It may not be as incredibly popular as the F150, but the Ford Ranger is still an impressive midsize truck. Naturally, all those years of hard service will have put a toll on your Ford Ranger shocks and sooner or later it’ll be time for a replacement. Now, thanks to the world of aftermarket solutions, there are plenty of options out there but what are the best replacement shocks for the Ford Ranger? Read on for our guide for the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger.
The 5 Best Replacement Shocks for Ford Ranger:
- Gabriel 43167 Rear Spring Assist Load Carrier Shocks – the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger
- Monroe 32237 Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber
- Monroe 58608 Monroe Load Adjust Shock Absorber
- Belltech 8000 Nitro Drop 2 Shock Absorber
- Skyjacker B8560 MAX Shock Absorber with Black Boot
Our Recommendations
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Our pick from the bunch: Gabriel 43167 Rear Spring Assist Load Carrier Shocks – the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger
- Combines Shock And Spring Technology
- Constant-Rate Front Coil Springs Can Help Improve Stability And Restore Or Maintain Ride Height
- Variable-Rate Rear Coil Springs Provide 500 Lbs. Per Pair Of Load Capacity [Not To Exceed Vehicle Gvwr (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Product Does Not Increase Payload]
- An Economical Solution For Heavier Duty Use
As your truck racks up the miles and gets older, the shocks also start to lose their strength from all the weight and stress. More often than not, this causes the shocks to sag and ultimately your pickup’s ride height takes a toll when it’s loaded. These Rear Spring Assist shocks by Gabriel help reduce the loss of height in situations where you always have to keep your truck loaded. According to Gabriel, the variable-rate coil springs offer 500 lbs. per pair of load capacity to improve stability and restore or maintain the truck’s original ride height.
An economical solution for heavy-duty use
Gabriel’s 43167 Rear Spring Assist Load Carrier shocks have a chromed piston rod to prevent corrosion. What’s also great for the price is that these shocks guarantee proper seal lubrication. Inconsistent wear is a common issue in heavy-duty use but Gabriel says these shocks should provide more consistent wear over the surface. What’s more, their unique tubing is claimed to reduce internal wear for better durability. It’s compatible with the Ford Ranger from 1990 to 2005. As for the newer models, it also works with 2006 to 2011 Ranger with the front spring type coil set up.
Why do we like it?
These shocks are fairly easy to install, and if we look at the user experience of actual customers, the shocks usually raise the truck bed up about 2” after installing. It’s a reasonable upgrade and more than good enough for a driver that needs to haul heavy stuff daily.
Pros
- Proved to be more stable than OEM shocks
- Cost-effective upgrade
Cons
- Ride quality is slightly stiff
One for a smooth ride: Monroe 32237 Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber
- CONSISTENT RIDE -- Velocity Proportional Valving (VPV) technology and all-weather fluid containing special additives to reduce friction and ensure smooth rod reaction and an overall smoother ride
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE -- Nitrogen gas-charge maintains tire-to-road contact for improved ride and handling by reducing aeration
- RESTORES RIDE AND HANDLING -- Larger bore provides more efficient damping control to provide consistency and a smooth ride (where applicable)
- BUILT TO LAST -- Self-lubricating fluid seal retains gas and reduces excessive friction against the piston rod to help reduce premature wear while banded piston and bronze reinforced guide provide durability
- GET MORE MILES FROM YOUR RIDE -- Designed and validated to meet OE spec and deliver consistent performance
Monroe’s Monro-Matic Plus shocks are nitrogen gas-charged shocks and come with something called velocity-proportional valves. These valves include fluid designed for all-weather performance to improve consistency in ride quality. The twin-tube design of these shocks accounts for improved ride comfort over bad roads at a reasonable price.
Long service and smoother ride quality
The ½” piston rods are nitrocarburized for longer service life and the larger than usual bore is claimed to offer more consistent control over bumpy terrain. The ride quality, as noted by lots of satisfied buyers, is considerably smoother with these shocks installed. Your old Ranger is likely to have less bounciness with these shocks as well. What’s also particularly impressive about the Monroe 32237 Monro-Matic Plus is that it is compatible with a bunch of generations and model years of the Ford Ranger. As a matter of fact, it is compatible with Rangers built from 1983 all the way till 2011.
Why do we like it?
These shocks by Monroe go the extra mile when it comes to the fluid used for ideal compression and rebound. The all-weather fluid contains unique elements to reduce friction and improve rod reaction at the same time. As a result, these shocks perform consistently well over bad roads or fluctuating terrain.
Pros
- Smooth ride over undulated surfaces
Cons
- None
One with extra adjustability: Monroe 58608 Monroe Load Adjust Shock Absorber
- REDUCES SAG UNDER LOAD -- Ideal for occasionally hauling or towing varying loads; heavy gauge, calibrated coil spring reduces sag when loaded up to 1,200 lbs. (capacity limited by suspension, tires and transmission; see owner's manual)
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING -- Tuned specifically for each application, full-displaced valving automatically adjusts to road extremes to provide ride consistency
- CONSISTENT RIDE -- OE all-weather fluid contains special modifiers to handle extreme temperatures and PTFE-banded piston helps reduce friction between the piston and pressure tube to enhance responsiveness to changing road surfaces
- LONGER SERVICE LIFE -- Self-lubricating fluid seal retains gas and reduces excessive friction against the piston rod to help reduce premature wear while heavy-duty nitrocarburized rod delivers long life
- IMPROVES PERFORMANCE -- Nitrogen gas-charge maintains tire-to-road contact for improved ride and handling by reducing aeration and shock fade
Here’s another alternative from Monroe for your old Ford Ranger. Called the 58608 Load Adjust Shock Absorber, these are a lot more versatile than the model listed above. We say versatile because with these shocks you can adjust the damping according to the road/terrain or weight situation. These also include a gauge-calibrated spring to get the balance exactly as you need it.
A brand new pair of these can help in keeping the stock ride height even when loaded with up to 1,100lbs of cargo. These shocks are perfect for those who use their Ranger models to carry changing loads or for towing.
Filled with comfort-oriented tech
Monroe’s 58608 Monroe Load Adjust Shock Absorbers are loaded with tech aimed to improve ride comfort on a daily basis. First off, these shocks are tuned particularly for each use as the valving automatically adapts and regulates to changing road conditions to provide a more consistent ride quality. Something that improves the consistency, even more, is the unique sealing between the piston and the pressure tube to ultimately deliver more control over bumps or potholes and increase the overall durability of the shocks. Lastly, Monroe says these shocks feature special self-lubricating fluid seal which is designed to hold the gas without too much wear.
All in all, these are an excellent pair of replacement shocks given the price and they are especially good for loading cargo or hauling trailers. In terms of compatibility, these shocks can be installed on your rear-wheel drive truck if it’s made between 1983 and 2011.
Why do we like it?
Monroe’s 58608 shocks are proven replacement for the Ford Ranger. They offer a smooth ride and if your truck has a sagging backend, the shocks would definitely bring it back to the OEM ride height at a reasonable cost. We would recommend these if you tend to carry variable loads or like to take your truck off-road where the conditions are constantly changing. These variable load adjustable shocks are right on the money, but if you’re somebody who always drives on the tarmac and usually doesn’t need to haul anything, there are cheaper alternatives available.
Pros
- Versatile shocks
- Comfort over varied surfaces
Cons
- Cheaper alternatives available
Value for money replacement: Belltech 8000 Nitro Drop 2 Shock Absorber
- Belltech's value oriented performance shock absorber
- Cavitation free valve train avoids air from decreasing shock absorbers effectiveness
- Specifically made for your vehicle with guaranteed fitment. High-pressure, nitrogen gas-powered shock absorber
- Fully covered durable metal dust boot provides a cleaner operating environment
- OEM ride quality with added performance, control and comfort
The Nitro Drop 2 is Belltech’s cheapest offering when it comes to replacement shocks for your Ford Ranger. These value-oriented shock absorbers are surprisingly high quality and made to last. The fully covered metal dust boot in these shocks offer a clean operating atmosphere for consistent response over bad roads. According to Belltech, even these entry-level shocks offer OEM levels of compliance and stiffness over rough surfaces.
Oversized internal and external construction
Don’t let the low price fool you though! These entry-level shocks are really well made and they are more than good enough for daily use. Sure, these aren’t your best bet if you’re the kind who puts their Ranger through a lot of stress frequently but for light to moderately heavy applications, the oversized construction and study materials used in these shocks should last for thousands of miles. As for compatibility, Belltech’s 8000 Nitro Drop 2 Shock Absorber can be used in the Ranger Edge (2001-2003), Ranger EV (1998-2002), Ranger Splash (1998), Ranger STX (2006-07), and the Ranger XL made between 1998 and 2011. These shocks work even if you own a relatively new Ranger XLT (1998-2011).
Why do we like it?
To put it simply, these are excellent replacement shocks for the price. You’re more than likely to notice a whole new level of stiffness and ride height if your high mileage Ranger is sagging or if it’s simply too bouncy on the stock shocks. The package even includes OEM quality rubber mounts which help in adding to the overall compliance and smoothness. You’re also less likely to feel the springs working thanks to the rubber mounts.
Pros
- Amazing value
Cons
- Not the easiest to install
When durability and value go hand in hand: Skyjacker B8560 MAX Shock Absorber with Black Boot
- Advanced Foam-Cell Technology
- Vehicle Specific Multi-Stage Valving
- Increased Fluid Capacity for MAX Heat Dissipation
- 373 Degree Arc Welded End Mounts and 180 Degree Directional Mounting
- Twin Tube Construction with Chrome Plated Shaft. Collapsed Length:17.3
Go to Skyjacker when you need replacement shocks for mid-size trucks. Their B8560 MAX Shock Absorber is among the economical options for Ford Ranger users. These are some of the best looking aftermarket shocks, although we admit that looks aren’t the top priority here. When it comes down to it, these shocks with their unique foam-cell technology and model specific multistage valving can do the job.
Adaptable and durable in the long run
The biggest highlight of Skyjacker’s B8560 MAX Shock Absorber is that they respond immediately to varying driving conditions in case you’re cruising over smooth tarmac and then suddenly you need to go off-road. Whether you’re going over bad or smooth surfaces at high or low speeds, the speed-sensitive valving is claimed to offer a precise level of resistance in terms of rebound and push rates for better stability and comfort. These shocks are designed to work well with older generation all-wheel drive Ford Ranger models made between 1983 and 1997.
Why do we like it?
These hydraulic shocks are beefy and solidly made to handle everyday abuse, especially if you drive an older model Ranger. Your truck will definitely benefit from the longer suspension travel that these shocks offer, and as a result, it’s less likely to sag in the coming years. We would recommend these replacement shocks for those that usually just drive on paved streets but might occasionally take their truck for some light off-roading.
Pros
- Work well with older Rangers
- Highly durable
Cons
- Not the best option for heavy-duty usage
What are the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger?
There’s nothing better than a brand new pair of replacement shocks to improve your trusty old Ford Ranger’s on-road performance. It doesn’t matter which option you choose from the list, your truck is bound to ride way more comfortably than before.
However, if you want an economical option that can take a lot of stress without compromising on ride comfort, you should go with the Gabriel 43167 Rear Spring Assist Load Carrier Shocks. For consistent improvement in on-road ride quality, nothing comes close to Monroe’s 32237 Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber; these shocks perform consistently well over bad roads. We would recommend Monroe’s 58608 Monroe Load Adjust Shock Absorber if you tend to carry variable loads or take your truck off-road. Belltech’s 8000 Nitro Drop 2 Shock Absorber is the best looking shock on a budget and they would serve you just fine if you’re after a more composed ride quality. But if you own a classic (older) Ranger, it’s the Skyjacker B8560 MAX Shock Absorber that we think is the best replacement shock for you.
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