone - factory replacements. It's just the dip going into shopping centers, pulling off the main street, etc. - hit them at an angle at the right speed and a Ranger will rattle you around in the cab.

I was hoping to avoid "experimenting" by finding someone who had done something like that. I know that talking about softer suspension around this crowd is like taking a PETA member to a barbecue - but thought I would ask.

 

[fordboi415]

Well even the some of the best suspensions will get rattled around by speedbumps and dips, I would get a softly valved shock for the front and that should make for a more comfy ride

 

[woodyedmiston]

Thanks

Great answers - for $300 I'll grit my teeth and let the thing bounce. My friend has a small Hyundai SUV that steps through dips better than a Lincoln Town Car - was hoping to find a way to make the Ranger do the same.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

hope you dont take this the wrong way, but your driving a truck, not an SUV (glorified minivan). its going to ride rougher because its suspension is designed for towing or hauling, not driving the kids to soccer practice.

there are a few things (very few) you can do to soften it up a little, but it will never ride like a car.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

yeah trucks rule!!!! hard bumpy that make your ass cry in pain lol!!!
if u make the front end softer then u will have that when u are driving at high speeds the front will be like bouncing and the tail will be stiffer, like nodding the head u know

 

[woodyedmiston]

Wicked,

Your point is well taken, and I've seen your thoughtful and intelligent responses in several threads - I'm impressed with your knowledge and took the time to check your profile. You must be a very good Ford Service Tech.

Yes, it's a truck, but I'm old and soft but well over 6'4" in my boots. Few cars fit me like the Ranger. I may dig around and see if I can find a shock or spring for the front that makes a difference. I'm not hauling hay or climbing rocks with this thing; although I might drive out and watch someone else from the pits.

As for the other post - between changing out leaves in the rear and adding back air shocks, I can take care of the rear problem. Leaves are much easier to deal with. . . except I think maybe you are chewing to many coca leaves down there in Honduras, man. You gotta chill!

 

[SGeorgiaRanger]

I have all stock suspension components.

I removed my front sway bar on my 2000 2wd ranger to get a little extra articulation off-road. When I first removed it I went down the street to see if it was drivable. I hit a rough spot in the road I always go thru on my way to work everyday. I normally try to drive around it because it is so rough. With my sway bar removed it was as smooth as glass!
Of course you really have to get used to the extra body roll. My sway bar has been removed for about 2 weeks and I really enjoy how my truck handles going thru intersections and rough spots in the road. Also it is 10 times better off-road.

I would only recommend this if your are confident with your driving skills. Just take a short safe drive with it removed to see if you are confortable with it.

I actually re-installed my sway bar to make sure I was not being unsafe. I hate how the truck handles with it installed now(had to remove it). Plus I don't spill my coffee on the way to work in the morning anymore, lol

 

[98 ranger xlt]

buy a cadillac

 

[ccrunner1]

get a softer seat. even though mine are just about the most comfortable car set ive ever been in

 

[Bryan22]

what brand shocks did you get at autozone? i've never really bought much of anything that was worth a $h*t from autozone. You might try looking around for a better brand of shock.

 

[thegoat4]

Throwing a bunch of weight in the back will soften the ride. Seriously, just junk it up.