This Post 7 Best Shocks For Ford Ranger 4×4 Written By Larry Gauthier Appeared Top On the Steering King

We all know that the Ford Ranger 4×4 is an outstanding and luxurious ride, and who does not enjoy a smooth and secure ride? But do you know that you can elevate the performance and make the ride even more comfortable in the Ford Ranger?

Nobody enjoys a bumpy and unstable ride, especially with an automobile like this one. So, what can you do to make the ride and vehicle performance smoother?

Well, we have the answer for you and that is to install new and top performing Shock Absorbers. The purpose of using these shocks is to not only make the ride smooth and fun, but it works to improve the balance, control, stability of the truck as well.

This improved balance, stability, handling, etc., makes the truck safe for use even on rough terrains and does not put the driver or others on the road in danger.

Right now, the market is filled with shocks of different models and brands, making it hard for you to choose one. Therefore, in this guide, we will discuss some of the best shocks for Ford Ranger 4×4, making it easier for you to choose.

Quick Summary Of Ford Ranger 4×4 Shocks

Monroe 32330 Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber

A high quality shock absorber by Monroe, sold individually at an affordable price.

Gabriel 43167 Rear Load Carrier

One of the top quality shocks available in the market right now.

Monroe 32337 Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber

An individual shock absorber with amazing features, suitable for the Ford Ranger 4×4.

Monroe 58608 Load Adjust Shock Absorber

You can now drive confidently with this great shock absorber by Monroe as it adjusts easily with the road conditions and carrying load.

FCS Front And Rear Shock Absorber Kit

The perfect choice for your Ford Ranger 4×4 if you are searching for an excellent shock absorber set.

Belltech 8000 Nitro Drop 2 Shock Absorber

A game changer in the industry with its reliable performance and longevity.

Bilstein 24-188258 Rear Shock For Ford Ranger 4WD

A trusted and amazing product manufactured by a reputed and well-known brand.

Best Shocks For Ford Ranger 4×4 Reviews

Monroe 32330 Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber

Monroe is one of the trusted names in the industry and is well-known for the extraordinary quality, durability, and performance that comes with their shock absorbers. The Monroe 32330 Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber is a popular choice among owners of Ford Rangers.

Due to the high quality manufacture of this shock absorber, it delivers consistent performance in the truck. It improves stability, balance, and handling of the vehicle on the road, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

In addition to that, it also helps to increase control and turning of the truck, allowing the driver to drive the vehicle safely. The shock contains a nitrogen gas charge which allows the Ford Ranger to provide a better road to tire contact.

This does not only reduce the impact of vibrations and bumps on the road and will also enhance the weight carrying capacity of the truck. You do not have to worry about replacing the shock absorbers frequently as these shocks are very sturdy and last easily for a long period of time.

Installation of this shock is extremely easy as it is preassembled and the package includes all the items required to install the new ones to your vehicle. This product is sold individually and is available at a highly reasonable price.

However, the outer coating of the shock absorber is not good.

Highlighted Features:

• Contains a nitrogen gas charge
• Sold individually
• Works as both front and rear shock absorbers
• Produced to meet the OE standards

Gabriel 43167 Rear Load Carrier

When it comes to choosing shock absorbers for your Ford Ranger, the Gabriel 43167 Rear Load Carrier is a great choice and ensures a superb performance.

The outstanding combination of spring and shock technology makes these shock absorbers efficient. These shocks have the ability to absorb all the shock impulses that the vehicle experiences, making the truck more comfortable to drive.

With minimum resistance and chrome piston, these shocks easily adjust to all sorts of road conditions and make it easier for you to carry weight on your truck. Each shock improves the condition and weight carrying capacity along with the stability, controlling, handling, and so on.

Due to the excellent product quality and self-lubrication seal, it reduces friction and increases the tire to road connection. These shocks do not lift the truck and also do not affect the height while carrying weight on your vehicle.

Available in a pair of rear shocks, you will find this product at a reasonable price. You do not have to worry about the durability of this product as they are available and provide an efficient performance for a long period of time.

In addition to that, these shock absorbers feature heat dissipation which allows these shocks to improve efficiency even in the toughest road conditions. However, the only downside of this product is that they are typically suitable for the older models of Ford Ranger.

Highlighted Features:

• Manufactured with top quality materials
• Comes with a combination of spring and shock technology
• Features heat dissipation
• Available as a rear shock pair

Monroe 32237 Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber

Next on the list, we have another extraordinary shock absorber manufactured by Monroe. The Monroe 32337 Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber is a quality choice for your Ford Ranger.

Similar to the shock mentioned above by the same manufacturer, this one is also sold individually and not in pairs or sets. This shock has a nitro-carburized piston and features cooling properties that prevent overheating.

In addition to that, this shock absorber has a larger diameter compared to the majority of shocks available in the market right now for Ford Ranger. This makes sure that the truck can adjust more easily to the rough road conditions.

The cooling properties mainly help the driver to experience a much more comfortable ride on roads that put a significant amount of pressure and load on the suspension system.

When we talk about the shock absorbers from Monroe, you do not have to think twice about the durability as they are manufactured to last a long time without any trouble. The all-weather fluid in the absorbers reduces the impact of vibration, no matter what the weather condition is.

Improved handling, controlling, turning, stability, and balance are confirmed with this shock. Not only that, but it also has the ability to reduce the risks of damage such as wear and tear of the steering compartment.

The cost of this shock is budget-friendly, but the installation process is slightly complicated.

Highlighted Features:

• Contains all-weather fluid
• Features nitro-carburized piston and cooling properties
• Has a larger diameter compared to similar items
• Sold individually and suitable for load carrying trucks

Monroe 58608 Monroe Load Adjust Shock Absorber

The Monroe 58608 Load Adjust Shock Absorber is one of the top qualities that the company offers. It is well known for its outstanding service and driving comfort in Ford Ranger 4×4.

This pair of shock absorbers has the ability to significantly enhance the stability, handling, and controlling. The product also increases the comfort while driving by making the steering and turning easier.

Not only that, but it also reduces the bounce and vibration that the truck experiences on the road, improving the balance.

Similar to the Monroe shock absorber discussed above, this one also contains all-weather fluid which not only makes the product suitable for all weather condition, but also helps the shocks to prevent overheating.

As we mentioned earlier, the durability of the shocks manufactured by the brand is great and they go a long way before you have to replace them. In addition to that, these shock pairs also improve the connection between the roads and the tires of the truck.

Due to the high-quality products used to manufacture these shock absorbers, the pair can easily adjust with the amount of load on the truck, reducing the pressure on the suspension system.

If we talk about the pricing of this product, it is slightly expensive in comparison with the other shock pairs offered by the company, but the quality is worth it. However, there is a slight issue with this item and that is it does not provide an efficient performance under excess load.

Highlighted Features:

• Available in pairs
• Adjust easily with the load
• Contain all-weather fluid
• Features a fluon banded piston

FCS Front and Rear Shock Absorber Kit For Ford Ranger Mazda B3000 B4000 RWD

If you are in search of a complete shock set for your Ford Ranger 4×4, the FCS Front and Rear Shock Absorber Kit is a top choice.

The function of this shock absorber kit is to make your driving experience smoother. It provides a superior quality of control, stability, handling, and so on along with topnotch vehicle performance.

Due to the heavy-duty manufacture of the product, it fits your Ford Ranger perfectly and offers a long-lasting and efficient service. These shocks easily adjust with the condition of the road and make sure that you do not experience bounce or vibrations even on the roughest terrains.

As these shock absorbers resist the vibrations and movements of the truck, they have to undergo a huge amount of heat. This kit features great cooling properties and significantly prevents overheating, so you do not have to worry about changing the shocks frequently.

It also allows you to enjoy a smooth ride despite the speed and the load on the vehicle. These shocks improve the weight carrying capacity of your truck and the chrome piston has the ability to handle a significant amount of pressure on the suspension system.

For such a high-quality shock absorber kit, the price is extremely reasonable, but the only problem is that the installation process might seem a bit tricky.

Highlighted Features:

• Features chrome piston rod
• Available as a complete shock absorber set
• Perfectly fits Ford Ranger 4×4
• Manufactured with heavy duty materials

Belltech 8000 Nitro Drop 2 Shock Absorber

While looking for the best shocks for Ford Ranger 4×4 in the market, we found the Belltech 8000 Nitro Drop 2 Shock Absorber. It is an impressive solution for your truck even on the roughest roads.

This shock is the right choice for you if you usually drive in rough or bumpy roads and carry weight as it improves balance and the carrying capacity. Not only that, but it also improves the stability and handling while reducing the impact of bounce and vibration.

The high end metal dust boot makes the tire to road connection better by decreasing friction and ensures that the truck is suitable for all weather conditions. In addition to that, the rubber mounts make sure that the shocks stay in place and last for a long time without any trouble.

It also features a valve train that prevents air from entering the shock. This helps the shock absorber from losing its efficiency within a short time and makes sure that it continues to provide the expected performance.

Installation of this product is extremely easy and can be done within a few minutes. You will receive all the necessary items to replace the shocks within the package.

If we talk about the pricing of the product, then it is highly affordable given the performance, features, and so on. However, there is a small issue that many customers faced with this product and that is a low heat dissipation. This means that the shock absorber cannot prevent overheating efficiently.

Highlighted Features:

• Manufactured using top quality and sturdy materials
• Features metal dust boot to reduce friction
• Includes a valve train
• Comes with rubber mounts

Bilstein 24-188258 Rear Shock for Ford Ranger 4WD

Last but not least, we will talk about the Bilstein 24-188258 Rear Shock For Ford Ranger 4WD. The company is one of the trusted names in the industry, mainly due to its performance, quality, durability, and so on.

This rear shock has the ability to dissipate heat which means that it prevents overheating, allowing the shocks to provide amazing performance. It makes sure that the vehicle works perfectly even when there is a significant amount of pressure on the suspension.

You will see an instant improvement in the stability, handling, and controlling of the truck. Not only that, but you will also see a great difference in the balance, steering, and weight carrying capacity.

Due to the product quality and manufacture of the product, you do not have to replace it frequently as it lasts for a long time. The shock includes fluid that helps to reduce friction and allows better contact between the roads and tires.

Installation of this product is very simple and you will find all the required items in the package. You can replace your old shock absorbers with this new one within a few minutes. However, the only downside of this product is that it is a bit stiff in comparison with other shock absorbers available on the market.

Highlighted Features:

• Features cooling properties
• Only available for rear of the vehicle
• Includes fluid to reduce friction
• Package includes installation items and instructions

Buying Guide For Ford Ranger 4×4 Shocks

Shock Absorber Length

You will have to take the length of the shock absorber into consideration while choosing a top quality shock for your Ford Ranger 4×4. There are quite a few length options available in the market and you will have to choose one depending on the type of terrain you typically use.

Pay attention to the length of shock absorber your vehicle requires and choose a length from Standard, Long travel, high performance and extra length depending on what you need.

Installation Process

One of the mistakes we make when it comes to choosing shock absorbers is that we do not have the installation process into account. A tricky installation process often leads us to mistakes that prevent the shocks from fitting properly and thus, cause damage to the vehicle.

Before deciding on a shock absorber, make sure that you have proper knowledge about how to install that particular shock and whether the package includes the necessary items or not.

Cooling Properties

The Ford Ranger 4×4 is driven on the roughest of terrains as well which puts a lot of pressure and load on the suspension system of the truck. This excessive pressure results in overheating of the system and can cause damage to the steering compartment along with several other parts.

The majority of shock absorbers come with cooling properties which significantly prevent overheating in the suspension system, allowing the vehicle to move properly for a long time.

Durability

Shock absorbers are available at a price and replacing them often causes be a complete hassle. This is why you need to look for shock absorbers that come with a long lifespan and provide a top quality performance for a long time without any issues.

Most of the shocks available in the market typically need to be replaced once every 50,000 to 100,000 miles depending on road conditions, weight, and so on. Make sure that you choose shocks that do not need to be replaced often.

Price

The cost of shock absorbers depends on a lot of factors such as performance, materials, brand reputation, durability, and many more. As shocks typically need to be replaced in pairs, the price often exceeds the budget as we all prefer high quality products.

In the market, you will find individual shock absorbers with a price tag starting from $20 to go as up as $60 or more. A low price tag does not mean that the product has a bad quality and will provide a bad performance.

Properly research the market and look for shock absorbers that offer amazing performance at an affordable price.

Pros And Cons Of Using Shocks On Ford Ranger 4×4

Everything in this world has its pros and cons, and the case is not any different for shocks available for Ford Ranger 4×4. Here, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using shock absorbers on the Ford Ranger.

Pros

• Shock absorbers significantly elevate the performance of the vehicle by improving handling, turning, controlling, stability, balance, and so on.
• They reduce the impact of vibration and bounce that the truck experiences due to bumps and potholes on the roads.
• They ensure a better driving experience by increasing comfort and making the Ford Ranger 4×4 easier to steer and handle.
• Shocks reduce the pressure on the suspension system and prevent damage caused by overheating.
• Shocks improve contact between the road and the tires and allow the truck to carry a higher amount of weight.

 Cons

• Shocks are expensive and cost a decent amount of money
• They need to be replaced once every 50,000 miles to 100,000 miles
• You cannot replace shock absorbers individually and can only install new ones in pairs or as a complete set.
• Installing shock absorbers can be complicated at times and might not always fit perfectly.

How to Install/Replace Ford Ranger 4×4 Shocks?

Installing shocks in the Ford Ranger 4×4 is quite simple and all you need to do is have the right tools and follow the instructions properly.

• The first step is to lift the truck up so that you can easily access the shock absorbers. You can either lift the entire truck at once or just lift the front or rear part of the vehicle.
• After lifting the truck, take out the necessary tools and remove the nuts and bolts to get access to the shocks.
• Carefully take out the old shock absorbers and install the new ones.
• Properly place the bolts and nuts in place and make sure that the shocks perfectly fit.
• After you are done replacing the front pairs, replace the rear pair if needed.
• Repeat the same process with the rear pair of shock absorbers.

 Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

1. Is It Essential To Install Shock Absorbers In Ford Ranger 4×4?

The Ford Ranger 4×4 is one of the top weight carrying trucks available in the market. To ensure an extraordinary and long-lasting performance by this vehicle, the use of shock absorbers in necessary.

These shocks absorbers significantly improve the stability, handling, and controlling of the vehicle. Not only that, but it makes sure that the driving experiences a comfortable ride along with smooth steering and turning.

It also reduces the bounce and vibrations that cause damage to the vehicle or the steering compartment due to the bumps and potholes on the road.

2. Can You Inspect The Condition Of The Shock Absorbers?

Yes, you can easily conduct an inspection to know about the condition of the shock absorbers. This inspection can be done during the oil change of your vehicle.

We typically recommend Ford Ranger 4×4 owners inspect the shock absorbers frequently. If you have proper knowledge about the vehicles and shocks, then you can check the shock absorbers by yourself. Otherwise, you can get the mechanics to inspect the shocks for you.

3. Is Monroe A Good Shock Absorber Brand?

Yes, in the automobile industry, Monroe is one of the top names and is trusted by people from all parts of the world. The top product quality, performance, durability, and so on make sure that the shock absorbers work perfectly with the Ford Ranger 4×4.

The company manufactures several types and models of shock absorbers and ensures top quality performance in the vehicle. While the majority of these products are sold individually, a few of them are available in pairs.

4. How Often Do You Have To Replace Shock Absorbers?

Shock absorbers are highly important for a comfortable and efficient driving experience of the Ford Ranger 4×4. To make sure that the truck continues to offer amazing performance, you will have to replace the shock absorbers from time to time.

According to experts, you will have to replace the shock absorbers once every 50,000 miles. While choosing shocks for your truck, make sure that you properly check the longevity of the shock absorbers.

Final Words

There is no doubt that shock absorbers are essential for our vehicles as they elevate the condition and keep the suspension system safe while ensuring its durability. The Ford Ranger 4×4 is an amazing quality truck and choosing the right shock absorbers for this one is not an easy task.

The products we have mentioned above are some of the best shocks for Ford Ranger 4×4 available in the market right now and offer efficient and long-lasting service. Before you purchase shocks for your truck, do not forget to properly check the features and buying factors.

References

• https://www.edmunds.com/ford/ranger/
• https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/ranger/rear-suspension-shock-absorber-problems.php
• https://www.autoanything.com/resources/kyb-vs-monroe-shocks-which-suspension-brand-is-best/
• https://www.therangerstation.com/ranger-tech/ford-ranger-shock-and-spring-assembly-removal-installation/