Probably made a mistake buying these shocks

[DeanoDeano]

I have '98 short bed stepside, 4.0 liter. It had worn shocks when I bought it and I purchase some very basic Monroe shocks from Rock Auto. The resulting ride is very jittery and skittish if I get into any kind of rough pavement, especially if changing lanes or going around a corner.

I tried to find a thread making shock recommendations.....but came back here to post.

I don't need anything over the top, just looking for the truck to feel planted and stable.

Recommendations?

 

[4.0blue98]

I put KYB gas-a-just shocks on all four corners of mine last year and really like them.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I always run cheap shocks. Never had an issue. Maybe theyve gotten cheaper since i bought a set

 

[racsan]

Its still probably better than no shocks at all, of course you could of got a bad set, the good thing is since they were cheap you didnt waste too much money. Id go with a mid-grade gas charged shock. Remember its a ranger not a crown vic, “ride quality “ is a relative thing.

 

[Chapap]

I agree with you. I put Monroes on my Ranger and they're awful. I splurged on Bilstein 4600 ($85) for the Ram an love them. KYB is supposed to be good too. Next time I need shock, I might try the cheaper KYB gas-a-just ($65). The monroes and the like are surprisingly ineffective.

 

[Roert42]

I've use cheap Monroes on a few trucks and cars, no complaints. Even used No name Chinese shocks on a beater grand marquis once. Beats the heck out of blown out shocks.

I typically go with KYB for daily drivers, good quality, good price.


I think it may just be a matter of too heavy a shock for too light a truck. Try putting 3/400 lbs in the back and I'll bet you it rides sweet.

 

[Bgunner]

I run Gabriel max control shocks up front and Gabriel ultra gas shocks on the rear and love the control. I think the max controls were $80-$85 each and the ultra were cheaper when I got them 4 years or so ago.

 

[Danno1985]

Ditch the Monroes and just get Motorcrafts. They're only marginally more expensive than Monroes on Rock Auto and will bring back the OEM ride quality, while lasting at least 60k in reasonable use.

I've had pretty good luck with Bilsteins in the past, but have come to the conclusion that for a stock truck, the Motorcrafts are a better value proposition,

Aside: I'm assuming your truck is a 2WD at stock ride height since this is the 2wd suspension forum, but if you somehow wound up with shocks that are either too short or too long for your truck, that could be causing some of your issues. My experience with Monroes is typically that they feel cushy and soft like factory shocks at first, but start to bottom out and have that wallowing late-70s land yacht feel pretty quickly. Usually it's the heavy-duty shocks like the Bilsteins and Ranchos that folks complain about being jittery.

 

[Chapap]

My experience with Monroes is typically that they feel cushy and soft like factory shocks at first, but start to bottom out and have that wallowing late-70s land yacht feel pretty quickly. Usually it's the heavy-duty shocks like the Bilsteins and Ranchos that folks complain about being jittery.

What does jittery mean? Does that mean too stiff and doesn't let the suspension move fast enough? I've always found the Monroes to be too soft and cushy and only slightly improve the ride. My Bilsteins are definitely stiffer, but that seems optimal. Even on the rear with an empty bed. I don't think I'd want them any softer.

 

[sgtsandman]

Monroes are definitely not a great shock but I don’t recall anyone having a problem like that. I’m wondering if they had the wrong shock listed or if you missed the fine print in the description and ordered the wrong ones. It’s easy to do if you aren’t paying attention. I’ve almost done it a time or two.

 

[gw33gp]

Bilstein shocks may be more expensive when installed, but they pay off if you plan to run them a long time. My last Bilsteins were good for 150K miles on the rear and 180K on the front. The fronts were still good, but I don't like to take a chance of failure on a long off-road trip.