hard hitting suspension
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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hard hitting suspension
Ok, here we go. My '99 3.0 2x4 is the worst handling vehicle I have ever driven. Now before I get too far into this, I know it's a truck and I know it's supposed to be a stiff ride...That being said, i can't figure this out. My '89 V8 Bronco 4x4 handled better than my ranger does. Speedbumps have become bone-jaring encounters, pot-holes shake everything in the truck, and every time I hit a bump while making a turn the back end feels like it's going to slingshot around the front of the truck. It seems to me like the spring rate in the front springs are too much for the truck's weight. The ABS constantly activates when I'm trying to come to a stop and encounter train-tracks or other rough bumps. I wont even beging to mention what it feels like when taking a mountain trail or dirt road. Does my truck have a problem? I've replaced the shocks with Monroe Sensitrack shocks but that didn't help much. I also installed a set of James Duff Traction Bars which helped with the rear wheel hop a lot. I'm pretty sure it has to do with the springs. I'm tired of almost loosing control of my truck because the tires are bouncing and hopping all over the place over every little bump/hole in the road. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Abingdon, VA
wheel/tire size
I have a '99 2x4 as well, and I don't have any problems. I know two people who have 98-99 models with the smaller wheels and they complain about them all the time. Also, my truck came with firestones, and I didn't like the ride when I test drove it. My dealer switched the firestones for some Michillen EXTs and it drove great after that.....and I have over 187,000 miles on mine. I'm not saying anything about one brand or another, I'm just saying the tires you have contribute to the ride and handling of your truck.
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Senior User
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I thought that as well. So, I went and put 31x10.5 tires on there thinking that the larger, heavier tire would help smooth out the rigid suspension but still have the same problems. AT least I feel a little better knowing I have a wider tire grip on the road than before, but it still dancess all over the place. It's just frustrating since the only aspect that can bechanged is the shock, and getting a softer shock just seems like it would't matter if the spring is too stiff...
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
I know what you are talking about with the rough ride. I have a 2000 Ranger 2wd and I cringe when i see a pothole or speedbump. I really beleive it is just how this trucks suspension is designed. My buddy has a 4x4 and his rides much better. I recently replaced my tires with bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos and it rides a tad better but not much. The only thing i can think of fixing this is to get a softer spring but i dont want to have my truck sit lower. Its not really a big problem, i would just love to have a smoother ride.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: California Desert
I guess I must have a nice ride. Mine is very smooth. I don't know if they switched to torsion bars between 98 and 99, but I've always had bad experiences with torsion bar setups. They never ride well. If you have springs...well...take your truck off a good jump a couple of times, it should make your suspension pretty soft. 
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Yeah, I guess I'll just have to deal with it for now. However, has anyone heard much about Tokico/Trekmaster gas shocks? They have shocks as well as ride contol set-ups. Are they really unique or just another shock? Thanks.
Gone but not forgotten.
Joined: Jul 2001
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I have a '99 like yours and had no probs with the ride. I have lowered my truck 3" by replacing the springs and shocks, and it turns like it is on rails. Too bad you are not closer, I still have the stock rear springs and you would be welcome to them. Good luck.
Dono
Dono
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Houston
You know what your are saying just does not make sense. This is my 4th ranger now, this one is a 99' 2x and it used to ride like all the other ones I have had before mods, way too soft, too much body roll in the corners. I have always had to stiffen up the suspension with heavy duty shocks, wider wheels and better tores. I have noticed when I ran on an off-brand cheaper brand of 31's that it was real "bouncey", kind of like what you described, but without the sliding out issues. When I switched to BFG's it took care of alot of that. But if you want your truck to handle in corners you have to get rid of the body roll, that means stiffer, so you have to decide what you want, a bad *** handling truck that will ride a little ruff, or one that will not handle as well but ride smoother.
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Senior User
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Ok. So, what would be "the best" shock of choice for a 2wd Ranger (if price didn't matter)? As much as I like to, I don't usually take it off the main road, but then again, the 10 Freeway in So. Cal. is just about as bad as driving off-road. If you had your choice, what would you choose? Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Houston
If price is not a concern, I would get Rancho RS 9000's. They are nine way adjustable, this way you can find a setting that works for you. You can set it stiffer when you have a load or more weight in your truck. You can set the fronts stiffer than the rear to aliviate some of the "wheel hop" or "bouncy" ride you are presently dealing with. You might also look into Bilstein as well, I think they now have an adjustable shock as well. I do know the Rancho's are pretty nice, each one has an adjustment *** on the side and it takes less than a minute to change the settings on them. They cost around $250 for a set, I think if you look in some of the off-road mags or on the net you can find a set for cheaper than that.