Just bought Bilstein shocks B6 4600 for 2009 Ford Ranger Sport 4WD.

[ARanger]

Having received them from Rock Auto, and having been informed they are supposed to fit, I am concerned they do not - the OE rear shocks installed are 21" from mid-top nut to mid-bottom nut while the Bilsteins, still in the box are 25" (same measurement). I tried compressing them to 21" and they seem way too compressed to be installed like that - i.e. seems like they would bottom out going over an anthill. Anybody have any experience with this? Or suggestions? Many thanks in advance. (going by the handle, ARanger).

 

[Uncle Gump]

In 2008 Ford lowered the stance of the 4WD Ranger front and rear... by approximately 2 inches.

The parts books say it's the same part number for your 2009 and my 2006.

Are the rear springs sagged out?

 

[ARanger]

Hey, thank you for responding. That is very interesting technical info. In doing further research, even the bilsteinus site (see below), says I bought the correct parts. And no, I don't think the rear suspension is sagged out - btw, its leaf not spring on my 2009.


https://cart.bilsteinus.com/results...Dr=8242583710131466938&Su=8627383636893113226

 

[ARanger]

Sorry, or did you mean are the shocks sagged out? Hmm, very well could be. They are a real rusted mess which is why I want to change them - but the back end doesn't seem unusually low. For some reason, that link didn't work when I tried it. Thanks again for your assistance.

 

[Uncle Gump]

No... I meant the leaf springs.

Do you see any separation between the leaf's?

Any negative arc to the spring?

Are the spring shackles and hangers in good shape?

 

[ARanger]

Actually, yes, there is quite a bit of separation of the bottom-most leafs at the ends (frontwards and rearwards) on both sides of the truck. In fact, the lowest leafs seem almost straight across. As for the spring shackles, bushings are pretty bad as I think about it. Hangars seem Ok, although rusted.

 

[Uncle Gump]

The overload (bottom) leaf should have separation. Just not the others.

I would fix the shackles and bushing too... new shocks won't help those.