I replaced the shocks in my 1995 Ranger XLT a year ago and didn't see much improvement in the bouncy feel of the front end.

Would stiffer coil springs up front help to make it ride better and eliminate the bounce? And if so, who makes the best aftermarket coil springs?

 

What shocks did you use?

 

Some average priced Monroes

 

if its a bouncy ride, sounds like weak springs, shocks will only soften the bounce. You may need to take in and get the springs checked/replaced. But with only 50K on the vehicle sounds like something else may be amiss? If nothing else the monroes should have a warranty and maybe you can get them to replace them with a higher quality shock. Got mine at sears with a lifetime, have replaced them once (rears).

 

High Pressure Gas assist or just hydraulic? The cheap hydraulic shocks are worthless IMO and barely do anything to control the ride, If they are gas then maybe opt for something with more offroad style valving like a Rancho, I tried a set of those on one of my F150s and thought they were too stiff but everybody has different preferences.

 

The ones I got last year were in fact the cheap-o versions.