The shock is the most important element of a Ford Ranger 4×4. It is responsible for the level of convenience and for safety during driving. To a greater or lesser extent, all drivers understand it. And all sooner or later face the necessity of their replacement. Here is where the excruciating problem of choice for a person arises. On the market, there are lots of brands of shocks, different not only in price, but also in design, so it is super difficult to find the best shocks for ford ranger 4×4. Especially since even within one brand you can find different models, each of which is often advertised as the most optimal. Let’s try to understand.
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Best Shocks for Ford Ranger 4×4 Review
1. Monroe – Best Replacement Shocks for Ford Ranger 4WD
The first and the best on our list is Monroe 32238. There is a lot to say about this item. It is created to the specifications of the original components. What role do these shock absorbers perform? They do not allow the truck body to swing heavily, which improves speed characteristics, as well as driving safety because strong vibrations can contribute to overturning the vehicle on the side or even turning over (for example on tight corners) – if you want they restrain the body.
Shock absorbers also give comfort or sportiness to your suspension, it all depends on what are you waiting for. But the Monroe 32238 will handle it all. They come with all the components, the manufacturer offers a warranty and you might be sure that these shocks will not let you down. We promise you that the properties of these shocks are great for your comfortable ride.
PROS:
- moderate comfort on any surface
- heat and airflow out of the working chamber
- virtually no overheating
CONS:
- no negatives
Final Words
You will get excellent quality and efficiency at an affordable price. For sure, you can also find other alternatively priced and quality products from aftermarket suppliers on sale. But remember, when choosing shocks, you’re choosing your level of safety.
2. Bilstein – Best Shocks for a 4×4 Ford Ranger
If you’re not chasing low prices, and quality of the item is what’s best for your Ford Ranger. We can praise the makers of the Bilstein 4600 as it really is a conscientious job. You will immediately feel the difference after replacing the shocks. Whichever ones you own, you will certainly like the Bilstein 4600. You’ll see a change in the ride and handling of your truck.
As for the installation we can advise you to equip yourself with a great jack and stands and you will not have to overpay for the installation at the service. But it’s up to you, you can trust the set up to professionals and then there will be no problems at all! Steering and ride comfort are the main qualities of these shocks. The kit includes all the necessary washers, bushings, and nuts.
PROS:
- long-lasting performance
- lifetime warranty
- simple installation
CONS:
- no negatives
Final Words
These shocks will not fail prematurely and will last you a long time. We have assured you that the engineer does not lie. They really are good and reliable.
3. Detroit Axle – Best Shocks for Softer Ride
![Detroit Axle - 4pc Front & Rear Shock Absorber Assembly for 1998-2011 Ford Ranger(Exc. FX4 or Highrider) - [1998-2007 Mazda B3000] - 1998-2009 B4000-4WD w/Front Torsion Bar Suspension](/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/3.-Detroit-Axle-4A2500307.jpg)
Third, on our list is the Detroit Axle 4A2500307. Technology developed by top-notch specialists will give your Ford excellent handling and provide effective damping control for a smooth, even ride. Everyone knows that defective parts impair smoothness, braking, and climbing/descent handling. Front struts amortize faster, as they are responsible for the Ford steering. The wear and tear of rear shock struts, as a rule, occur on permanently loaded vehicles. This is why you should replace the shocks on time. The Detroit Axle 4A2500307 has ASD (Acceleration Sensitive Damping) technology that will make your ride even more comfortable.
What else can these dampers do? They have a fluid seal that retains the gas and thereby reduces excessive friction with the piston rod. So, it affects how they will wear out prematurely or not.
PROS:
- simple set up
- increases stability
- more efficient steering
CONS:
- noise
Final Words
Our verdict on these shocks is it’s worth your attention. The price matches the quality and that means it’s a great choice for your Ford Ranger.
4. Rancho – Best Rancho Gas Shock Set for 4WD Ford Ranger
Rancho RS5000X and let’s discuss these shocks. These will be a great choice for your Ford Ranger. Rancho engineers designed them specifically for off-road and urban driving. The Rancho RS5000X will bring a gentle boost to your vehicle’s spring rate. Due to their characteristics these shock absorbers, figuratively speaking, better press the wheels of the vehicle to the road, making the behavior of the truck in the corners more reliable. These properties are most fully demonstrated when cornering at the limit and driving fast on bad roads.
ВSo how does it work or what can surprise the RS5000X? On bad roads with potholes – Rancho Progressive Engagement Valving reduces the possibility of initial harsh effects and controls gradually fluid flow.
PROS:
- suspension works on compression and expansion
- oil does not boil
CONS:
- expensive
Final Words
The Rancho RS5000X are shock absorbers designed specifically for the Ford Ranger, so you’ll have no trouble installing them and no mismatches. Don’t let the price scare you, because handling and safety of all parts of your vehicle are much more important. And although these shock absorbers are not at the top of our list, we can say that they do a great job with all the requirements.
5. cciyu – Best Shocks for Ford Ranger Four-Wheel Drive
We conclude our review with our Cciyu. Automotive shocks are responsible for dumping the vibrations that happen during the movement of the Ford and affecting the acceleration and braking dynamics. Cciyu has damping oil. For city driving, you can safely use these shocks. On what roads can you still drive with them? We can promise you that they will support your truck off-road, in the snow, and in the desert.
But keep in mind that any oil-powered shocks do best just for city driving, not off-roading. This shock suspension has an OEM and amp style and guarantees the comfort of your Ford. There is no shaking, noise, vibration, steering, and the maneuverability of the vehicle is excellent. The truck responds well to the driver.
PROS:
- no oil leakage / abnormal noise
- seamless connection, stable damping force
- High Standard Quality
- Warranty: one year
CONS:
- inappropriate for off-roading
- inappropriate for hot temperatures
Final Words
This shock-absorbing suspension has many pluses, but there are also disadvantages. If you crave to make your driving around town comfortable, pay attention to the Cciyu. But if you plan to drive a lot of off-road, maybe you have to choose something from the list above.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for When Choosing a Shock Absorber:
Driving style. For city driving, oil shocks can be used. If the driver prefers speed, gas, or gas-oil shocks, which have improved compression and rebound, are greater.
Braking distance. The softer the shock, the greater the swing amplitude will be during the braking of a vehicle.
The slack in tight corners and the stiffness of the shock. When the truck enters a corner at speed, a body roll occurs. As a consequence, the grip with the road surface deteriorates, which can lead to loss of trajectory. It is for this indicator that the stiffness of the shock is responsible.
Stability on rough roads. Here you should pay attention to the resistance of the shock. It is from the resistance depends on how well the vibrations will be damped while driving on an uneven road.
Replacing the Shock Absorbers
If you have decided to change oil shock absorbers for gas and oil shock absorbers or vice versa, it is advisable to change all four at once. The thing is that if you set oil-gas shock absorbers on one axle, and oil shock absorbers on the other one, the behavior of the truck can change due to some difference in their characteristics. It will not lead to fatal consequences, but nevertheless. It is already mentioned more than once that it is necessary to replace shock absorbers in pairs, i.e. on one axis two shocks at once, instead of one. But there is no sense to change shock absorbers and to leave worn ball bearings, broken upper cushions, and especially torn dust covers and bumpers on shocks.
The matter is that if suspension components are worn out, the shock works in abnormal conditions, the rod is exposed to excessive bending loads, and if bumpers are absent or damaged, any more or less decent hole, which “forced” the shock absorber to work up to the stop, will be the last one for it. In such cases, it is senseless to speak about any service life and replacement of shock-absorbers without suspension repair is just a waste of money. For the same reason, firms selling shock absorbers, do not give any warranty on them, if they are installed in the vehicle with a defective suspension, or if the dust covers and shock absorber bumpers are missing. In addition, the installation should not violate the technology of the operations.
Improving the Suspension
If there is a desire to adapt the suspension for bad roads, you may select shocks with improved characteristics, for example, allowing to replace the ground clearance. It is important to consider how and where the owner intends to use the truck, what driving style prevails, and how (and often) the vehicle will be loaded. The answers to these questions become arguments in favor of choosing more powerful shocks or suspension kits that can modify the truck’s suspension.
Best Shocks for Ford Ranger 4×4
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Choice  | Monroe 32238
| Check Price |
Also great  | Bilstein 4600
| Check Price |
Best Value  | Detroit Axle 4A2500307
| Check Price |
Non-Slip Grip  | Rancho RS5000X
| Check Price |
Ergonomic Fit  | cciyu (809046-5210-1906155431)
| Check Price |
Conclusion
Which shock absorbers are best for your vehicle depends largely on the intended purpose, road quality, tire stiffness, and your inherent driving style. Therefore, one and the same vehicle can hold the road well at speed but will be annoying jolting even on small bumps, and the other vehicle, which is inert and sluggish on the turns, will perfectly hold even deep potholes. And all because of the main features of shock absorbers varying on the kind and serviceability. We hope this article will help you with the selection and you can make the right choice.
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