'99 Ranger Sport w/ completely stock suspension - I've been not completely satisfied with the ride quality and finally (after 4 years, lol)I'm to the point of wanting to do something about it.

I mean, the ride quality is ok, especially when roads are smooth. But when I drive over a series of small bumps, the ride gets really choppy. If those bumps happen to be around a corner, watch out.

I'm looking for something that will keep most of the good handling characteristics, but loose the "chop".

Anyone have suggestions for improvement? If you could give me specifics, like what brand of shocks that would suit my needs. Or, what's worked for you, I'd appreciate it.

 

Welcome to the world of the 4 x 4 Ranger........without some weight in back. What a world of difference 500 - 750 lbs makes in the ride.

However, I just installed a new set of Rancho RS5000 shockes the day before yesterday and drove to a corner that is especially rough and produces what you describe. There was, IMHO, a noticeable ride difference at 25MPH on a tight 90 degree corner. Tires also make a diff, so whatever you do, don't get the large dia rim with a miniscule sidewall; that sidewall functions like a spring and a shock too. Myself, I'm running BFG 31x10.50 KO's on the factory alloy rims. You'll hear them a bit on the highway, but not offensive, and they don't go out of round/develop wear patterns like some other brands.

If ya like the shocks, look on central4wd.com; they have an attractive price and FREE shipping The URL is http://central4wd.com/store/itemdetail.asp?ID=884

 

it may be some thing as simple as tire pressures....should be inflated to the owners manual or the white card in your drivers side door.

I know that 5 psi more in my ranger makes a Huge difference.

 

Already checked tire pressure, so I think a change in shocks is going to be the only thing that makes me happy. Now to figure out which ones to get....

 

ok, just trying to help out,

I've heard great things about the Blistiens...if you want to spend that kind of $. I also think that Monroe has some good ones too.

 

Good advice, Supe. I've got a neighbor who knows that I like to tinker with cars/trucks so he comes and asks me last week what could be the problem, he's getting a shimmy on the highway at certain speeds and a wobble around corners in his '98 Grand Prix that he just picked. So I pull out my tire pressure guage and check his tires......one had 15psi, one had 40 psi, another had 29 psi and the last one had 25 psi! Can you believe that a dealership would let him drive off their lot with tire pressures like that! And get this, when I went to check the spare tire for air, there was no spare tire!! Man, I'm thinking this guy got ripped off....anyway, point is, he later put put the proper air pressure in the tires and now the car rides smooth as silk on the highway and cornering.

 

Bob Ayers told me the blistiens are great.

 

Hi Ken,

Yes, the Bilsteins made a big difference in how my 1999 2WD std.
cab rode, and handled......I changed out the OEM shocks at about
37K miles......

 

I have a 2002 4x4 and if i go over railroad tracks in a turn the backend LEAPS out sorta unnerving. Well i lowered the tires to 30psi and its better. I still think the factory shocks are lame.
I would spend the bucks and go for bilsteins. They are a more modern shock with monotube design etc.

EDIT:
I was going to get new tires and shocks this fall but I just had to spend 838 dollars on my truck because someone bashed in the drivers door in a parking lot. Had to get the front fender driver door and supercab door all fixed/painted. (I got a 15% discount too). They never stopped and if i claimed it on my insurance I would pay alot more in the end. So there went my tire/shock money

Rand