Are the FOX Performance 2.0 Coil-Over IFP Front Shocks worth the money to put on my 2022 for ranger xlt fx4?

[SonoranDesertranger]

I loved mine. 100% worth it.

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[The_Stranger_Ranger]

They're great, just keep the OEM shocks so you can have something to ride on when you hit the rebuild interval. I tow off road almost weekly without an issue.

I also DIY'd the install and it's a piece of cake if you take the time to properly remove the following parts:
- Sway bar: just undo the fasteners underneath the truck. Leave end links attached.
- Brakes: caliper and rotor. Makes it easier when all that weight isn't hanging on the steering knuckle.
- Steering endlink: Videos will tell you to beat the knuckle with a hammer, but this will get you no where. Buy a pitman arm puller and you can push it out in 5 seconds
- Drive shaft: remove the axle nut and use a deadblow to knock the shaft loose from the steering knuckle. no need to fully remove from the steering knuckle, but just have it loose. this will give you a little extra wiggle room to fit the new coilovers without affecting the CV joint or pulling the shaft out of the motor side.

Sounds like a lot but its just a few steps.

your right that does sound like a lot lot but doesn't seem li i cant do it. How did you get the truck up off the ground enough for that to work?

 

[The_Stranger_Ranger]

Based on what I've heard, they hold up very well. Can't be rebuilt, but nothing to suggest they need anything before 100k.

that should be good then because i plan to have my current rig for about 300k miles or more. but i also do want a project ranger. something 1980s or older

 

[The_Stranger_Ranger]

Whether or not it's worth it is up to you, and how you plan to use your vehicle.

okay for example what do you use yours for? and is it worth it to you?

 

[Brett Fields]

Had a set of 6112's on my Frontier and now they have come off. For me they were a disappointment..... That said I understand what you mean when it comes to different parts. Some become a waist. Others not so much.

So, this is a great example of just how subjective suspension is. Unfortunately, the only true way to know is to try stuff and see what you like. Sometimes it becomes a ratio of what you're willing to concede to vs how many dollars you're willing to lay down.
As regards my 6112's, I know there's better stuff, but I truly can't point to anything that makes me unhappy. Justifying more money for suspension vs moving that money towards a different upgrade is just a zero for me.

 

[Frenchy]

So, this is a great example of just how subjective suspension is. Unfortunately, the only true way to know is to try stuff and see what you like. Sometimes it becomes a ratio of what you're willing to concede to vs how many dollars you're willing to lay down.
As regards my 6112's, I know there's better stuff, but I truly can't point to anything that makes me unhappy. Justifying more money for suspension vs moving that money towards a different upgrade is just a zero for me.

For me it really came down to how the shocks and struts handled certain roads causing the truck to bounce uncontrollably. I'm not sure if it was the valving or something else. What is interesting is I had a set of 4600's before that and did not have that problem.

As for deciding to put more money into another suspension modification or towards something else, that all depends on what one wants to do. If you ask me we will always be putting money into the suspension as the shocks and struts will wear out in time. I recently changed over to Dobinsons on my 2012 Frontier from the Bilstein's. One advantage with that even though I only have the GS Twin Tubes is the fact I can keep the same springs I already have and switch to the IMS or MRR without having to get extra parts. I don't believe other brands will let you do that.

 

[Brett Fields]

could you give me a link to the shocks you are talking about?

Go to shocksurplus.com, enter your vehicle info, then scroll down. You'll see them there.

 

[Brett Fields]

For me it really came down to how the shocks and struts handled certain roads causing the truck to bounce uncontrollably. I'm not sure if it was the valving or something else. What is interesting is I had a set of 4600's before that and did not have that problem.

As for deciding to put more money into another suspension modification or towards something else, that all depends on what one wants to do. If you ask me we will always be putting money into the suspension as the shocks and struts will wear out in time. I recently changed over to Dobinsons on my 2012 Frontier from the Bilstein's. One advantage with that even though I only have the GS Twin Tubes is the fact I can keep the same springs I already have and switch to the IMS or MRR without having to get extra parts. I don't believe other brands will let you do that.

I have the Ford Performance bumper, a warn winch, and some additional lighting on the front of my vehicle. If I didn't, I'd probably feel different about my choice. Maybe stick with the 5100's? Who knows.
As I think about it, that's probably what I would have done while I send my Fox's out for rebuild. The extra weight changed the whole issue. I now have no plans to spend any money on the Fox's any time soon.

 

[Frenchy]

I have the Ford Performance bumper, a warn winch, and some additional lighting on the front of my vehicle. If I didn't, I'd probably feel different about my choice. Maybe stick with the 5100's? Who knows.
As I think about it, that's probably what I would have done while I send my Fox's out for rebuild. The extra weight changed the whole issue. I now have no plans to spend any money on the Fox's any time soon.

After I added the ARB bull bar with Warn winch I will not argue that it kind of helped the situation. That said it didn't help but enough as I would still feel the same problem in those certain patches of road. With the 5100s be any better? That's a good question

 

[YaBoiNewton]

your right that does sound like a lot lot but doesn't seem li i cant do it. How did you get the truck up off the ground enough for that to work?

regular floor jack and jack stands, one wheel at a time.

Trust me, the job is so much easier with these extra steps. Otherwise you're fighting the sway bar and the weight of the brakes swinging around all while trying to keep the axle inserted. It's better to just knock it all out.

 

[RangerPNW]

regular floor jack and jack stands, one wheel at a time.

Trust me, the job is so much easier with these extra steps. Otherwise you're fighting the sway bar and the weight of the brakes swinging around all while trying to keep the axle inserted. It's better to just knock it all out.

I would also remove the axle nut before you start trying to push things out of the way... its very easy to pop that cv joint apart... i'd rather spend a few bucks on new axle nuts than try to get that thing back together... again...

 

[Maxacceleration]

As with being brand loyal (Ford/Chevy/Toyota for example), I think that could apply to shocks/struts also. Or being un loyal due to pricing and value per dollar…
Maybe, maybe not.
I think stiffness or harshness can be due to to stiff a spring. Then the shock has to dampen/control the springs lb rating and the give you a pleasant ride.
To me most springs are too stiff, losing the ability to articulate easily. But soft springs on public roads & freeways lose the ability to safely control a vehicle in an emergency situation. Could you imagine your soft plush suspension lifting the inside front tire with spirited driving??
Street going suspension is a compromise for sure.
A lot of guesswork to get the right suspension for you.
I err on the side of paying more for higher quality coilovers. I hope. At least thats my MO.
Digressive damping… Hmmm. Not sure about that thinking. Linear or progressive rate makes more sense to me.
My last 3 vehicles have had Fox shocks, and 2 vehicles with Kings (off road based vehicles). My idea of plush and controlled. Kings will break the bank & no need for them on a Ranger IMO.
Also increase travel if you can. More travel is better. Seems these Rangers want to kick more in the back… But with the Rangers, increased travel is minimal… in the end they are a street pick up.
Research! Price point suspension (with value) certainly seems a good route on a lighter usage pick up.
Just my opinions of course…

 

[Frenchy]

As with being brand loyal (Ford/Chevy/Toyota for example), I think that could apply to shocks/struts also. Or being un loyal due to pricing and value per dollar…
Maybe, maybe not.
I think stiffness or harshness can be due to to stiff a spring. Then the shock has to dampen/control the springs lb rating and the give you a pleasant ride.
To me most springs are too stiff, losing the ability to articulate easily. But soft springs on public roads & freeways lose the ability to safely control a vehicle in an emergency situation. Could you imagine your soft plush suspension lifting the inside front tire with spirited driving??
Street going suspension is a compromise for sure.
A lot of guesswork to get the right suspension for you.
I err on the side of paying more for higher quality coilovers. I hope. At least thats my MO.
Digressive damping… Hmmm. Not sure about that thinking. Linear or progressive rate makes more sense to me.
My last 3 vehicles have had Fox shocks, and 2 vehicles with Kings (off road based vehicles). My idea of plush and controlled. Kings will break the bank & no need for them on a Ranger IMO.
Also increase travel if you can. More travel is better. Seems these Rangers want to kick more in the back… But with the Rangers, increased travel is minimal… in the end they are a street pick up.
Research! Price point suspension (with value) certainly seems a good route on a lighter usage pick up.
Just my opinions of course…

It's not always due to a stiff spring. You would be surprised on how a shock can make a difference just by how it controls the movement of said spring. As for the spring rate being too much? Well if you have a truck then it usually is a little more than needed for the individuals that never put a load in the rear. Then again those are the same individuals that bought a truck as a status symbol and nothing else.

 

[Maxacceleration]

Right Frenchy a combination of both. ?
A combination of shock damping matched (hopefully) to a particular spring.
Street use, aggressive off road or loaded with a lot of Adv gear or tools/work truck usage.
What every owner has to figure out… their needs.

 

[The_Stranger_Ranger]

For me it really came down to how the shocks and struts handled certain roads causing the truck to bounce uncontrollably. I'm not sure if it was the valving or something else. What is interesting is I had a set of 4600's before that and did not have that problem.

As for deciding to put more money into another suspension modification or towards something else, that all depends on what one wants to do. If you ask me we will always be putting money into the suspension as the shocks and struts will wear out in time. I recently changed over to Dobinsons on my 2012 Frontier from the Bilstein's. One advantage with that even though I only have the GS Twin Tubes is the fact I can keep the same springs I already have and switch to the IMS or MRR without having to get extra parts. I don't believe other brands will let you do that.

okay let me ask you thins. I thinking about going with the Bilstein's on my ranger of right this second. I'm trying to build a truck i can use everyday but i still want to be able to recover side by sides and some smaller cars. However i don't want to limit any of the towing or future tuning capabilities with the suspension upgrade. In addition i really like my stock rims but bigger offroad tires depending on what ends up happening with the suspension and other mods. Considering all of that what would you recommend i go with?

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