What is the difference between 4wd and 2wd shocks?

 

The front shocks have a shorter body and a long stem at the bottom to clear the cv's.

 

So stupid question but 4wd shocks would not fit a 2wd?

 

a 2wd tbar sprung front yes to any of the following models '00 trailhead, 01-05 edge or 06+ sport

 

The 4wd shocks are longer, and maybe have different valving due to weight.
Putting 4x4 shocks on a 2wd ranger (other than for torsion bars front ends) will allow the suspension to droop further than it should, and the shocks will bottom out very easily, most likely damaging the shocks.
Short answer, unless you have a torsion bar front end, no.

 

98+ coil spring 2wd shocks are all interchangeable.
2wd torsion bar and 4x4 trucks are all interchangeable.

Cannot put torsion bar shocks on a coil sprung truck.

97 and older 2wd coilsprung shocks wont fit 98+ coilsprung trucks.


Assuming your truck is the one shown in the avatar, you have a lifted 2wd coilsprung truck. So no, you can't run 4x4/2wd torsion shocks up front. The rear you can depending on how tall you are.

 

Are the rear shocks interchangeable? rwd shocks onto a 4x4 ranger, I messed up my order 🤦 long story short I don't wanna pay return shipping but I don't wanna lower the rear
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