Need some handling improvement - Ford Ranger Forum

Yo'sDad · 09-13-2009, 09:11 PM

I drove my daughter's 96 Plain Jane std cab, short bed today. Holy cow, she need some handling improvements. Putting new tires on in a couple of weeks which will help some, but the shocks must be totally shot, as I would expect at 190K miles. Guessing suspension and steering bushings are also worn.

My DD is a MINI Cooper which is not helping me relate to the truck. Totally night and day, just need to help her out a bit.

Question: Looking for a recommendation for shocks that are affordable, possible upgraded swaybars. Anyone willing to share their experiences are appreciated.

YD

korny351 · 11-12-2009, 12:47 PM

My '93 extended cab has been modified with Bilstein HD shocks on all 4 corners. Major improvement. Also added a 23mm rear sway bar from a junkyard Bronco II and replaced front and rear bar bushings with Energy Suspension poly bushings. Handling is now fun again. I don't expect it'll keep up with your Mini, but you'll notice a vast improvement. The poly bushings will give a more truck-like ride but I wouldn't call it harsh. Total cost probably around $75 to $80 for the bar and bushings. Shocks, maybe $250.

camshaft27 · 11-17-2009, 10:28 PM

you can get rancho shocks for around $30 to $40 which are really good shocks. Gaberiels are cheap too, that is wat i have on the front of my 94 supercab and i like how they feel my 15yr old can still dip through corners better then most trucks can lol. the rear sway bar gives you better handling but when the road is slick, it makes it easier for you to slide around.

09-13-2009, 09:11 PM	#1
Yo'sDad Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5	Need some handling improvement I drove my daughter's 96 Plain Jane std cab, short bed today. Holy cow, she need some handling improvements. Putting new tires on in a couple of weeks which will help some, but the shocks must be totally shot, as I would expect at 190K miles. Guessing suspension and steering bushings are also worn. My DD is a MINI Cooper which is not helping me relate to the truck. Totally night and day, just need to help her out a bit. Question: Looking for a recommendation for shocks that are affordable, possible upgraded swaybars. Anyone willing to share their experiences are appreciated. YD

11-12-2009, 12:47 PM	#2
korny351 Givin' Ford another try Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cailifornia Posts: 2	My '93 extended cab has been modified with Bilstein HD shocks on all 4 corners. Major improvement. Also added a 23mm rear sway bar from a junkyard Bronco II and replaced front and rear bar bushings with Energy Suspension poly bushings. Handling is now fun again. I don't expect it'll keep up with your Mini, but you'll notice a vast improvement. The poly bushings will give a more truck-like ride but I wouldn't call it harsh. Total cost probably around $75 to $80 for the bar and bushings. Shocks, maybe $250. Last edited by korny351; 11-12-2009 at 01:22 PM. Reason: clarification

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11-17-2009, 10:28 PM	#3
camshaft27 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 9	you can get rancho shocks for around $30 to $40 which are really good shocks. Gaberiels are cheap too, that is wat i have on the front of my 94 supercab and i like how they feel my 15yr old can still dip through corners better then most trucks can lol. the rear sway bar gives you better handling but when the road is slick, it makes it easier for you to slide around.