You may wonder why we deemed it important to discuss the ten best replacement Shocks for Ford Ranger. Well, no vehicle owner wants to drive a vehicle that doesn’t feel smooth to ride. Or such that is very bumpy and vibrates at every little bump. It is even more disturbing when you start hearing some squeaky noise or some chaotic shaking. Once such becomes obvious, it is an indication that it is time to replace your Ford Ranger’s shock absorber.
Deciding on which strut to go for can be confusing with the presence of numerous shocks out there. We have taken out time to scour the internet and have arrived at the ten best replacement Shocks for Ford Ranger to help you decide to buy.
10 Best Replacement Shocks for Ford Ranger Reviews
1. Gabriel 43167 Spring Rear Assist Shocks
When it comes to best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger, Gabriel products always comes to mind. It is the right mix of spring and shock technology to ensure that your truck does not lose its original ride height due to carrying the load for an extended period. It features front coil springs that help in improving stability.
The presence of variable-rate coil springs for the back provides you with 500 pounds for each load capacity. And like every product from Gabriel, this shock comes with a fine-finished chrome piston rod that ensures that you seal properly lubricated and also protects against corrosion. The result is that you get a surface that the wear is more consistent.
The Gabriel 43167 spring shock also comes with a piston that is leak-proof so that you get to enjoy an extended life of your shock. With its Drawn Over Mandrel (DOM) tubing feature, internal wear is reduced drastically. This process helps in getting rid of imperfections from the weld seam coming from the tube surface. What you get is a smoother surface that prolongs the product and reduces friction.
Having been in the market for 110 years, this brand is one of the best products for performance as well as a long-lasting product. Also, it is the answer to any Ford Ranger owner looking for an economical way to make use of their heavy-duty truck.
Product Features:
- Rear spring shock technology
- 500 pounds per capacity load
- DOM tubing
- Leak-proof piston seal
- Chrome-finished piston rod
Product Specifications:
- Brand – Gabriel
- Model – 43167
- Product dimensions – 26.62 x 7 x 3.5”
- Weight – 15 lbs.
Pros:
- Helps in maintaining ride height
- Long-lasting shock due to leak-proof piston seal
- Protects against corrosion and consistent wear surface
- Provides economical means for trucks that are used for heavy lifting
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Can be up to 2″ shorter than the original shock
2. Rancho RS5000X Shock Set
The Rancho RS5000X shock absorber combines innovative and new rebound valving system that is unique to Rancho products. It is our 2nd recommendation of the best replacement shocks for ford ranger. It features advanced compression that elevates your vehicle’s performance and overall handling, whether on or off the road.
The effect of this shock is felt when you replace your old worn-out shock of your ’98 Ford Ranger. You automatically gain nothing less than 100 thousand miles. It also allows for easier rebound and damping and better handling of heavy erosion. It washes boarding while driving on a dirt road.
This is also a gas-pressurized and twin-tube shock absorber that minimizes the mixture of air and oil that causes shock to fade and foam. The gas pressurization feature of Rancho RS5000X also gives your truck a mild spring boost. And with its large shock body, your vehicle’s fluid capacity is increased for better cooling and performance.
Bothered about how to restore your lightweight truck to suck up highway imperfections like it originally did? The Rancho RS5000X is the right choice. It is quite easy to install and instantly adds 1-2″ lift to your truck height.
Product Features:
- Tuned-compression control valve
- Gas-pressurized shock
- Rebound bumper
- Double-welded loops
- Nitro-carburized rod of 16 mm
Product Specifications:
- Brand – GoRancho
- Model – RS5000X
- Product dimensions – not available
- Weight – 25 lbs.
Pros:
- Self-lubricating seal with low friction
- Easy installation
- Natural rubber bushings
- Gas-pressurized shock
- Double-welded loops for an enjoyable ride
- Fits perfectly while adding about 2″ ride height
- High-quality product made in the USA
Cons:
- No complaint from users yet
3. Sensen 2282 Shock (Full Set)
The Sensen 2282 premium bare shocks are engineered with precision in mind for ultimate safety and enhanced performance. If you are looking for a shock that will give you more control and comfort of your Ford Ranger, this is the right shock.
It is also built to meet with the standard durability in mind and to last long. The Sensen struts and shocks are certified to meet with OE strict standards for quality and unparalleled performance. The company assures that the shock is built to allay the vehicle owner’s trouble. It has also been tested for quality and is 100% visually inspected.
This product also features a twin-tube design shock and is nitrogen gas. This charged shock is specially calibrated in such a way to help in restoring your truck’s original ride height, performance, and control. It is quickly becoming Ford Ranger truck owner’s preferred suspension that experienced automotive technicians are making use of.
Product Features:
- Twin-tube shock design
- Nitrogen gas-charged
- Includes Sensen shock and struts
- Complete shock set
- Torsion bar front
Product Specifications:
- Brand – Sensen
- Model – 2282
- Product dimensions – 23.75 x 4 x 3”
- Weight – 30 lbs.
Pros:
- Built with safety and ultimate performance in mind
- Enhanced vehicle control and comfort
- Durable and long-lasting
- Calibrated to restore the original ride height
Cons:
- The front mount may not match OEM
4. Maxorber Shocks Struts (Full Set)
Maxorber Shocks features a hard-chromed piston rod with a microcracks surface that is also of a chrome finish for a smooth contact between your vehicle’s seal and the piston rod. It also features Japanese oil seals of high quality to eliminate friction between the seal and piston rod.
With this shock also comes the multi-lip oil seal that is designed to separate the external grime. It is anti-shear and anti-foam to discourage internal wear. To reduce the issue of aerating and foaming, the Maxorber shock is N2 gas-pressurized. You get to enjoy optimum performance with your shock.
You won’t have to worry about splitting because of the presence of sleeves and a seamless cylinder to make sure your cylinder and piston are always intact with no leak. This shock also makes it possible to have a steady damping force. It is easy to install with little or no fuss.
Product Features:
- Shock absorber (4pcs – rear, front, right and left)
- Chemically bonded mounting bushings
- Phenolic or Teflon coated piston
- Specially designed hydraulic fluid
- Chromed piston rod
Product Specifications:
- Brand – Maxorber
- Model –- shocks struts set
- Product dimensions – 18.5 x 8.2 x 6.3”
- Weight – 16.76 lbs.
Pros:
- Chrome piston rod guards against rust
- No squeaking noise
- Improved stopping
- Quality premium finish
- Long-lasting and durable
- Oil seals made of Japanese high standard quality
Cons:
- The front can be up to 5″ short when fully extended
5. Belltech 8000 Shock Absorber Nitro Drop
The Belltech 8000 shock absorber features a valve train free from cavitation, which prevents air from getting to the shocks to decrease its absorbing effectiveness. It is a value-oriented performance product that is high-pressured and comes with a guarantee to fit your Ford Ranger.
Additionally, the shock absorber is also nitrogen gas-powered for optimal performance. You are sure of having peace of mind with this shock absorber because it is made of durable metal that is fully covered. The metal dust boot ensures that the environment is not polluted with unwanted pollutants coming from the shock.
It includes the popular OEM quality standard rubber mounts. Not only is it durable but also made to last you for a very long time. With a two-year warranty on any defects on artistry and materials, you sure will agree that this shock absorber is worth considering.
Product Features:
- Cavitation-free valve train
- Nitrogen-gas powered and high-pressure shock
- Metal dust boot
- Oversized external and internal construction
- OEM rubber mounts
Product Specifications:
- Brand – Belltech
- Model – 8000
- Product dimensions – not specified
- Weight – 3.6 lbs
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Enhanced performance
- More comfort and better control
- OEM ride quality
- Metal dust boot protects against environment pollution
- Valvetrain free from cavitation helps shocks to last
- Nitrogen gas-pressured
- Easy installation
Cons:
May appear a little softer than expected
6. Monroe 32238 Shock Absorber
Monroe-Matic 32238 plus shock absorber is one of the best replacement shocks for ford ranger. It is a velocity-sensitive valve and nitrogen gas-charged shock that meets with all-weather fluid. This allows the vehicle owner to enjoy more comfort at a very affordable price. It features a 1-3/16″ bore known to be larger than most shocks in the market for consistent control and efficiency.
Its all-weather fluid has modifiers that are specially formulated to help in the reduction of friction. With this shock, there is a noticeable smooth ride operation. For longevity, it features a piston rod of ½” diameter and a nitro carburized rod.
This shock absorber is designed to provide you with the easy carrying of heavy loads and a superior towing solution. Like all Monroe shock absorber products, this model features velocity proportional valving (VPV) technology to give you balanced damping, especially when accelerating.
Its self-lubricating fluid seal ensures that there is no excessive wear of gas retention that leads to friction.
Product Features:
- All-weather fluid
- Nitro carburized rod
- 1-3/16″ bore
- ½” piston rod
- Velocity-sensitive valving
- Twin-tube internal design
Product Specifications:
- Brand – Monroe
- Model – 32238
- Product dimensions – 19.3 x 3.9 x 2.9”
- Weight – 2.6 lbs.
Pros:
- Improved ride at affordable price
- All-weather fluid
- Self-lubricating fluid seal
- More control and comfort for all driving situation
- Full displaced valve
- Twin-tube design
- Easy installation
- Perfect fit
Cons:
- Maybe too springy on the rear
7. Skyjacker B8560 Black Shock Absorber
The B8560 shock absorber from Skyjacker is a twin-tube product that increases fluid capacity while also utilizing a popular technology known as foam-cell. This foam cell provides or inserts when your shock absorber is overworking and getting hard to compensate for oil expansion. This ensures that you keep enjoying a maximum performance from your shock absorber regardless of the temperature.
It also gets rid of air that may be trapped inside the shock so that there is easy mounting for any direction. With its chrome-plated shaft, you won’t have to worry whether it is durable and long-lasting.
The Skyjacker B8560 shock absorber is easily referred to as an improvement on the original Ford Ranger 2016 due to the increased comfort the vehicle owners enjoyed with this shock. And the shock cylinders work efficiently. This product is good for those looking to improve their truck height and for a smoother ride.
Product Features:
- Chrome-plated shaft
- Improved fluid capacity
- Foam-cell advanced technology
- Multi-stage valving
- Twin-tube construction
- 180-degree directional mounting
- Welded end mounts
Product Specifications:
- Brand – Skyjacker
- Model – B8560
- Product dimensions – 24.4 x 3.2 x 3”
- Weight – 6 lbs.
Pros:
- Maximum heat dissipation
- Improved fluid capacity
- DOM tubing reduces internal wear for increased longevity
- Durable black boot
- Comfortable and smooth ride
- Consistent and solid contact between tires and road
- Eliminates air that is trapped in the shock
- Foam-cell technology allows for compression when there is oil expansion
Cons:
- Some people complained that it felt too bounty squishy
8. Million Parts 2 Pieces Shock Absorber
Are you looking for convenience in installing a shock absorber for your Ford Ranger? Then the Million Parts 2 pieces are as easy as they come. It is number eight of our best replacement shocks for ford ranger product list. All you need is basic screws and wrenches, and your shock absorber is ready for some work. This complete set gives your Ford Ranger the perfect suspension overhaul for a comfortable ride.
It comes with complete spring, coils, mounts, and strut. These full assemblies are very functional and easily replace your strut with no need for any additional item. Apart from providing your vehicle with the right shock absorption, this strut also provides your truck with the structural necessities it needs for suspension.
You are sure of improved vehicle responsiveness and ride quality. And with its ease of installation, you can have the struts running in your truck in under 2 hours. That means no need for calling an automobile technician and therefore save some money in the process.
Also, the spring seat is welded all around for your safety. And with the piston seal that is Teflon-bonded, there is a noticeable reduction in friction. Additionally, it helps to keep your vehicle cool to keep the valve firm.
Product Features:
- Two pieces front shock absorber
- All-round welded spring seat
- The piston seal is Teflon-bonded
- Single strut assembly
Product Specifications:
- Brand – Million Parts
- Model – fits various models
- Product dimensions – 18.11 x 6.69 x 3.35”
- Weight – 7.8 lbs.
Pros:
- Easy fit for Ford Ranger
- Easy bolt-on installation
- OEM direct fit
- Single strut assembly
- Maintains cool temperature regardless of the weather
- Reduces friction
- Welded spring seat for increased safety
Cons:
- Holes might not line up with Ford Ranger 2WD
9. Cciyu 4 pieces Front Shock Absorber
The Cciyu 4x struts and shock absorber provide you with a rear, front, right, and left option. The manufacturing goes beyond standard design to give your Ford Ranger an extra 2″ to 3″ diameter of high strength polyurethane and center expansion to life the strut higher. This also encourages a longer service time.
Inside the Cciyu struts and shock absorber comes damping oil that creates some sort of resistance when there is an issue of vaporization, corrosion of metal and non-metal parts, and oxidation. The oil viscosity is only affected mildly by changes in temperature.
Additionally, this strut and shock absorber gives you more control when driving your truck and for better performance regardless of the state of the road. Driving on snowy, harsh, rolling terrain or on desert, this shock absorber has you covered.
You also get the company’s 1-year warranty without the inclusion of springs. The company stays true to the replacement of its parts.
Product Features:
- Black finish
- One year warranty
- Fits 1998 to 2011 Ford Ranger vehicles
Product Specifications:
- Brand – Cciyu
- Model – 809046-5210-1906155431
- Product dimensions – 54.43 x 7.09 x 3.94”
- Weight – 18.01 lbs.
Pros:
- Reduces deviation on the road
- Stable damping force
- Correct installation hole positioning
- Great standard quality shock
- Seamless connecting
- No oil leak
- No abnormal noise
Cons:
- No complaints recorded from verified buyers yet
10. Detroit Axle Rear and Front Shock Absorber (4pcs)
Here comes our last recommendation of the best replacement shocks for ford ranger. The Detroit Axle 4 pieces rear and front shock absorber features OEM direct-fit design and is easy and ready to install. No need for special tools as it is easy to remove and replace your Ford Ranger’s strut with this strut. It comes as a complete strut assembly and includes coil, strut, mounts, and springs that are easy to install.
Detroit Axle shock absorbers are known to improve ride control and for enhanced vehicle performance. Its piston seal easily adjusts even as it wears to keep enjoying a tight seal between the pressure tube and the piston. This results in low leakage paths and more consistent and long-lasting products.
This shock is designed to meet with and surpass the harsh demands experienced when driving on unfavorable roads—looking for more assurance? This shock absorber comes with ten years warranty.
Product Features:
- Two rear shock absorber assembly
- Two front shock absorber assembly
- Spring front suspension
- Sealed-piston rod
- Sway bar links replacement
Product Specifications:
- Brand – Detroit Axle
- Model – 4A1300622
- Product dimensions – 24 x 8 x 18”
- Weight – not available
Pros:
- Ten years warranty for quality assurance
- Durable and long-lasting
- Piston seal minimizes leak for a more consistent product life
- Superior performance
- Increases ride height
- Easy to install
- Perfect fit for most Ford Ranger models
Cons:
- No complaint yet from the users
What to consider when buying best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger
When it comes to replacing your Ford Ranger shock absorber, you need to know the important things to look out for to avoid buying the wrong products. This information will also help you know just the right product for your vehicle.
This section will focus on the essential things to look out for. Let’s get right into it.
1. Durability
You don’t want to buy a shock absorber that will give in after using it for a few miles. No one wants to waste money in such a manner. This is why you must find out if durability is one of the points listed in the shock absorber you are interested in buying. Durability means that the shock absorber can withstand various road conditions without affecting your ride once you have confirmed that the product is durable. You can then tick it off your checklist.
2. High-quality
It is easy to find many shock absorbers out there. And various companies are into the manufacturing of shock absorbers. This is why you are not to join the bandwagon when buying shock absorbers. We took out time to list and even go into details of shock absorbers that meet the recommended international standard when it comes to shock absorbers.
You should mainly check to see if the shock you are interested in buying has the OEM standard quality sign. If you go through our list of 10 best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger, we are sure you will find a product that is certified OEM.
3. Sealed-piston rod
This is another thing to look out for when settling for a shock absorber for your vehicle. You don’t want to have oil or air penetrating unnecessarily into your shock as this affects the product life. But with a piston seal sealed, the issue of the leak is greatly minimized so that you get to enjoy a more consistent product life.
4. Easy installation
If you are presented with two products that one comes with the option to install it yourself and the other demands that you get the services of an automobile technician to install, which would you go for? We guess that you will choose the former. Going for a shock absorber that offers you the ease of installation is a bonus point because you can easily install it on your own without consulting or paying for a technician’s services.
5. Complete kit
This comes in handy because it saves you the stress and money of running around getting all that you need to install your shock absorber. From our list above, you can find some shock absorbers that come with the complete set so that the coil, spring, strut, and other things you need are adequately provided in the package.
6. Foam-cell technology
With foam-cell technology, the shock absorber won’t have to cave in when it is overworked. Overworking usually results in oil expansion which makes it to be hardened. But with this in place, you are sure that your shock will keep performing maximally without disruption. It also makes it easy for the shock to adapt to any type of weather or temperature.
7. Ride height improvement
As the original carry-come of your Ford Ranger wears off, you might start noticing that the height of your truck has reduced. Some shock absorbers improve your truck’s height, which is an important factor to consider when thinking of a shock absorber.
8. Comfortability
The ease of driving is greatly improved when you install a good shock absorber. Therefore, it is essential to check if comfort in driving is increased or greatly improved when installing the shock absorber you have in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Replacement Shocks for Ford Ranger
1. How will I know when to replace my shock absorber?
This is one question that is very common to many vehicle owners. There are various things that you will start observing in your vehicle when your shock begins to wear off. As you increase your mileage, your shock will not be able to withstand what it was able to withstand originally. You will notice that your vehicle’s maneuverability and handling is no longer smooth.
You may also notice some hydraulic fluid leakage, unusual swaying, knocking noise, or some bounces and rattling. This is an indication that your shock is due for replacement.
2. What do I stand to gain when I change my shock absorber?
You will surely enjoy a lot of things when you change your old and worn off shock absorber. But the obvious ones are more comfort and better stability, whether on or off the road.
3. What should I take note of when installing my shocks?
You want to pay attention to the suspension when installing a replacement shock for your Ford Ranger. Installing this part correctly will ensure that your vehicle continues to perform optimally. And of course, you will rest assured that your vehicle is safe to drive.
4. Will just about any shock fit my Ford Ranger?
No, there is no way every shock absorber will fit your Ford Ranger. Even when it is stated that a particular shock absorber can work for a Ford Ranger, you must find out the models that the shock is meant for. A specific shock absorber may work on a Ford Ranger 2006 model but may not work on a 2008 model.
5. Gas-filled, standard, monotube, or twin-tube shock absorber, which should I go for?
All the models listed all play important roles when it comes to shock absorbers. The type you go for is usually determined by the type of terrain you drive on, or whether you use your vehicle mostly for the heavy or lightweight load. If this is the case, you need something more elaborate, like a twin-tube model. But you can always consult your car manufacturer’s model instruction or an automobile technician for more information.
6. Should I go for front or rear shock or both?
All shocks, whether front or back, perform a particular function and therefore are all important. The question of which shock to change is dependent on the wear and tear that your vehicle shock absorber has undergone. Though most people usually replace both shocks when their shocks go bad, you can always seek an automobile technician’s opinion to know which one to go for.
7. How important is a shock absorber’s seal quality?
How good a shock absorber highly depends on the hydraulic that is held inside the cell chamber. This is what prevents the fluid from leaking; otherwise, you will be noticing shocks and vibrations. You may want to look out for inert seal so that heat does not wear down the shock.
8. Is the warranty important?
A shock absorber replacement that comes with a warranty is usually an indication that the manufacturer is confident that his or her product will work. Not all shock absorber replacements come with such. But this is not to say that if a particular product does not have a warranty that it is not a good product, far from it. However, the warranty gives you some sort of peace of mind that the product will work.
Final Thoughts!
Hopefully, you have learned all you need to know when looking for the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger. This exhaustive list has taken into consideration all that you need.
We have also answered most of the questions people ask when it comes to shock absorbers. And with the points listed, you most likely will not have any problem knowing what to consider when making your selection.
When it comes to replacing your shock, do not depend necessarily ongoing for the cheapest. Instead, you should worry about going for the one that will give the most comfort, perform optimally, and serve you for the longest time possible. With that, you get to enjoy your Ford Ranger as if you just bought the vehicle new.
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