Bilstein vs Eibach vs FOX 2.0 Rear Shocks

[Frenchy]

This Ranger bounce of which you speak... My horse trailer is 3500lbs and I hoped that this Ranger would be a dream come true. But seriously it is a bit scary to drive. I have everything sorted in regard to levelling and all that, so if I changed the rear strut, which part # would I get? Seems like an easy and inexpensive fix!!

Unfortunately there are no struts for tye rear but there are plenty of shocks available. Assuming you did not change anything on the suspension yet you could go with Eibach, Bilstein, Fox or some others(just the rear). Depending on how much you are or arent willing to spend is up to you but there are plenty of reports of rear shocks taking care of bounce.

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[Stewthebassman]

Thank you for the correction! Yes, shocks. I located the Ford part number, but is there a "one size fits most " rear shock?
Like this?
https://eibach.ca/part/2020/Ford/Ranger/Eibach+Springs/Shock+Absorber/E60-35-048-01-01/

 

[Todd Chapin]

Looking forward to hearing about your new Ranger when you get it. Im still on the fence on the new styling but I am biased as I love my 2019....and its closed to paid off?

 

[Stewthebassman]

I love everything about it! Just need to iron out this trailering issue!!

Looming forward to hearing about your nee Ranger when you get it. Im still on the fence on the nee styling but I am biased as I love my 2019....and its closed to paid off?

 

[Todd Chapin]

I do little towing so can not say if new dampners will help. I had a 3500 boat that I used to tow with my 2007 Tundra and it was like it was not there but when I got a 2010 Frontier it was a nightmare breaking and traversing steep hills. Other than light towing duty Id be looking at a full sized truck. I know some here have added airbags or multileaf springs with good towing results. New rear shocks alone will improve the bounciness . Eibachs on all fours corners and it will be drive like a truck with great suspension.?

 

[Frenchy]

Thank you for the correction! Yes, shocks. I located the Ford part number, but is there a "one size fits most " rear shock?
Like this?
https://eibach.ca/part/2020/Ford/Ranger/Eibach+Springs/Shock+Absorber/E60-35-048-01-01/

To an extent yes. Eibach, Bilstein and Fox make rear shocks that will fit the Ranger at stock height up to 2 inches of lift(depending on shock). That Eibach you selected will do the rear just fine.

 

[Frenchy]

I do little towing so can not say if new dampners will help. I had a 3500 boat that I used to tow with my 2007 Tundra and it was like it was not there but when I got a 2010 Frontier it was a nightmare breaking and traversing steep hills. Other than light towing duty Id be looking at a full sized truck. I know some here have added airbags or multileaf springs with good towing results. New rear shocks alone will improve the bounciness . Eibachs on all fours corners and it will be drive like a truck with great suspension.?

Not sure what you were doing with the boat but I have towed a bit more then that with my 2016 Frontier and had no problems. Something to remember, as long as you are within the manufacturers towing specifications and you are being smart when towing you will be fine regardless of vehicle you are using.

As for different shocks it will definitely make a difference compared to the factory shocks. Controlling the bounciness will help keep the tires planted to the ground and help keep control on the road.

 

[Stewthebassman]

To an extent yes. Eibach, Bilstein and Fox make rear shocks that will fit the Ranger at stock height up to 2 inches of lift(depending on shock). That Eibach you selected will do the rear just fine.

Thank you!

 

[IdriveG5]

Just did Bilstein rears on my truck, as many others have said, world of difference for the better.

 

[Muffin1]

Just did Bilstein rears on my truck, as many others have said, world of difference for the better.

Which ones did you get ? I can't take the bouncing anymore, will eventually take it to a shop to do fronts but in the meantime (quick fix) i can do the rears my self.
Thanks.

 

[paval3]

This Ranger bounce of which you speak... My horse trailer is 3500lbs and I hoped that this Ranger would be a dream come true. But seriously it is a bit scary to drive. I have everything sorted in regard to levelling and all that, so if I changed the rear strut, which part # would I get? Seems like an easy and inexpensive fix!!

Ya, I would be a bit nervous pulling a horse trailer with my Ranger. You're at 3500 lbs trailer alone, then add 2 horses, that's another 2000 lbs average. My brother used to always remind me its not only about can you pull it, can you stop it. When I had a trailer and showed horses, I pulled it with a Ford Supercab F150 with an 8' bed... that long wheel base was preferred. With the short wheel base of the Ranger, I would be worried about sway also. I couldn't imagine going down the interstate to a show traveling 65 mph and a tractor trailer passing by.

 

[IdriveG5]

Which ones did you get ? I can't take the bouncing anymore, will eventually take it to a shop to do fronts but in the meantime (quick fix) i can do the rears my self.
Thanks.

I did the Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorber - 24-294225

 

[Stewthebassman]

I've been towing this trailer with X5s the last 17 years. The E53 with the straight natural six and since 2014 the E70 diesel. Both are rated for 6,000lbs and I never really had any problems. I only towed two horses a long way once, and I kept it at 90 km/h the whole time.

I feel like the Ranger is narrower and higher than the Bimmers and it's just a matter of time getting used to it. The power of the Ranger is great! I use the wireless Tekonsha Prodigy RF trailer brake and have now sorted out the brake boost that I need. The BMW brakes are so responsive. My daughter calls the squishy Ranger brakes "golf cart brakes"!

I realized the last few weeks while setting things up that I had about 400lbs of stall mats in the trailer behind the rear axle! Took those out and things are much smoother now! We'll see after a test with a horse if I need to change the shocks in the back.

Ya, I would be a bit nervous pulling a horse trailer with my Ranger. You're at 3500 lbs trailer alone, then add 2 horses, that's another 2000 lbs average. My brother used to always remind me its not only about can you pull it, can you stop it. When I had a trailer and showed horses, I pulled it with a Ford Supercab F150 with an 8' bed... that long wheel base was preferred. With the short wheel base of the Ranger, I would be worried about sway also. I couldn't imagine going down the interstate to a show traveling 65 mph and a tractor trailer passing by.

 

[Strobes]

Hey, quick question for you guys. I just put some Bilstein 5100s on the rear. I like how it’s less bouncy, it is smoother… but I’m hearing more noise when I go over bumps than I did with my stock ones. Is this normal, considering they are stiffer? It almost sounds like I have something in the bed, which I don’t at the moment. It happens most on an uneven street going 15-25. It seems like every bump I’m hearing things. Maybe I didn’t take notice before, but it does seem to be louder. Anyways… what do you think?

 

[IdriveG5]

Hey, quick question for you guys. I just put some Bilstein 5100s on the rear. I like how it’s less bouncy, it is smoother… but I’m hearing more noise when I go over bumps than I did with my stock ones. Is this normal, considering they are stiffer? It almost sounds like I have something in the bed, which I don’t at the moment. It happens most on an uneven street going 15-25. It seems like every bump I’m hearing things. Maybe I didn’t take notice before, but it does seem to be louder. Anyways… what do you think?

I just installed mine, I actually have the opposite initial experience. Since the bed is not bouncing around as much, things seem way more quieter to me.

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