Ranger keeps destroying rear shocks

[MorganMcCann]

Good afternoon,
I have a '99 Ranger (Off Road package, 4X4, 265/75R16 Duratracs, 3.0L, Automatic trans/transfer case). When I got this truck, it had the factory shocks on it. I replaced the fronts and rears with Monroe Sensa Tracs. The front shocks have been perfect from day one, however I have destroyed 3 or 4 sets of rear shocks. They always end up squeaking with in about 6 months of being installed. I have installed them according to the factory shop manual. What could be causing the truck to destroy shocks like this?

My roommate thinks I need a 4-Wheel alignment. I'm not sure what else would do this. Thanks!

 

[kimcrwbr1]

I prefer gabriel shocks myself, not sure if these will fit tho.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gabriel-Max...ash=item280d0f0fa1:g:uk4AAOSwnipWX-8n&vxp=mtr

 

[MorganMcCann]

I prefer gabriel shocks myself, not sure if these will fit tho.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gabriel-Max...ash=item280d0f0fa1:g:uk4AAOSwnipWX-8n&vxp=mtr

I have Gabriel's on my Mustang, and the ride quality is horrible.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Exhaust close to them? The actual shock squeaking of the plastic shroud?

 

[MorganMcCann]

Exhaust close to them? The actual shock squeaking of the plastic shroud?

The actual shock. One of the rears always seems to bend, just a bit, but enough to make the metal dust cover ride on the housing of the bottom part (where the gas is). I don't offroad my ranger, beat on it, and I've only towed one or two times with it.

 

[bronco2fan]

Have you looked underneath for wear marks or misaligned and bent brackets? If it's hitting on something there should be indicators somewhere. Pics would help of both shocks and mounting locations. Shocks don't normally bend unless they're binding somewhere. And are they the right size shocks?

 

[MorganMcCann]

Nothing is bent, and I have called monroe about this.
I've also been told because it is the off-road package, that might be making a difference, however Monroe said this should be the right part for my truck.

 

[bronco2fan]

So if it wasn't doing it with the factory shocks, just go with them. Do the Monroes look like the factory ones, same size bushings ? Extend the same length? Same diameter etc?

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Disconnect the shocks at the axle and jack the wheels off the ground with the frame then see if the shocks are long enough? Then depress the shock all the way up and measure from the mount stud to the hole in the shock it should be longer than from the top of the axle to the rubber bumper on the frame. The shock should never fully depress or full extend to its stops?

 

[MorganMcCann]

Could the rear end be out of alignment, and cause this?
And I will try to get pictures soon, it is hard to get underneath it right now.

 

[MorganMcCann]

Something new has happened, the weather has warmed up a bit and the squeak has went away. This has me scratching my head...

 

[bobbywalter]

cut the covers off.


may be simply bushing squeak. i ass-u-me that the noise goes away when fresh shocks are installed for a spell which rules out leaf spring bushing...almost.

i would love to hear the theory behind a 4 wheel alignment fawking up shocks but actually still being drive-able, especially in the rain or snow.


destroyed shocks leak all of the oil all over hell, i have one of those right now.

like mentioned, wrong length will cause some serious damage and shitty ride in short order.

 

[MorganMcCann]

Update: On the shock (rear passenger), there is a spot where the metal cover was rubbing the gas tube. It has been rubbing enough to make a good mark, and remove some metal.