2009 ranger xl 4wd smoother ride?

[ericlerouge]

I run 235 75 15 lt tires with 25 psi... stock size. My door sticker list 35 psi. I don't know why. It's way too harsh. Just bought the truck, it has newer blue shocks, so I'm thinking monroe? Idk. I was used to my other truck running 33s with 25 psi and Ranchos. It was really smooth I don't care much about how long the tires lasts or handling, I'm 49 years old and drive accordingly lol... my question is if you guys know of soft shocks, maybe Ranchos? Or was it the combination of the Ranchos and the weight of the 33s? Maybe a smaller torsion bar set?

 

[RonD]

Bounce the truck at the front to see what it feels like
Then disconnect one end of each front shocks
And bounce it again

If it feels the same then its over sprung(for your taste), softer shocks won't matter/help
If it feels softer, easier to bounce, then yes, softer shocks will help

Same for the rear

The Springs are part of the suspension, shocks are just their to prevent springs from being too much like springs, lol, and continue bouncing like springs should do
You can get shocks that are stiffer, so prevent springs from being too springy
Its all a matter of what you want as the end result

 

[rubydist]

I will tell you that the new Rancho (stock replacement FX4) front shocks that I put on the 09 a year or so ago are so soft its almost like having no shocks on the front. I think they are junk.

I also know that some tires are much more stiff than others. Most of the Firestone Destination tires I have seen ride okay, but maybe the ones you have are just really stiff - are they load range C tires? (Those are way stiffer.)

 

[pjtoledo]

since you have snow in the picture it's worth noting that some shocks are much stiffer in cold temperatures, the oil gets thicker.
are they different on warmer days?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Try backing the torsion bars off about 2 turns each, see if that helps out... it looks like you have plenty of tire clearance, if they're near maxxed out it'll ride like a brick...

 

[09fx4guy]

Scotts90ranger is right, if they are too cranked, the ride leaves a lot to be desired. The torsion bars you have now are the medium level. F is the weakest, B is the mid grade, and #1 is the stiffest.

It may not even be a bad idea to look into a set of replacement torsion bars depending on the mileage. When I replaced mine (I went from B to #1) and they were not adjusted as high, the ride dramatically improved. I also added Rancho shocks at that time, but am now switching over to Bilstein's.