New guy here

[skidmark]

Hello. I'm new to the group. I have a 2021 ford ranger velocity blue. 4x4. Named my truck skidmark.

I have a question and i know this topic is talked about a lot. I'm thinking about upgrading my shocks and struts but since I have the 4x4 and not fx4, will it make a big difference? It doesn't seem bouncy when driving over speed bumps. Feels somewhat stiff. I only had one instance when I did a uturn and hit a bump and i had head bobble. The cab shook. But other than that, it's not bothering me. Trying to see if its worth changing now or just wait till it gets worn.

I did look at the other topics and didn't see anyone replace the 4x4 non fx4.

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[Tracy Bowman]

Welcome, James!

 

[CO2Ranger]

Hello. I'm new to the group. I have a 2021 ford ranger velocity blue. 4x4. Named my truck skidmark.

I have a question and i know this topic is talked about a lot. I'm thinking about upgrading my shocks and struts but since I have the 4x4 and not fx4, will it make a big difference? It doesn't seem bouncy when driving over speed bumps. Feels somewhat stiff. I only had one instance when I did a uturn and hit a bump and i had head bobble. The cab shook. But other than that, it's not bothering me. Trying to see if its worth changing now or just wait till it gets worn.

I did look at the other topics and didn't see anyone replace the 4x4 non fx4.

If it ain't broke don't fix it, lest ye become broke like the rest of us ?

 

[MXGOLF]

Welcome James. Yes shocks make a world of difference. I have the Bilstein 5100 on front and back. I did that two months after I purchased my Ranger. A neighbor who is a mechanic and major Ford guy recommended them. Awesome! Plus he recommended the Borla exhaust. I did that two months after the shocks. I love both.

 

[AzScorpion]

Welcome James! Yes the shocks make a huge difference and you'll be glad you did them. I have the Eibach but the Fox and Bilstein are really good too and will greatly improve your ride. But before you do anything you need to buy the best (and least expensive) mod and join the club! ?

BTW @Friday yet? will be asking for pictures of your velocity blue Ranger. He's a blue truck nut!


https://www.stage3motorsports.com/dz43206-19-22-ranger-deezee-tailgate-assist.html

 

[BS67]

Welcome James!

 

[skidmark]

Welcome James! Yes the shocks make a huge difference and you'll be glad you did them. I have the Eibach but the Fox and Bilstein are really good too and will greatly improve your ride. But before you do anything you need to buy the best (and least expensive) mod and join the club! ?

BTW @Friday yet? will be asking for pictures of your velocity blue Ranger. He's a blue truck nut!


https://www.stage3motorsports.com/dz43206-19-22-ranger-deezee-tailgate-assist.html

Lol. Already ahead of you.

 

[JohnnyO]

Most of the complaints are from FX4 owners. I have an STX 4x4 with the standard shocks and no complaints until recently. Approaching 50,000 miles and I think the rears are shot.

 

[ReigleCM]

Unless you’re going to off-road or put 50k miles a year on it, there’s really no reason.

 

[AzScorpion]

Unless you’re going to off-road or put 50k miles a year on it, there’s really no reason.

Not true. Have you seen the size of the curbs at the mall lately? ?

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Welcome James. Upgrading the shocks will make a difference, particularly off-road. On the street, you’ll find a stiffer, more planted ride with less lean and roll in the corners.

The FX4 owners are likely more vocal about their factory shocks because they probably had higher expectations than other owners - after all, they bought a 4x4 package with “upgraded” suspension.

After driving your new truck for a while, you’ll know whether or not you want to spend the money on the upgrade. If you’re off-road a lot or simply find the ride annoying, then it’s worth it. Most of the performance front coil over shocks also raise the front end of the truck ~2” or more, which levels it out nicely so it doesn’t have that steep rake.

Do your research - some are plug n play, some use the coil over springs from your OEM shock, some are adjustable, some are fixed height. Some folks have the tools and skills to do the swap on their own, some think they do and run into trouble, some rely on a dealer or a specialty shop to do the work.

This can easily be an $1,500 to $3,000 upgrade, depending on what you buy and who does the work.

Choose wisely and enjoy the ride.

 

[alan0614]

Greetings and welcome to the forum. I cured the bounce and leveled the truck with the Eibach shocks below. Love the ride now.

https://eibach.com/us/1935/E60-35-048-01-01-FORD-Ranger-pro-truck-sport-shock
https://eibach.com/us/1935/E60-35-048-01-10-FORD-Ranger-pro-truck-sport-shock

 

[subquark]

Welcome James and anyone naming their truck Skidmark is okay in my books! =)

LOL, I made the mistake of googling skidmark, oh boy ...

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I’ve consulted Chat GPT for a random, hopefully unbiased opinion on the matter. Here is the result…

Should I upgrade the shocks on my 2021 Ford Ranger?

Whether or not you should upgrade the shocks on your 2021 Ford Ranger will depend on your driving needs and preferences. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Terrain: If you frequently drive on rough or off-road terrain, upgrading your shocks can improve your truck's handling and ride quality.
2. Towing and hauling: If you use your Ranger for towing or hauling heavy loads, upgrading the shocks can help ensure better stability and handling.
3. Comfort: Upgraded shocks can provide a more comfortable ride by reducing vibrations and road noise.
4. Factory suspension: If you are satisfied with the factory suspension, upgrading the shocks may not be necessary.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade your shocks will depend on your specific driving needs and preferences. It may be a good idea to speak with a trusted mechanic or suspension specialist for advice on whether upgrading your shocks is the best choice for your 2021 Ford Ranger.

 

[JohnnyO]

A few trucks ago I had a 2002 Ranger with the Off-Road Package. Shocks were as big as my calves and it rode like a cement mixer. When I went looking for a truck this time the dealer asked if I wanted an FX4 and my immediate reply was “Hell no.”
I got the ‘02 because someone ran a stop sign and t-boned my ‘99 in the driver’s side and I had a hefty lump on the side of my head where it hit the window frame. I had the new ‘02 for a couple weeks when I hit a ripple in a brick street and the truck rocked so much that my head hit the window frame again in the same spot and I had to slam on the brakes because my vision went all white and I couldn’t see anything for a few seconds. THAT’S a hard ride.
I used to go off-roading back then and it was a beast off-road though.
Used to think the cartoons were funny when Daffy Duck got hit in the head and saw stars and birdies. Yeah, that happens for real.

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