2006 XLT shocks
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 170
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From: Loudoun, Va
2006 XLT shocks
anyone know if there were any major changes to 2006 model Ranger. Looking for some shocks but no one lists an 06, just up to 05. I don't know of any reason why they wouldn't be the same for an 05 but wanted to check first before I bought them. Monroe doesn't show a listing for any 06 Fords that I looked up, so I think the listings might just need to be updated.
Thanks
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 601
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From: Denver
iirc, the marketing materials claimed the 06 had 'new and improved' shocks compared to earlier ones.
The FX4 and FX4 level II shocks are much better than the regular XLT shocks on the earlier models, so I'd suggest them as an improvement, except that they may have used those on all models in 06???
The FX4 and FX4 level II shocks are much better than the regular XLT shocks on the earlier models, so I'd suggest them as an improvement, except that they may have used those on all models in 06???
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 170
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From: Loudoun, Va
well mine rides like crap. I love everything about it (fuel mileage finally got up where I'm happy) except the ride. I feel every little bump in the road, and I mean FEEL it. I've got new tires goin on tomorrow, and if that doesn't fix it then new shocks are next. I've tried running current tires at 25psi front and 20 rear which helps tremendously, but kills my fuel mileage, not too mention what would happen in emergency cornering. This is my commuting truck and it sees 500mi a week sometimes so I want a smooth ride. Both my F250's have a smoother ride.
I just wanted to check cause to me shocks are shocks. every ford I've had mounts them the same, just the length is different... and I don't see a height difference between 05 and 06.
Thanks
I just wanted to check cause to me shocks are shocks. every ford I've had mounts them the same, just the length is different... and I don't see a height difference between 05 and 06.
Thanks
New User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3
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Don't have an answer on the shocks, but I recently traded my 01 4.0 XLT 4x4 for an 06 4.0 FX4, and mine rides like crap also. Have had it back to the dealer twice now, they have replaced 1 tire and swapped 2 rims/tires with another vehicle they had in stock. Still rides poorly, shimmies, shakes, and you can feel every bump. The service manager told me that they "road force balance" the tires, which supposedly gives a more accurate reading for weight and placement. Last time I was there, he told me there was nothing in the ride that wasn't "characteristic" of the vehicle. I had Michelin XLT M/S on my 01, and now have the Wrangler RT/S on my 06. I'm thinking it is the tires. Maybe you will get lucky when you swap yours.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
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4x4 ranger do not ride smooth, thats a given, they are stiff. However, there should be no shimmy or shaking, just a stiff ride. 4x4 suspensions are made to absorb bumps in the rough. If the suspension was soft, it wouldn't take much of a bump to bottom it out. I like the stiff ride of my ranger 4x4, it feels like a real truck, not a sudo truck. I put bilsteins on, that makes it stiffer yet, but smooths out at speed on logging trails and fire roads. There still should be no shimming, something isn't right.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2006
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I understand the stiffness aspect, and do want that in the ride. I bought my 01 new and drove it for for 5 years before trading it in on the 06. I just think I have an issue either with tires, rims, or a bad suspension component. The rear end shakes at certain highway speeds, and the front end shimmies at certain highway speeds. Just not sure how to get it through the dealer's head that this is not "characteristic of the vehicle".
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Loudoun, Va
I've only had 4x4's and yes I also agree they should be somewhat firm in ride, however none of my 4x4's have ever been this bad. F250's, 350's etc. Our 89 super duty is the only truck that rides worse than my 06 Ranger. I have no shimmy's/shakes but I get jarred around on bumps a lot. Rangers are not work trucks. Many of my friends older rangers were very smooth, compared to what I feel now. I'm afraid from what I've heard about bilstein shocks that they won't be what I am looking for. I switched from Good year (factory) to Michelin's and that helped some. I think I will try some Monroe Sensa tracs next and see if that helps.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 696
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From: Lynchburg, VA
I have a 99 4x4 with off-road 66,000 mi. and have a set of Bilsteins to install when our sons are home on their next break. I can't really complain about the ride but most of my driving is all local, less than 3k miles annually and I expect the ride to be a little "rough"...it is a truck. I'm not even sure if I need new shocks but with age and mileage I figured it is probably due. I went with the Bilsteins because the new Ranger Level II has them as standard. I probably did not need to spend the extra money and probably would have a more comfortable ride with one of the other brands. But it is a truck and if I want a car ride I drive my car.
If you replace your shocks before me, I would appreciate knowing the specs on the top and bottom bolts on the rear's....diameter, bolt length, and shoulder length. I want to put new bolts in and use stainless because of all the winter salt we get here. Thanks.
If you replace your shocks before me, I would appreciate knowing the specs on the top and bottom bolts on the rear's....diameter, bolt length, and shoulder length. I want to put new bolts in and use stainless because of all the winter salt we get here. Thanks.