Wasn't sure what else to title the thread, I think its hilarious. Anyways, Been driving around a lot lately and noticing the front end handles like a dream. It's smooth, comfortable and handles well. The rear end on the other hand is a different story. When taking turns I will notice the wheels will lift off the ground and its even worse if I go over a bump. Once I hit a bump the rear end almost does not want to return to Earth. I'm aware its a truck, and a light truck at that. Does anyone have tricks up their sleeves to help prevent this?

I hear a ton of squeaking and banging from the rear as well. I think the struts are gone or one their way out. It gets rough over bumpy roads, some weight in the rear may help that. Although I wouldn't know where to put it without taking up Bedspace. I think they are cheap $25 replacements that where put on there before I bought it. I'm thinking about replacing them with these. Not sure if they are appropriate. I don't haul much if anything. I just want a smoother ride in general. I have been browsing the sticky in this section and forums in general. I would like to add a rear sway bar at some point, anyone know what years and models would bolt into a 04 RWD Ranger? I can add it to my list of stuff to look out for at the JY.

 

put some weight in the back and replace the shocks

 

Aye, That's the road I think I'll be taking. Although the road I would like to take is complete Coilover conversion...to poor for that Do you think those Monroe Sensa Trac Adjustable struts/coils would be a good choice? I've seen many good reviews on them. I'm looking into ways to add weight to the rear (maybe 100-200 pounds) without being able to see it.

 

well you have just shocks in the rear...get bilsteins well worth the money

 

Spare tire.........good place to add extra weight

 

I am torn between Bilsteins and the Monroe Sensa Trac with coil spring assembly for the rear. Many good reviews about both. I'm prepping for pulling the bed off (again) to replace shocks, pinion seal, possible U-joint and drum brakes in one go.

 

That's what I was thinking. At the moment I don't have the tire on it (less weight, adding to my problem. Just haven't gotten to putting it back on). I'm looking at getting a piece of steel and fabbing it to fit in its place to add weight. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

I'm going with Bilstein 5100 series shocks all around. My Rancho RS5000's are made by Monroe and they're already toast which is kind of upsetting.

 

Definitely have seen more people recommend Bilstein shocks. I'm sold on it. I'll add it to my list of stuff to get. I think the fronts are good for now so I'll get the rears for my winter project. keep me informed on difficulties and overall performance.

 

Yeah even the Bilstein 4600 series (yellow w/ blue boots) are great shocks. I'm just going with the 5100s for the hell of it.

Won't be getting them for a while. I need to do upper + lower ball joints, inner + outer tie rods before i get them lol

btw, i put the envelope in the mail today. I didn't have time yesterday.

 

Thanks again, No problem. I'll probably be putting it on Saturday morning anyways.

I'm checking out the Bilsteins all across the web. Trying to find ones that come preloaded with the coil. Going to try to keep the pair under $100. I have to find a way to get the U-joints apart at home without a bench, joy.

 

As far as the weight, I would put sand bags(or similar) weight in the bed, add or reduce the weight until you get the ride/handling you want.
Then you will know how much weight you need to add under the truck(out of sight), just adding a hunk of metal might not get you what you want.

Also "a pint is a pound the world around", still remember that from grade school, lol.
8 pints in a gallon
So a gallon of gas = 8 lbs(slightly less, gas is lighter than water)
10gal = 80lbs

 

This was my plan when I get to it. Probably November or so. I'll see what works the best and then I'll see how I can mount it on top of the spare tire that would still allow me to drop the spare if I needed it. I'm curious to see if anyone else has done something like this to their Ranger/B-Series.

 

didnt somebody on here tell me you can only do 5100s in the rear? Cant do them all the way around.

 

Yes, I did and like I said in your other thread I got them even after being told they wouldn't work and they indeed didn't.

How many other dead threads are you going to bump after being told the answer?

 

Lol. Sorry. . This is the last dead threat ill dig up. I'm gonna see if the 5165s fit...otherwiotherwise 4600s it is.

 

Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! A good place to ask newb questions over and over.

 

Lol I was just as stubborn
Idk about those but for sure, 5100 won't work up front