Rear suspension towing upgrades

[ctechbob]

Tomorrow ok?

No worries, just interested to see how it failed.

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[Racket]

Here is the manufacturers link to the Ranger Sumo ( the blue ones)

From the web page:

they are designed to reduce rear-end sag and increase load carrying ability while decreasing vibration, stabilizing sway, and softening harsh rebounds.

I don't think they mean you can magically increase the factory capacity but when I bought mine they were described as an air bag type system. Like @ctechbob explained, they are taller and contact the spring/axle sooner. Being a compressible material they progressively dampen movement.

I did find it interesting that the UK versions some of us got the multi-leaf springs off of are factory rated to carry more. The new shock/spring/bumpstop combo made my truck very comfortable although I'm not going to attempt exceed the load capacities as specified.

 

[ctechbob]

I did find it interesting that the UK versions some of us got the multi-leaf springs off of are factory rated to carry more. The new shock/spring/bumpstop combo made my truck very comfortable although I'm not going to attempt exceed the load capacities as specified.

3500kg IIRC. so 7716 pounds.

 

[WOADKIL]

My rear 5100 Bilsteins did not stiffen the ride, but removed the wishy washy floating rear end. Much better ride, esp when unloaded.

 

[SigOris]

so another question about Super Springs.
I'm sure the OP would appreciate as well
any reason I shouldn't get the SSR-141-47 over the SSR-141-40 ?
appreciate the education

 

[ctechbob]

so another question about Super Springs.
I'm sure the OP would appreciate as well
any reason I shouldn't get the SSR-141-47 over the SSR-141-40 ?
appreciate the education

None of us have tried them that I'm aware of. Personally I think they might be a bit overkill and a little too stiff. @Grumpaw and I are both loading the rear of our trucks with about the max you'd want to and the blue's are just right. I'm not sure I'd want to try the blacks, would think it would make unloaded driving a bit more harsh.

 

[Racket]

None of us have tried them that I'm aware of. Personally I think they might be a bit overkill. I'm not sure I'd want to try the blacks, would think it would make unloaded driving a bit more harsh.

The black ones seem to be for very specific use. From the website:

The SSR-141-47 has a 1,500 lb capacity when compressed at 50%. The Black SumoSprings shouldn’t be compressed past 65% of their original height in order to keep full memory rebound.

The blue ones:

The SSR-141-40 has a 1,000 lb capacity when compressed at 50%. The Blue SumoSprings shouldn’t be compressed past 70% of their original height in order to keep full memory rebound.

Keep in mind what the stock ones do in comparison and what Ford designed into the Ranger originally. I think @ctechbob is on point. These won't increase what the truck can haul.

 

[seanellaz]

2019 Lariat 4x4. Towing 4500 pound (gross) travel trailer with 6500 pound rated weight distribution hitch. When first set up the WDH the truck rode with stock rake. After a couple of month long trips the rear is definitely lower, even without the trailer. Dealer replaced one broken leaf spring back in February before the first trip. Payload in bed never more than 350 pounds. New aftermarket springs and shocks?

Pretty happy with my ARB / OME EL121R. Beat the pants off the stock Ford springs in ride quality. The springs Lift the rear by 1.5", add 600 pounds spring capacity. Have my spare hung on the rear which bring the rear down a bit. They make a no lift 600lb extra capacity spring which would work well for you since your truck is already lifted. Call them @ 1 866-293-9078. to discuss options if interested.

 

[dtech]

Advice sought, I have a 2019 Lariat with the FX4 package. oem shocks, tow a 4200lbs trailer, decided to replace the rear shocks, looking for recommendation, seem some say bilstein 4600 , seems some feel 5100 might be too stiff ?

Also what about Eibachs, noticed they are having a sale and are more $$ than bilsteins.

I don't do heavy duty off roading , just occasional. TIA.

 

[Grumpaw]

I have the Eibach's Pro Truck on the rear and have been very happy with them. Stiffer than stock and when running solo the ride is a bit "stiffer" as I'm usually running without a load. I'll attribute some of the stiffness to the E Rated 10 ply tires I'm running, but the shocks are definitely an upgrade.
But with a load, and trailer hooked up (700 lb tongue weight) its a whole different ball game...they handle the weight very well, and along with the Blue Sumo's give a "no bounce/no jarring" ride.

 

[ctechbob]

Advice sought, I have a 2019 Lariat with the FX4 package. oem shocks, tow a 4200lbs trailer, decided to replace the rear shocks, looking for recommendation, seem some say bilstein 4600 , seems some feel 5100 might be too stiff ?

Also what about Eibachs, noticed they are having a sale and are more $$ than bilsteins.

I don't do heavy duty off roading , just occasional. TIA.

Per Bilstein there is no difference in the valving between 4600 and 5100. If you're not messing with ride heights, no reason to spend the extra money on 5100.

 

[dtech]

Tire Rack has the bilstein for $83 ea, whilst eibach are going for $116 ea , so I may go with bilstein unless the eibach are in some ways superior, thanks

just got back from a 5 day trip, around 400 miles, pretty sure I have the wdh setup dialed in, ended up averaging 13.3 mpg so pretty happy with that , kept speeds ~ 65 mph when on the interstate.

 

[dtech]

Advice sought, I have a 2019 Lariat with the FX4 package. oem shocks, tow a 4200lbs trailer, decided to replace the rear shocks, looking for recommendation, seem some say bilstein 4600 , seems some feel 5100 might be too stiff ?

Also what about Eibachs, noticed they are having a sale and are more $$ than bilsteins.

I don't do heavy duty off roading , just occasional. TIA.

just found the 7 page thread on here comparing fox, bilsteins and eibachs - no real clear cut winner, seems many are happy with bilsteins, eibach proponents say the are a bit softer.

 

[TJC]

This may not mean a great deal, but I went with Eibachs and they are great, but I can only compare them to the stock Ford product (I can't bring myself to call what Ford installed on my Ranger "shocks".

I have replaced shocks with over 100K miles on them that had more damping than the Ford product.

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