Hey guys, I have been researching and searching the forums for about 2 hours now reading reviews on shock options. I acquired an 01 4x4 ranger that was abused pretty hard so to say the least, the suspension is ****. Now im used to driving my audi and when i got in this thing, I felt like I was driving a radio flyer wagon. I don't ever expect to get the same ride quality, but Im looking for something that will be a little nicer to drive around with.

Now I've read that the monomax's have a stiffer ride quality, which confused me on a couple posts because people mentioned that "a pothole that used to WHAM, now only slightly BUMPS" (excuse the poor description, its just quoted from a post I read). Now the way I interpret it is that would be a softer ride quality, no?

Let me describe what I want and maybe someone can give me some re-assurance. I've pretty much made up my mind on the monomax's, but I'm looking for a good daily driving ride quality, very very very seldom offroading, and OCCASIONALY, trips to lowes for lumber and other home improvement type crap. no heavy towing or trailering. maybe some jetskis or a small boat in the future.

Oh, and ride height is stock right now.

Thanks for the help.

 

Bilstein shocks, hands down. Even if you aren't off roading...

But before you expect shocks to magician your truck into riding like a car, have a good look at the ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar end links and wheel bearings. These are all common problems that lead to "looseness" in the front end and you end up with a harsh ride. Also, make sure your tires aren't over inflated.

 

not to thread jack but brian do you know what the model number for the ranger 04 xlt 4x4 is for bilsteins?

 

I did neglect to mention that i plan on doing the upper control arms with ball joints, lower ball joints, poly bushings, and tie rods, hopefully all those changes should make for a much nicer ride

 

KYB Monomax's suck. I have them front and rear for a year now and they ride like **** and the front ones are blown. Im definitely going with bilsteins in the spring







front
Bilstein F4BE52794H3 - Bilstein Heavy-Duty Series Shocks - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Rear
Bilstein F4BE52795H2 - Bilstein Heavy-Duty Series Shocks - Overview - SummitRacing.com

 

Bilstein for sure.

 

Yeah those will all help a lot. I recommend using moog (good quality and greasable), you can get them fairly cheap at rockauto.com. If you go to retailmenot.com and punch in the website you can always find coupons.

Might as well get new sway bar end links as well.