I'd like to replace the stock shocks on my 02 Ranger Edge Extra Cab 2WD.

In the past, with other vehicles, I've gone overboard with shocks and wound up with a harsher, uncomfortable ride. What would be good shocks to use on this truck and maintain a pleasant ride?

My usage is regular stuff, towing an 18' boat, collecting firewood, mostly pavement driving.

PS: are the stock shocks junk or actually not too bad?
I have 31,000 km / 20,000 miles on 'er.

Thank you.

 

Most people recommend either Bilsteins or Edelbrock shocks. You can't go wrong with either. I have and recommend Edelbrock IAS shocks. It is without question the most effective and noticable of all the performance mods that I have done to my truck. They GREATLY reduced the body roll during cornering compared to the stock shocks. At the same time, the ride is a little "softer" over bumps. This dicotomy is achieved through the inertia shock valve technology the Edelbrock uses.

I replaced my factory shocks only a few months after I bought my truck brand new. I still remember my dismay at their poor quality. They were rusted, dented up, leaking oil, and were VERY soft in terms of dampening. The Edelbrocks were extremely high quality in terms of finish and build and still work great after almost 6 years of use. They run around $70/each. Do a Google search to find an online retailer.

Here is a pic of mine installed...
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member...138028full.jpg



2.5L four

 

I went with the Monroe Reflex shocks because that is what the auto parts store was pushing that month. I found them too soft at first. I jacked up the tire pressures and after a while I got used to them. I have to admit that my last two road trips were very pleasant, 1200 miles (each way) to Hartford and most recently 1900+ miles to Colorado Springs. The highway ride is much smoother than my F150 Lariat.

Now that I've gotten used to the softer ride, I'm seriously considering putting the Reflex shocks on the F150 (the thing rides like a truck right now).

 

Rocky J:

Were the shocks prior to the Monroes the factory ones?
What did you notice regarding cornering?

Thanks!

 

Yes, the Ranger still had the original shocks on it when I put the Reflex on it. I didn't like the roll, thought they were too soft. They were barely stiffer than the worn out originals with 85K miles on them. I was ready to replace them after a week but instead went back and adjusted my tire pressures to the maximum 35psi (and a pound or two more in the front). I just got used to them and now I enjoy the smooth ride, especially compared to my '02 F150 with stock shocks on it. Firm is one thing, having every road ripple and loose rock jar through the frame and seat right up your spine is quite another.


I don't do any off road, all my driving is on pavement. Once in a while I'll pull into a dirt jobsite or have to drive across someone's property but off-roading isn't my thing. As a kid I liked 'feeling the road', now I want a smooth ride and I don't need my spine tingling after a 3 hour road trip. The truck still corners great, a little more body roll than the racing style shocks but still better than most sedans on the road.

Are your original shocks shot? Bounce on each corner of the truck and see how many times the truck bounces up and down. If it bounces twice or more then the shocks are bad.

 

No, with such low milage, I'm sure they're not worn out. I just imagine that the shocks that they through on at the factory are probably pretty low-end and, if they are, would consider upgrading.

kontai69 recommends the Edelbrock shocks. They're $100.00 each (Canadian) here, and so I spent a fair bit of time calculating it out, and x4 that's roughly $400.00 - ouch! (these new calculators are so cool).

seriously.....I appreciate the feedback.

 

I run Bilstiens on my 98 4x4 and love them. No bouncing when hauling/towing, less body roll, more predictable handling all around. I'd definately reccommend them.

 

I like my Bilsteins also!!

 

Im not so high on Bilsteins, I have found them pretty bone-jarring over bad roads, potholes, etc. No body roll issues I'll agree. My brother has Edelbrock IAS, I noticed right away the ride in his truck was much better than whatever he had before.