My trailer needs shocks (Ranger Bed)

[shane96ranger]

I need extended shocks for my trailer which is made from the a$$ end of an 87 Ranger. It has a 7.5 rear end and a 4 inch lift. Autozone says I can use the factory shock up to 3 inches, but don't list anything beyond 3 inches. Is there another truck I can use some from? My 96 shocks appear to be different (maybe because it is an 8.8 rear?).

 

[strvger]

can't you just measure the shock length, collapsed and fully extended, then get shocks that will give you the correct length with your 4" lift?

 

[bcost882]

since its a trailer why not just lower the lift a bit

 

[shane96ranger]

can't you just measure the shock length, collapsed and fully extended, then get shocks that will give you the correct length with your 4" lift?

I read this before, but I really don't understand how long it needs to be. I'm also just going off of Autozone numbers which are:

Extended Length: 25.73 In.
Collapsed Length: 15.12 In.
Stroke: 10.61 In.

Do I just add 4 inches to all of these? And if so, where do I go to find custom shocks? Sorry, for now I'm an idiot when it comes to this stuff; so I depend a lot on this site. Ask me a Mustang question though, and I'll pull through for you. =)

since its a trailer why not just lower the lift a bit

It has 33's under it and I really don't want to buy new tires too. The thought has definitely crossed my mind.

 

[kennykenny]

How about some pics of the trailer? I have all the parts to build one with a gen 3 bed/axle/springs, except I need to build the frame. Sorry for the thread jack.

 

[shane96ranger]

How about some pics of the trailer?

This is the only one I have right now. This is actually prior to my buying it. It tows really well except when there's a little weight in it, which is why I need to replace the shocks. I think it's pretty cool looking though. I can take more pics if you want?

 

[4x4junkie]

The shocks I have on the rear of my Ranger IIRC were for a stock 4WD Dodge Ram (1993down body style). Seems I recall I had to modify the lower eye bushing slightly to get it to fit into the axle mount though. They are 29.something inches extended length.

 

[shane96ranger]

Nice, I'll give those a whirl. They are 28.89 inches long according to Autozone. Thanks a bunch, I appreciate the help.

 

[4x4junkie]

Any time

 

[Toms01PSD]

That trailer is sweet! Does it still have the gas tank under it?

 

[shane96ranger]

That trailer is sweet! Does it still have the gas tank under it?

Thanks, I think it looks pretty sweet myself. No, the tank was gone when I bought it.

 

[btm757]

That thing looks awesome

 

[86 slo-vo]

plan on doing one like that myself except with a 3rd gen long bed

 

[chazzone]

Your towing issue may be tongue weight and not shocks. Propperly loading the trailer will make a big difference in how it tracks.

 

[shane96ranger]

I actually wound up getting it for 100 bucks. I have been quite pleased with it.