Brand new shocks installed. Can’t tell.

[Chapap]

I put on new $15 FCS shocks on all four corners, but can’t really tell. If I rock the truck and let go, it keeps going for a few more rocks. It seems like it could stand to have two more of these FCS shocks added at each corner. I was expecting a bit more of a difference… and a front corner started out with no shock at all. I imagine the prevailing answer will be to get some Blistens, but this truck doesn’t deserve shocks at $80 a pop.

Edit: I never actually asked a question. Is this normal Ranger behavior, or can I do better?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I put on new $15 FCS shocks on all four corners, but can’t really tell. If I rock the truck and let go, it keeps going for a few more rocks. It seems like it could stand to have two more of these FCS shocks added at each corner. I was expecting a bit more of a difference… and a front corner started out with no shock at all. I imagine the prevailing answer will be to get some Blistens, but this truck doesn’t deserve shocks at $80 a pop.

I have had good luck with gabriels if youre after a bargin basement shock

 

[bobbywalter]

So build brackets and run two per corner for 30 bux plus your labor and material to build brackets?


Monroe gas if your not liking the bargain shocks.

 

[Blmpkn]

It doesn't matter what the truck deserves, but instead what YOU deserve.

Buy some bilstiens if you consider yourself deserving of a good riding truck.

 

[RonD]

I would drive it and see what its like

Shocks dampen rebound but shouldn't prevent it
If your springs are worn out then shocks, well cheap shocks, can slow rebound but the weight of the vehicle will keep on rebounding if they are weak springs

If you overload springs you get that same effect of "boat like" ride, its not a fault in the shocks, its too much weight on the springs
Same effect if springs are weak on unloaded vehicle

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Just do what I do and over spring the crap out of everything, then install bilsteins.

Because **** my kidneys. Didn't need them anyway.

 

[Chapap]

I got an improved feel after changing the front springs and I’m sure the leaf springs are not too healthy. They’re on the list to replace.

How do they look? Three things that look wrong to me are: The front of leaf #2 looks bent, the front tip leaf #3 is almost touching leaf #2, and the center of the assembly looks bent upwards above the axle mount.

 

[Roert42]

Does the truck sit fairly level when unloaded or does it have a rake?

 

[Chapap]

Does the truck sit fairly level when unloaded or does it have a rake?

Seems just fine unloaded. When I climb in the bed to get something, it really feels it tho. I’m mean it REALLY feels it. The first time I climbed in it, I kinda froze and got ready to fight not to fall over like standing up in a canoe. Obviously it didn’t flip over, but that’s the feeling I got. I could probably hit max travel of the rear suspension by grabbing the ladder rack and shaking side to side.

 

[Roert42]

The bed should sit high unloaded.

Mine sits about level when unload as the leafs are flattened out from heavy use.

 

[Chapap]

The bed should sit high unloaded.

Mine sits about level when unload as the leafs are flattened out from heavy use.

Well by “fine” I do mean level. I guess that’s not fine. Will put in new springs before I get too mad at these cheapo shocks.

 

[Roert42]

Well by “fine” I do mean level. I guess that’s not fine. Will put in new springs before I get too mad at these cheapo shocks.

You can also consider adding a leaf spring to the pack. It will pick the ride hight up and add stiffness to the spring stack. Although some will say this makes the spring pack too heavy and is uncomfortable to drive when unloaded.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Well by “fine” I do mean level. I guess that’s not fine. Will put in new springs before I get too mad at these cheapo shocks.

Get the 1750 springs.

 

[Chapap]

Get the 1750 springs.

View attachment 70167

I really want to know how those ride. That’s about the rating of an f150.

any idea what the free arch length is for a stock ranger? I’m finding 4” something and 6” and no info on what’s right.

 

[Roert42]

If you want 1750 springs just add a leaf, same thing.