Softening the Ride…HELP!

[DapperDean]

Thanks everyone for your responses! I’ve ordered Bilstein 4600s for front and back from Tire Rack based on your suggestions. However the closest recommended installer is 65 miles away!

The recommended cold pressure on the door frame is 30 psi and that’s what I have it at. I’ll probably go down to 28 psi.

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[Markubis]

You should be able to do the back shocks yourself. It's pretty easy and you'll notice an improvement immediately.

 

[Progeny2021]

You should be able to do the back shocks yourself. It's pretty easy and you'll notice an improvement immediately.

Nah. Don’t be cheap! Pay a pro so your beer doesn’t get spilled! That would be a catastrophe in itself.?

 

[DapperDean]

LOL. There is NO POSSIBILITY I’d do it myself.

 

[Fritz]

I put bilstein 5100 on. The ride is more controlled but it is not a softer ride at all.
Did the rear shocks myself. It was $900! in labor to have the fronts done and aligned.

 

[DapperDean]

If the fronts are that expensive to have installed, I’ll just have the backs replaced and see how that effects the ride. Then I’ll decide if it’s worth it to do the fronts.

I spend hours a day driving my Ranger and I’m so tired of the harsh ride. I’ll end up spending a lot more to trade up to a full sized truck if I can’t solve the problem.

 

[Progeny2021]

If the fronts are that expensive to have installed, I’ll just have the backs replaced and see how that effects the ride. Then I’ll decide if it’s worth it to do the fronts.

I spend hours a day driving my Ranger and I’m so tired of the harsh ride. I’ll end up spending a lot more to trade up to a full sized truck if I can’t solve the problem.

A matched set at 4 corners works best.?

 

[EJH]

If you want softer, but improved, go with Fox 2.0s. If price is a factor, with regard to the front install, just do the rears. Huge improvement. The Foxes are softer than Bilstein. They allow more body roll but remove the seasickness.

 

[DapperDean]

After reading this and researching online, I feel you're right. So I cancelled my Bilstein order and am getting a set of Fox 2.0 for the rear and see if that helps. It's not body roll I care about, its the inability of the rear to absorb bumps and imperfections.

 

[EJH]

After reading this and researching online, I feel you're right. So I cancelled my Bilstein order and am getting a set of Fox 2.0 for the rear and see if that helps. It's not body roll I care about, its the inability of the rear to absorb bumps and imperfections.

It will be the best ~$300 or so you spend on the Ranger. Plus you can do the install yourself. 4 bolts only Here is one side of mine after the install.

 

[RangerPNW]

It will be the best ~$300 or so you spend on the Ranger. Plus you can do the install yourself. 4 bolts only Here is one side of mine after the install.

I can confirm, the Fox 2.0 rears are a dramatic improvement. None of that bouncing in the rear that you get with the factory, for every impact you get a down and up, not several.

 

[mustang marty]

Rear 4600 Billsteins no more seasickness plus smoother ride I am happy . Best of all the head bobbing in corners stopped ., when driving in the city .

 

[Philvarah]

I put bilstein 5100 on. The ride is more controlled but it is not a softer ride at all.
Did the rear shocks myself. It was $900! in labor to have the fronts done and aligned.

Ouch.... Better set my budget then...

 

[Philvarah]

I can confirm, the Fox 2.0 rears are a dramatic improvement. None of that bouncing in the rear that you get with the factory, for every impact you get a down and up, not several.

So Fox 2.0 or 4600's.... On rear to start upgrade?

 

[Apples]

Geez guys! The Ranger is a capable "TRUCK"! If you wanted a boulevard ride, you should have bought a Hyundai Santa Cruz or Honda Ridgeline!

In all fairness, ugly, knobby tires, and hard after-market shocks will indeed make the ride harsh. And the truth is, the OEM tires (Bridgestones in my case), are junk. I replaced mine with Michelin LTs, and the ride improved rather nicely.

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