Dealing with cap weight and rear suspension

[MichMan]

I currently own a 2019 ranger XLT witch I left stock but added an ARE bed cap to it when new. I've got 60,000 mi on it now and can definitely feel some softness in the rear suspension most likely from the constant weight of the bed cap and occasionally pulling my small utility trailer with an ATV in it. I'm thinking of buying a 25’ or 26’ ranger but would like some suggestions on minimizing the weight of a new bed cap on the suspension for that truck as well as occasional trailer pulling without compromising normal ride comfort. I've seen suggestions about going with the FX off-road package, helper leaf springs, or Timbern bump stops. Anybody who has dealt with this and found a decent solution that still doesn't compromise normal ride comfort, or any ideas that haven't been discussed here yet would be greatly appreciated.

I'm also curious if Ford engineered the 2019 soft brake, transmission, and the drive shaft thump issues out of the recent models? Thanks.

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[OGMix376]

Have you ever replaced the rear shocks?
If not that could be your issue..
Also getting the ROW wildtrac rear leafs or ranger tremor rear leafs would be an improvement (even if your cap is 150lbs). or go with a dobinsons rear leaf pack if you plan on having a constant load..(overland guys love those things). Icon makes a set of rear leaf’s too… those options are I’m sure far less expensive than a new truck.
Anyway.. it sounds like you might be due for some new rear shocks. (Plenty of great inexpensive replacements in that category.)
Don’t worry though someone smarter and with more experience than me will have a better answer pretty soon….
Also your ride will change, however I think it’ll be for the better.

 

[Dr3wDrop]

What color cap? Ive been looking for one for a while now haha.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

“softness in the rear suspension most likely from the constant weight of the bed cap”

“minimizing the weight of a new bed cap on the suspension for that truck as well”

From a 175 lb fibreglass topper? Naaaah.

 

[QuickSilver]

I added new shocks for better ride quality.
For weight, sagging in the rear, Was down about an inch with the RTT on, I went with bds lift shackles because I am happy with the ride, just wanted it not sagging…. And budget. lol. Works great, I have an are canopy and RTT.

 

[bmidd]

23 Tremor with a SmartCap and a constant ~500# of tools in the bed and I ride completely level with these installed.
https://www.roadactivesuspension.com/

 

[Frenchy]

As mentioned above, this is most likely an issue with the Shocks and Struts. A good general fuel to follow is to replace them every 50,000 miles due to normal wear and tear. That's the route I would go

 

[Cabose-1]

I have a 2024 xlt 2wd, rear locker tow package with integrated brake controller.
I had a 2020, and 22 ranger. The 24 is wider and longer, most definitely more stable when i tow. Different transmission, still 10 speed, seems a bit more fragile, no evidence, tows just as good as previous rangers, seems to ride smoother, and clunking is gone. But a cv ujoint at differential not the cross type. Still has a rake, and levels perfect with load and trailers attached. 2.3 is my engine

 

[Cabose-1]

Oh, have to add

Factory Tailgate Strut Assist!!!!

 

[Frenchy]

I have a 2024 xlt 2wd, rear locker tow package with integrated brake controller.
I had a 2020, and 22 ranger. The 24 is wider and longer, most definitely more stable when i tow. Different transmission, still 10 speed, seems a bit more fragile, no evidence, tows just as good as previous rangers, seems to ride smoother, and clunking is gone. But a cv ujoint at differential not the cross type. Still has a rake, and levels perfect with load and trailers attached. 2.3 is my engine

Kinda surprised to see Ford go with the CV style joint on the rear driveshaft. I have seen it done with Nissan before and I actually like it. I suspect that alone with help with driveline vibration.

 

[Cabose-1]

I thought it weird too. Looks super skinny, how are you supposed to tow or do high torque off roading? Seems weak, but, i guess it has its positives and negatives like anything else. Guess ill find out how expensive they are when it decides to let go. Cannot be cheaper than a u joint

 

[Frenchy]

I thought it weird too. Looks super skinny, how are you supposed to tow or do high torque off roading? Seems weak, but, i guess it has its positives and negatives like anything else. Guess ill find out how expensive they are when it decides to let go. Cannot be cheaper than a u joint

For starters he has a 2WD. I had it on my 2016 Nissan Frontier Desert Runner years ago and it was fine. Keep in mind that it was a 2WD with a towing capacity of 6,300 LBS. The big advantage of the CV is not requiring to have the joints lined up as much, that said you don't want to lift with it as a high angle will make it wear out quick.

 

[Montana Ranger]

...most likely from the constant weight of the bed cap and occasionally pulling my small utility trailer with an ATV.

Doubt it was from the cap that is less than 200 pounds on a bed rated for over a half-ton. I have a '19 Lariat with a Leer cap and 65,000 miles, half of those towing a travel trailer. The rear springs & shocks feel little different than when new.

I'd try some new shocks.

 

[underwhelmed]

Cap weight is not the problem.

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