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Softer shocks


musicstation

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Hi
I install Motorcraft shocks on my 2000 4x4 Ranger . Stock suspension , only 3" body lift w 33" tires
The ride is to hard. I want a softer shocks.
what do you recommend ?
 


Craig0320

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Break it right the first time. Fix it better the next time.
Bilsteins shocks will help. Not much you can do with the torsion bar front end to make it right great. I've had both coil and torsion bar and the coil had a great ride.
 

fastpakr

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It is possible to convert to coil over, but you're probably at a thousand dollars.
 

RonD

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Lower the tire pressure to what you like

With 33" tires you have alot of sidewall, let it absorb some of the smaller bumps

With shocks removed, one end, jump on bumpers front and back to see how stiff suspension is now, shocks can't change that, shocks keep springs(torsion bar) from rebound bouncing, they don't support any weight.
So shocks can't make a ride better if suspension is too stiff now, shocks can make the ride stiffer if they are for the wrong weight or springs, that means they don't let the springs do their job.


Springs(and torsion bars) are set for the weight of the vehicle, if springs are rated for 2,000lbs and your vehicle weighs 1,000lbs(at that axle), then it will be a very stiff ride, weight of vehicle can't push down the spring, so might as well have a metal rod instead of a spring, lol.

Torsion bars are adjustable springs, so if you crank them "up" then their weight rating increases, which is why the front of the vehicle is lifted up, when you hit a bump torsion bar doesn't flex(twist) to absorb the bump, it just pushes vehicle up, so no "spring" type reaction to reduce energy transfer and you feel every bump.

Rangers have 1/2 ton bed rating, so they have 2,000lbs springs for 1,000lbs empty bed :)
Which is why they can be stiff when empty.
You can get 1,200lbs springs and then an overload leaf, overload leaf doesn't touch the frame until you get over 400lbs added to the bed, so you get better ride but don't loose weight rating

Get springs dialed in, then get the shocks you like
 
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planeflyer21

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Fastpakr is correct.

I bought the coilover conversion kit, like $300. The shocks will start around $400/each shipped to start.
 

fastpakr

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Ouch - so you're closer to $1200?
 

planeflyer21

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Yes. Depends on what options you get on what brand of coilover shocks you go with.
 

musicstation

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the ranger get a hard ride when i change the stock shocks for a motorcraft shocks
 

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