Here I come for reccomendations! As soon as reasonable, I'm getting new shocks. Money isn't a problem, but I don't want to spend a fortune. '94 2WD 4.0L 5 speed XLT regular cab. As I said, 2WD, so don't need some insanely heavy duty shocks. I want a very smooth ride, nothing more. I don't go offroad or anything like that. There are a couple rough roads around here but nothing bad.

Suggestions please? Thanks guys.
Zach

 

I just put some bilstein hd on my new 2005 ranger to improve the ride. I did not like how the truck hopped over construction sections of road.

I have owned several mercedes benz and all those guys, with good reason, swear by those shocks. I have put them in a old bmw 325 and loved what it did for the ride and handling. Those guys know how to build a great shock. It may also, if you drive conservatively like I do, last you the life of the truck. Those bilstiens would go 200,000 miles on heavy MB and hold up where everything less would suck in 50K. If money is no problem the bilstiens will be around 250 bucks. I think that they are the best shock on the market and worth the extra money.

good luck

bob

 

I got the cheapo $14/per Gabriel Guardian shocks from Autozone. The other option was the $41ish/per at OReilly in town, but boat money made for a bad budget over the summer.

My truck rides fine. It's basically a point A to B truck. Heck, since it's a 2wd peg leg rear axle, it has to be. Basic shock it is. Good call.

 

I just installed 4 new Monroe cheapie shocks... They were $19 each... seems fine to me! Of course, the ones I replaced were completely rusted away, so just about anything would have been a major improvement.

Pretty much an over the road truck, light hauling...

 

I put the Monroe's on mine as well. I still don't know if I'm going to lower my truck or not, so I am hesitant on spending a pretty penny on shocks.

 

Yep, and those Monroe's got a nice blue color! Can't beat that with a stick... hehehe

 

Monroe Sensa Trac: Mid-range price. Seem to be the most popular replacement shock in other Ranger shock posts. Probably more shock than you really need. Splurge - a little. I just replaced my OEM shocks with these. They work. Black.

 

I've had really good luck with Gabriel VST shock on the front and Hi-Jacker air shocks on the back on my 78 silverado. I havent put shocks on my ranger yet but, i will most likely do the same set up. The VST ride awesome, and the air shocks are good, not only for leveling out when you throw a few hundred pounds in the back, but it also acts as a swaybar around corners. I noticed a big difference in the handling around corners. I only spent $75 on all 4 shocks and the hose kit, but i had a freind at Pep Boys that hooked me up.

 

I second this. The Sensa-Trac is so nice in that it's stiff enough when it needs to be, and soft enough not to jar you around. Besides, you can use it as an electric razor in a pinch. JK!

I tried the lowball Monroe's once. They were about half as good as the ones I was taking off, and the old ones had 90k miles!

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=3196096#

LOL (Where do they come up with these names!?)

 

Ok I'll look into both, the Bilsteins and the Sensa-Tracs.

As for replacing them, is it a simple job? Can I do it? How long would it take and what kinda tools would I need? Thanks all you guys.

 

If I can do it, anybody who is moderately mechanically inclined can do it.

I meticulously followed the directions in my Chilton's. You need a set of ratchet wrenches including one deep socket for taking off the top nut (I used my spark plug wrench - but I don't recommend that because it chewed up the rubber plug retainer inside it). You will want a large adjustable wrench and a screw driver for working with the bottom of the rear shocks. I did the entire job from underneath the truck without having to jack it up. It took me about three hours - although someone with experience could do it in under two hours. Only skinned a couple of knuckles.

One note: If you go with the Monroe Sensa-Tracs, keep the nylon expansion retainer on the rear shocks until you have the top of the shock bolted in place - then position the lower end above the bracket into which it will be bolted. Have a screw driver and the bottom bolt ready. Then cut the retainer (with wire snips) and firmly guide the shock's expansion into the retainer, stopping the expansion with a screw driver held at the bottom of the retainer. Use the screw driver as a lever to move the end of the expanded shock to the exact location where you can slip the bolt into through the retainer and shock end.

 

Ok thanks Frum! I'll be outta school until Jan at noon on Thursday, so I'll start as soon as I can get the shocks.

You didn't have to jack it up? So I can remove the shocks without jacking it up or anything, it won't do anything like snap loose?

 

No need to jack it up. The shocks are not under tension. You will have to compress the new front shocks so that they can be put over the lower mounts. But this is not very difficult. Just attach the top of the shock first then push the bottom of the shock up to compress it into place.

 

Oh hey that's pretty easy! Sounds like even I could do that! lol. Thanks Frumious, you were a lot of help!