Hey,

Recently I installed gas charged shocks on an F-350, and I noticed they were much different from my ranger (duah) but I was wondering if this was killing my performance and if I could help it. Thoes shocks automatically fully extended. The shocks I put on my truck did not automatically extend, I actually had to pull them apart, telling me its really not helping the spring, nor giving me the "bounce" I want, only helping keeping the truck from completely bouncing all over the place. I was looking at the Rancho RS9000 shocks but can't find a set that will fit a 1994 ford ranger with a 4" lift. Could someone reccomend shocks and let me know what I can do for improved ride. Its not bouncy, but its always a rough and hard impact, I would like more bounce in these situations. I currently have the rough country shocks on which I am not happy with. Let me know what I can do.

Thanks in Advance!!
- Brian

 

i got a set of brand new ranchos that were with my lift. they were on for like 20 miles at the most and then i took the lift off, they rode very well, if you want them just hit me up a pm and we will talk or something...

 

Shocks that "extend automatically" are simply charged with pressurized nitrogen to keep the oil from foaming easily in the shock. The damping rate (the "bounce" you want) is not dependent on that.

Gas pressurized shocks and straight "hydraulic" shocks both do the job. Shocks that are called "hydraulic" generally just use a fluid that circulates through a spring loaded valve or orifice and resist fast motion.

I have Rancho RSX shocks which have two damping rate ranges that switch automatically based on velocity (this is different from the normal velocity sensitive single range of most shocks). I didn't like the rear ones much until I went with the 35's -- they seemed too stiff. But they're just about right with the heavier axle and tires I've put on.

Anyway, hydraulic shocks that don't resist you expanding or contracting are shot. I ragged out my front stock ones on my Ranger bad and I could play them like and according with just finger pressure when I took them off, lol.

Just thought I'd throw that in.

 

Sounds right, but what do I need... hehe I'm kinda lost here and just want to make sure I get a confy ride for the $$, I don't like feeling like my truck is gonna rattle apart when offroad... I need some more spring there!

 

YES JOHNS BACK WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


pmd you back there skyjackerrs ooops..

 

Don't scare me away, now!

Didn't you notice I hang around for awhile whenever I'm going to meets? I have a pattern lately. As I get busy though, I'll be out again -- but likely I'll be back in cycles lol!

Thanks for the welcome back though, Kurt!!!

Brian, as far as shocks go, if you want both highway and offroad "comfort" and damping control, you probably want an adjustable shock. The RS9000's from Rancho (and there are others) are $75 to $100 apiece depending on sale prices -- but it's the only way to get a truly "dialed in" ride for any circumstance.

 

What else is cool is Rancho often goes on sale for buy 3 get one free.

 

I have the Rancho RSX's in the front only, definately a difference from stock, a little rough on the road, nice on large bumps and such, didn't have the chance to go off road with them yet, yet I never go off road. I think i paid $55 per shock.

 

RSX are VERY nice offroad, in my experience. They are stiff but if you go up in tire size it seems to even out quite a bit. With 35's they seem perfect.

 

Thats true. You do have 35s on 15 in rims that is a lot of cushion in the sidewall.

 

Yes, and if I remember to deflate them some it's even better offroad. I had my tires at 30 PSI all day on Saturday. I MEANT to air down, but I forgot and once we got going I didn't want to take the time.

I did disconnect my front sway bar offroading for the first time and was VERY happy with the ride and all offroad -- though it leans a bit on turns when on the street. I wouldn't want to do emergency maneuvers with the bar off. I drove Sunday and Monday with it disconnected and reconnected it Monday night.

 

i only do minimal off roading but would like to replace the stock shocks on my 01 ranger 4x4. its not lifted or anything but i was looking for something with a little better ride. any advice?

 

I have skyjacker hydro shocks on my truck for the 2" lift block. and i know they didnt extend because there hydro's not gas filled. also i know skyjacker makes a longer shock for your truck. my truck rides like a dream with these hydro sky's