Help a newbie out with suspension upgrade

[andrmcl9]

Hi long time lurker first time poster--please help! I'm lost when it comes to most things automotive. I have a completely stock '21 XL 4x4 with rear diff lock and the STX special edition package. The ride of my ranger is okay, but when going over speed bumps or turning into parking lots that have a sizeable lip at the curb, the extraordinary amount of side-to-side sway is getting tiring. I find myself bracing myself so i don't smack my head on the window.

What do I get to fix this? Do i need to upgrade to some type of Fox or Bilstein shocks? Front, back, or both? Do I need to replace the leaf springs instead, or maybe do those as well? I've done some research on youtube and searching this site but I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the different options and if it's going to be the right fix.

I'm pretty handy when it comes to working on things, but I don't think I want to mess with my suspension without any experience or even probably not having the proper tools. Are there dealer-installed options with warranty? Can i order the parts and take it to some local shop?

Basically I'm clueless and lost so trying to educate myself. Thanks!

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[Blmpkn]

You might be the only person to complain about the ride on a non-fx4 truck lol.

Any of the fancy aftermarket options will change the ride of your truck for the better. Just buy whatever your budget allows. Lots of folks only replace the rears, and report an improved ride... but... it's best to have a matching set all the way around.

Whatever you buy, prepare for a 750-1200$ quote for installation. Even if you've never turned a wrench you SHOULD be able to replace the rears yourself and save mabey an hour of labor

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

There are a ton of aftermarket options and choosing one is going to depend on your driving needs. You can order parts and have a local shop do it but if warranty is important, Ford has a FOX Ford Performance solution that your dealer can install.

I have FOX 2.0s all the way around and they’re great. Others have Eibachs and they’re great, others have Bilsteins and they’re great, others will say you need to swap your leaf springs for……..well, you get the picture.

Any decent aftermarket choice is sure to be an upgrade in ride quality. Good luck in your quest. ?

 

[BettaRanga]

This was also my experience with 4x4 Lariat (non-FX4). I installed Bilstein 5100s all’s round and it made this go away - that side-to-side bucking is gone. It’s still a truck ride but very pleased. The rear ended is easy but the front was more difficult. If I were to do it again, I would do one with a front full coilover instead such as Eibach or Fox.

 

[underwhelmed]

Bilsteins, 5100s. Problem solved.

 

[Frenchy]

Are you planning to take the truck OffRoad at all?

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Here we go…..

? ?

Kidding @Frenchy

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Are you planning to take the truck OffRoad at all?

He did mention speed bumps and sizable lips on curbs…… ?

 

[Dr. Zaius]

How much are you looking to spend?

If you don't plan on going gonzo, you can probably just spend $200 on rear shocks from Bilstein or Eibach and be done.

Rear Shocks

30 minutes in your driveway and the side to side swaying will likely be gone.

I started with just the Bilsteins in the rear and that made a huge overall improvement.

I eventually ended up with Bilsteins in the front as well where they did make an additional improvement, though not as drastic as the rear.

How much do you want to spend?

And be honest with how far you want to take it.

It's VERY easy to spend far more than you probably need to resolve your problem.

He did mention speed bumps and sizable lips on curbs…… ?

Then nothing less than THIS kit will suffice.

 

[Frenchy]

Here we go…..

? ?

Kidding @Frenchy

Now edit it to where they have arms!

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Now edit it to where they have arms!

 

[Msfitoy]

Hi long time lurker first time poster--please help! I'm lost when it comes to most things automotive. I have a completely stock '21 XL 4x4 with rear diff lock and the STX special edition package. The ride of my ranger is okay, but when going over speed bumps or turning into parking lots that have a sizeable lip at the curb, the extraordinary amount of side-to-side sway is getting tiring. I find myself bracing myself so i don't smack my head on the window.

What do I get to fix this? Do i need to upgrade to some type of Fox or Bilstein shocks? Front, back, or both? Do I need to replace the leaf springs instead, or maybe do those as well? I've done some research on youtube and searching this site but I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the different options and if it's going to be the right fix.

I'm pretty handy when it comes to working on things, but I don't think I want to mess with my suspension without any experience or even probably not having the proper tools. Are there dealer-installed options with warranty? Can i order the parts and take it to some local shop?

Basically I'm clueless and lost so trying to educate myself. Thanks!

Number one, damper can improve the ride...I can only speak for Eibach...Number two, slow to a crawl when transition from uneven surfaces or crossing speed bumps at an oblique angles...there's nothing else to do....

 

[Racket]

I don't own a 4x4 but read these threads. My question is do you have a budget or are you willing to work on this incrementally?

Shocks/struts cost what - $600-2K?
Multileaf springs - snatch someone's factory Tremor springs if they upgrade or go full on you spend ??-$3000? Front and rear spring upgrade ('cause you'll be changing the height/rake)
I'm going to install some $200 SumoSprings that some on this forum claim deals with this along with some take off multisprings from overseas. Probably fit and work on a 4x4 but I don't know? My personal goals were to improve street (that includes speed bumps) and highway comfort on my 4x2.
Definitely depends on how you see yourself using your truck.

 

[Msfitoy]

I don't own a 4x4 but read these threads. My question is do you have a budget or are you willing to work on this incrementally?

Shocks/struts cost what - $600-2K?
Multileaf springs - snatch someone's factory Tremor springs if they upgrade or go full on you spend ??-$3000? Front and rear spring upgrade ('cause you'll be changing the height/rake)
I'm going to install some $200 SumoSprings that some on this forum claim deals with this along with some take off multisprings from overseas. Probably fit and work on a 4x4 but I don't know? My personal goals were to improve street (that includes speed bumps) and highway comfort on my 4x2.
Definitely depends on how you see yourself using your truck.

Eibach coil overs front and shocks rear around $600...I didn't feel rear springs were necessary but did add 1" Eibach lift block...

 

[paval3]

I had the ka-thump on my 2021 XLT 4x4 Ranger when going over any bumps in the road. I bought the Eibachs for rear only and the little service garage that I take my ole Mountaineer too charged me $10 or $25 to put both shocks on the rear (I can't remember exactly anymore, but it was dirt cheap). I find the ride acceptable now. Of course it doesn't hug the curves like my 20 year old Mountaineer Premier AWD drive does, but it's a truck and the ka-thump is minimal now.

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