Handling is scary

[HD_Slim]

So I picked up a 2000 2WD Std Cab 4cyl (90k mi) as a work truck and to do the usual dirt road fishing / camping.

The previous owner did put on some chrome wheels that allow a slightly taller wider tire and the tires are mud+snow tread.

I have not looked at the shocks - but this thing rides like truck - I mean speed bumps are hell. My '99 F150 was a freakin' Cadillac compared to this ride.

But more to the point on wet roads this thing feels squirrley in any corner -- I pushed it once and the rear broke loose with little warning. Again the F150 was a cruiser as well and was at least solid in the corners.

Any pointers on any of this ?

I'm thinking a decent all season radial might offer more grip than the mud/snows

Don't know what to do about the shocks.

 

[AngryLepercon]

When I put M/T's on my 99 driving was squirrely for a good while. about the ruff ride. Idk does it have torsion bars or is that only on a 4x4. Check the torsion bars if ya have them. If not i would look into shocks. I love my RS5000's cheap and they are pretty good for a small pickup

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

His truck, unless it's a Trailhead/Edge, will have coil springs.

Check the shocks, suspension and steering joints, etc.

Rangers are light little trucks; put some weight in the back to help it get traction.

 

[rangerbum]

My 97 is the same way, Std. cab 4cyl 2wd. My ass end nearly leaves the ground if I dont have a load on it over speedbumps. And traction is absent at all times, which is exiting.

 

[koda6966]

The shocks on my 1993 are gone. Need to replace them when I get the money.

It was kept in a garage in NYC for the duration of it's life. But the past 4 years of it being used to commute to NYC ate away at them from the road salt. Now that I have it, she doesn't see much road time in the winter.

 

[exbass94]

It may have a limited slip in the rear end, which would cause it to be squirelly around corners. Tires also play an important role. My Goodyear's are excellent on dry pavement, but absolutely SUCK in any rain/bad weather.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Its normal. The Ranger rear-end is just light. Even with the best tires, 4cyl, slightly oversized tires. The rear-end can break loose in wet, snow, or icy roads. Adding weight to the bed helps.

I've learned to drive like it is.

 

[prefab08]

my 97and my 99 do the same thing best thing to do is just add some sand bags and shocks or keep like i did lol