Hello there, I recently bought myself a 1996 Ranger XLT 4x4 with the 4.0L V6. My father and I went through the truck and found out it still has the original Motorcraft shocks from 1996 installed on it. Driving it around the truck does get a bit bouncy driving it and stopping, so I do want to replace the original shocks. Also I believe I will need to change some parts on the steering.

Anyways for shocks I only know of Monroe as a brand and looking on Rockauto I can get them for about $180 (CAD) shipped before the $50 MIR. They are Monroe OESpectrum (Part #s MONROE 37018 & MONROE 37014) . Through a local supplier I can buy KYB Excel G shock absorbers for about $160 before a $40 rebate.

Anyone have any thoughts/ inputs to help me decide or even other suggestions on what to look for?

Driving will be mostly blacktop with a bit of gravel roads (occasionally) with a very slim chance for offroad.

Thank you guys in advance

 

Both are the best brands of shocks, so either would be good to use

Monroe are made in the US last I heard

KYB are made in Japan

But both could be made in China now, lol.

I think the KYB are better for handling i.e. less dip on corners, but that does mean they are a little stiffer, which you don't want on the rear of a pickup truck which is already stiff

Monroe will be what vehicle handling was like when new, KYB a little stiffer

If just driving then I would use 4 Monroe, if you will be cornering hard all the time then 2 KYB on the front and 2 Monroe in the rear
No it doesn't matter if you use different shocks on front and rear, left and right yes it does matter, lol