Hi, I'm refurbishing a '96 RWD XL. I just swapped the original 3 leaf springs with '95 4x4 3 leaf springs. I'm wondering if I should change the shock absorbers to 4x4 too? They look like they're the same lift but I didn't measure. The original leafs were code B I'm not too sure what the newer ones are all I know is they're off a 4x4.

 

Welcome to the forum

Rangers had a few different leaf spring ratings, 2WD or 4x4 didn't matter, shock lengths will be the same, so yours are fine to reuse
Trailer package option could have stiffer rear leafs
4x4's often had a 1.5" block between axle and leaf for a higher stance, but that is not enough to change shock length

The rest is extra credit, lol

Softer springs in front and rear are better overall, smoother ride on the road and better traction off the road
The tires being on the ground allow you to steer and apply power to get or stay moving
If springs are too stiff when you hit a bump they push up the frame/body making for a rough ride but the weight of the frame/body going up then pulls the weight OFF the tires, so limited steering and traction
If you were to look at and bounce any dedicated off-road vehicle you would be surprised at how easily they bounce, might have 4 shocks on each corner but suspension is very soft, thats to keep the tires on the ground

Its not easy to dial in springs, you don't want it to feel like a boat, lol, but also don't want it to feel like there are no springs at all, i.e. you feel every bump in driver seat
Shocks are secondary, their purpose is to dampen spring's rebound so the spring doesn't keep bouncing after you hit a bump
Stiff springs can't be helped by shocks
Too soft springs can be helped by shocks, somewhat
So springs first shocks second

With one end of shocks disconnected bounce on each corner of vehicle, should bounce easily, and repeatedly, lol
If its stiff then that will be the ride you will have with those springs
Pickup trucks are rated for an extra 1,000 pound in the bed, 1/2 ton rating, so notoriously bad/stiff ride with empty beds
Solution is to use softer leafs with an added overload leaf, the overload leaf doesn't contact the other leafs for support until bed weight exceed say 600 pounds, so soft smooth ride mostly empty but still has full weight capacity

 

Hi, thanks for the reply. The 4x4 leaf springs are already installed. What I was questioning is rwd and 4x4 rear shock absorbers are different part numbers. Now that the 4x4 leaf spring are installed should I change to 4x4 shocks too? The 4x4 shocks are slightly longer with longer stroke length, maybe just because of the riser block between the leaf and axle. I didn't install the the riser so I'm guessing I'm ok with rwd shocks I just don't want them to top out if rear end goes in the air.

 

You will be fine

 

Thanks!