Hi, I have a 2011 Ranger Sport 4x4 and my suspension is worn out. The shocks are Rancho.

I don't want to make any real change to the suspension but am considering getting the pre-2007 torsion keys and Belltech shackles for a 2" body lift. Currently running stock size tires but am considering going with the largest metric tires I can fit at some point.

I would like decent shocks. Was thinking Bilstein Heavy Duty but don't really know. What kind of shocks do you recommend? 90% highway and town and 10% rough logging roads.

What specs do I need to look at? The only thing I've found it 1.38" piston diameter for both front and rear shocks. Is this correct?

What should I do about leaf springs? They seem to be worn out because my truck sags in the rear, especially loaded. Does re-arching them take care of that or should I replace them?

Thanks

 

The torsion keys can be bought online for close to $100. Make sure you measure your stock height before you install the new ones, so that you can adjust for your difference appropriately when installing the new ones. Whatever you do, don't just crank them all the way down, it will make your truck ride like hell. As far as leaf springs, there's a website, https://www.generalspringkc.com/ that sells springs that are fairly affordable. the HD springs that they sell for the ranger will give you around a 2" lift from stock height. I will say they are pretty stiff. I haul a ski boat with my ranger, and she doesn't sag at all with the weight.

For shocks, I will tell you from first hand experience that Rancho shocks are trash. I had a set for about a year, only took it light offroading once, and blew them out. The bushings don't hold up and the piston itself had a tendency to stick in the cylinder. For the amount you save with Rancho, they aren't worth it. Bilstein shocks are a great brand. Take a look at Fox as well. They make a set for the Ranger for up to 3 inch lift, and they make a world of difference while driving. Not to mention they come with a lifetime warranty. I want to say they are around $150 a shock, but that price may be off.

Another thing to consider, if you haven't done so already is to replace your ball joints with ones that have zerk fittings. Ford did a terrible job with their ball joints on the Ranger, and just about every one I've worked on had blown out joints at 100k. When I did my lift (2005 Ranger xl 2wd, 2 inch lift with coil springs) I replaced the ball joints as well, and it came out to right at a grand for everything. That was the leaf springs, Maxtrac coil springs for the front (I don't have torsion bars), upper control arms, lower ball joints, and Rancho shocks (at the time).

Hope this helps