Buying the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger is undoubtedly challenging. Shocks are one of the essential components in the vehicle. Have you ever wondered why shocks are important in a car? Yes, they absorb shocks during driving the vehicle and prevent continuous bouncing of the car. You can also say that they make a bumpy ride comfortable for you.
Every car in the market has a different size and capacity of shocks. When it comes to a Ford Ranger, only a high-quality shock works during a bumpy ride. To simplify things for you, here are the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger in the market. What to look for in shock? Don’t worry. This blog consists of a definitive buying guide too.
Review of the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger
#1. Gabriel Spring Load Carrier Shocks
Product Description
Gabriel Spring is our first product of the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger. This shock has an in-built combination of shocker and spring. The springs are highly durable and ultimately work in coordination with the shocker. It is one of the best shockers by the brand. Further, you can install it in various models of Ford Ranger, including 1980 variants and 1990 variants. However, we would still recommend you to make sure that it is compatible with the model of your car. The dimensions of the product are compact, which makes it easy to install as compared to other shocks in the market. It is also one of the most affordable shocks in the market.
Product Performance
Are you looking for a shock for rough terrain? When it comes to a Ford Ranger, you would surely love to drive it on uneven terrain. However, the comfort level during that drive entirely depends on the type of shock installed. This product comes in the category of overload shocks. Thus, they have a specific design for rough terrains. Therefore, you won’t feel the potholes during driving, as this shocker will absorb everything. It is also more effective as compared to other products. How? Well, the combination of the shock and the spring leads to double absorption of shock.
Moreover, the product offers you excellent durability if we consider the price. Yes, the product is not the most durable shock in the market. You can easily install the product, as it comes with an instruction manual. In short, you may even go through an online installation tutorial for this product.
Product Features
- Spring and shock
- Compact dimension
- Anti-rust
- Lightweight
- Compatible with various models
- No effect on payload
Product Specification
- Brand: Gabriel
- Model: 43167
- 15-pound weight
Pros
- Highly effective
- Leak-proof
Cons
- Moderate durability
Recommendations
Great affordable shock
#2. Rancho Gas Shock Set
Product Description
Are you looking for a complete set of shocks? In the present market, there are limited sets of shocks. This set consists of four gas shockers. Yes, usually gas shockers are useful for small cars. However, this product has been specifically designed for all Ford Rangers made between the year 1998-2011. The product is not recommendable for Ford Ranger made after 2011. Usually, the installation of the shock is the trickiest part. The problem increases if the kit does not contain the necessary accessories. However, this product comes with all the essential accessories like bolts and washers.
Product Performance
You may be wondering whether a gas shock will be useful for Ford Ranger or not. Of course, your concern is right. Gas shockers are usually not recommended for heavy vehicles. However, you don’t have to worry about that with this product. Meanwhile, it works perfectly with heavy vehicles, but the durability gets affected in rough terrain. Therefore, you must avoid taking the car in rough terrain with this product. Further, the product is also waterproof and rustproof, which makes it highly durable. On a different note, you cannot control the height of the car with this product. Thus, it does not offer manual control.
Moreover, the accessories with the product help you in proper installation. Thus, the product will not rattle during driving or suddenly break down. You just need to check that the shockers are appropriately sealed with oil frequently.
Product Features
- Gas shock
- Waterproof
- Anti-rust
- Additional accessories
- No manual control
- Easy to install
Product Specification
- Brand: Rancho
- Model: RS500X
- 25-pounds weight
Pros
- Simple installation
- Great for 4×4 Ford Ranger
Cons
- Not for rough terrains
Recommendations
Suitable for a drive in the city
#3. SENSEN Front and Rear Shocks
Product Description
This product is one of the most competent shocks in the market. You can install it in models made between 1998 to 2011. However, we would recommend you to cross-check the OEM number of shock. Also, the product offers you a high comfort level in almost every terrain. It has high durability due to various factors. So, what type of shock is this product? Well, it comes in the category of gas shocks, but it is the advanced version. The cambers are filled with Nitrogen gas, which effectively absorbs the shocks. Therefore, it is also one of the few quality control certified products in the market.
Product Performance
Though the product is quality certified, assessing its performance is a great idea. If you usually drive in the city, then you would want the shockers to maintain the height of the car. This product has a perfect design to keep the height of the vehicle. However, there are even instances where you would take it to rough terrain. During that time, the car will be challenged up to its limits. The product comes with in-built waterproof and anti-rust properties, which makes it an excellent shocker for rough terrains. In addition, it offers you high durability as compared to other products in the market. Usually, when you install a shock, you have to check the alignment of the car. However, that won’t be required with this product. It also comes with additional accessories for proper installation in the vehicle. Overall, a great shocker at an exact cost.
Product Features
- Quality Control Certified
- Maintains the height
- Durable
- Additional accessories
- Fine for rough terrains
- Affordable maintenance
Product Specification
- Brand: SENSEN
- Model: 2282
- 30 Pounds weight
Pros
- Quick installation
- Comfortable ride
Cons
- Takes time to open-up
Recommendations
Quickest installation
#4. Maxorber full set shocks
Product Description
There are minimal products like this one in the market. It can be installed as an RWD shocker and shocker for 4×4 Ford Ranger. The product is compatible with all the models manufactured between 1998 to 2009. Thus, make sure that you don’t buy this product for Ford Ranger built after 2009. Each box consists of two shockers. Therefore, for the 4×4 Ford Ranger, you will have to buy two boxes. The pistons are sturdy, and the chamber is filled with compressed nitrogen gas. Moreover, the cylinders are durable, which prevents the unexpected breakdown.
Product Performance
Since the product is compatible with RWD and 4×4, you may be concerned about the performance. Usually, RWD and 4×4 require different types of shocks, due to difference in the height. However, this product has solved that by automatic height adjustment. Irrespective of that, the height of the front shocks falls short by a short margin. This is most commonly observed in 1999 and 2007 Ford Ranger. It offers a high comfort level to passengers and absorbs shocks effectively.
Moreover, they have a specific design for rough terrains. Thus, the durability won’t be affected by the type of terrain in which you drive. These shocks are also not affected by water and are anti-rust. Lastly, the shocks can withstand any kind of weather from extreme cold to extremely hot.
Product Features
- Compatible with 4×4 between 1998-2009
- Can be installed for RWD
- Rustproof
- Oil sealed
- Durable
- No squeaking
Product Specification
- Brand: Maxorber
- 16 pounds weight
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 8.2 x 6.3 inches
Pros
- 4×4 and RWD shocks
- Simple installation
- Highly durable
Cons
- Front shocks fall short in some models
Recommendations
Must buy if the OEM matches
#5. Belltech Nitro Drop Shock absorber
Product Description
Belltech is one of the most significant shock manufacturing companies in the world. It manufactures auto-parts for companies like Ferrari, Ford, and many more. This product by the company is the most competent replacement shock for Ford Rangers. Therefore, it comes with an in-built chamber filled with pressurized nitrogen gas, which absorbs the majority of the shocks. This product has been specifically designed for heavy vehicles like SUV. Thus, it offers excellent durability, and there is no chance of breakdown due to overweight. However, you must make sure that you choose the genuine Belltech product.
Product Performance
Maybe you are looking for a shock replacement for RWD or FWD. In either case, this product is highly recommendable for you. The compressed nitrogen gas in the chamber gives a comfortable ride to the passengers. Moreover, the construction of the shock is sturdy, which makes it highly durable as compared to other replacements in the market. While driving on rough terrain, the car shakes a lot. This product does not have an in-built spring suspension. So, it may not be highly effective in rough terrain. However, it can surely reduce the shaking of the vehicle up to a certain degree. Coming to the maintenance part, it is effortless and affordable to maintain this shock. The shock is also not affected by rough weather conditions. Thus, it is anti-rust and waterproof. Lastly, we would not recommend this product for 4×4 Ford Rangers.
Product Features
- Highly effective
- Comfortable ride
- Highly durable
- Simple installation
- Reputed brand
- For RWD and FWD
Product Specification
- Brand: Belltech
- Model: 8000
- 3.6-pounds weight
Pros
- Highly durable
- Affordable
- Prevents shaking
Cons
- Not for 4×4 vehicles
Recommendations
Great shock for RWD
#6. Monroe MaticPlus Shock Absorber
Product Description
Since the introduction of plastic, it is not considered an excellent material for auto-parts, especially shocks. Why? Because they melt due to high temperature and are less durable as compared to metal. However, Monroe has changed this perception effectively. The product is completely made of plastic. Don’t worry. Also, it is one of the studiest plastics in the world, which does not get affected by the temperature. Thus, the company offers a replacement shock, which does not get affected by the weather. Moreover, the installation of the product is effortless and requires fewer efforts.
Product Performance
Coming to the performance, it is a great replacement shocker for the comfort of passengers. The pressurized nitrogen chamber and the piston absorbs most of the shock while driving. You would be surprised to know that the product works perfectly in rough terrain. It prevents unnecessary shaking of the car when it goes through a pothole. Have you ever observed that the vehicle sways in a direction during turning? Well, it happens due to worn out shocks or low-quality shocks. Moreover, this product works perfectly well and prevents the swaying of the car during a turn. Thus, the overall safety of the vehicle increases. You also don’t have to worry about the durability of the product. Anti-rust, waterproof and all-weather fluid are one of the in-built features of the product. Moreover, the product has the widest diameter in the market, which increases the absorption rate shocks.
Product Features
- Easy to install
- Durable
- Withstands every weather
- Offers comfortable ride
- Wide diameter
- No clanking noise
Product Specification
- Brand: Monroe
- Model: 32238
- 2.6 Pounds
Pros
- Highly effective
- Sturdy material
Cons
- Raises the rear by an inch as compared to the front
Recommendations
Most affordable replacement shocker
#7. Skyjacker MAX shock Absorber
Product Description
Since you are looking for a replacement, then you must be aware of the problems you may face with a shock. One of the most common issues related to shocks is overheating, due to which the performance decreases. The product has in-built foam technology, which prevents overheating and maintains consistency in production. It also prevents unnecessary expansion of oil. Overall, foam cell technology supports full product.
Product Performance
Are you looking for the replacement shock for 4×4? In that case, you must surely buy this product. This product has a specific design for 4×4 Ford Rangers. However, you must make sure that the model was manufactured before 2011. Thus, the shocks won’t fit in the 2012 or 2013 model. There are instances where the shock gets damaged due to weather. However, this product has a design such that the weather does not affect it. The foam cell technology prevents overheating of the product and maintains a consistent performance. Moreover, it offers a comfortable ride to the passengers and prevents swaying of the vehicle. The product is also anti-rust and waterproof, which leads to high durability. Usually, this shock lasts at least 4-5 years. In addition, it can also withstand rough terrains without any strain or noise.
Product Features
- Foam cell technology
- Prevents overheating
- Withstands every weather
- Easy to install
- Low maintenance
- Compact design
Product Specification
- Brand: Skyjacker
- Model: B8560
- 6-pound weight
Pros
- Withstands all temperatures
- Durable
- Simple installation
Cons
- Not compatible above 2011 model
Recommendations
Sturdy 4×4 shock
#8. MILLION front shock absorber kit
Product Description
Metal is one of the most durable elements on the planet. This can even be seen in metal shocks. You may have to wield a metal shock in the car. But, it would be much more durable than the others. This shocker, you can install in almost any Ford Ranger. However, we would recommend you to buy it for a car manufactured between 1998 to 2011.
Product Performance
First of all, the product does not wear out due to the weather or the road on which you drive. This leads to high durability. You also don’t have to worry about the maintenance of the shock. After wielding it in the car, it barely requires any maintenance. When we imagine an SUV, we see a sturdy all road and all-weather car. These shockers stand up to that image, as they are very sturdy and can withstand almost any environmental pressure. Further, you can drive it in a dessert, a rainy road, snowy road, or many more. The quality of the performance remains the same, irrespective of the path you choose. Usually, metal shocks produce a lot of squeaking noise over time. Yes, oiling can help you get rid of that noise. However, that won’t be necessary for this product.
Product Features
- Sturdy material
- All-weather
- Offers comfortable ride
- Effective on every terrain
- Highly durable
- Easy to install
Product Specification
- Brand: MILLION
- Model: 37122
- 8 pounds
Pros
- Prevents overheating
- No squeaking noise
- Highly durable
Cons
- Not anti-rust
Recommendations
Most compatible shocker
#9. CCYIU Front Shock Absorber kit
Product Description
Most car owners believe that only the shocker absorbs the vibration. However, that is partially true. Various components are connected to a shock, which makes the complete vibration absorbing system. Now, you need to identify whether you need only the shock or the whole system. Additionally, if you are looking for an entire system, then you must surely go for this product. The product comes with a complete shock-absorbing kit for Ford Rangers.
Product Performance
The kit consists of two front and rear replacement shocks for Ford Ranger. There are instances where the height of the front and rear becomes uneven. However, you don’t have to worry about that with this product. The shocks maintain the height evenly. Are you looking for a durable replacement shock? In that case, you must surely try this product. It is one of the few shocks in the market that can withstand a rough terrain without making a squeaking noise. Also, the kit is unaffected by high temperatures. Thus, it can withstand almost every climatic condition. Do make sure that you choose a genuine product through this brand. How can you identify them? They simply do not manufacture refurbished products, which means you have to choose a brand new product. Lastly, the maintenance of the product is highly affordable as compared to other products in the market.
Product Features
- No deviation
- No oil leak
- High quality
- Easy to install
- For four-wheel drive
- Durable
Product Specification
- Brand: CCYUI
- 18-pounds
- 54.43 x 7.09 x 3.94 inches
Pros
- Offers comfortable ride
- Simple installation
Cons
- A little costly as compared to others
Recommendations
This is the best shock kit
# 10. Detroit Axle Front and Rear Shock Absorber
Product Description
It is our last recommendation of the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger. To be frank, the durability of the shocks does not depend on the way you drive. Most car owners believe that by avoiding potholes, they can protect the shocks. There are instances were the shocks get damaged due to the uneven speed of the vehicle. The design of this kit is one of the most innovative ones in the market. As a result, it does not get affected by the uneven pace of the car. Thus, it is a reliable replacement shock for the Ford Ranger.
Product Performance
Usually, the front and rear shocks do not differ in performance. In this kit, the front shock has in-built coil suspension, which reduced the first vibration. The product is also highly durable, as it can withstand any climatic condition. Therefore, it does not get affected by high temperature, due to the all-weather design of the shocks. Moreover, you can install the kit in any Ford Ranger manufactured before 2011. Also, the pistons of the product are tightly sealed with the cylinder, due to which there will be no oil leak. Irrespective of these advantages, you will have to buy the installation accessories additionally. Though the shocks have metal bodies, which give high durability, they are not anti-rust. There may even be squeaking noise after a few years.
Product Features
- Compatible with models before 2011
- All-weather
- Compatible with most models
- Maintains the height
- No oil leak
- Affordable maintenance
Product Specification
- Brand: Detroit Axle
- For Ford Ranger
- 24 x 8 x 18 inches
Pros
- Highly durable
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not for 4×4 Ford Ranger
Recommendations
Finest front shockers.
What to consider when buying the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger?
Here are some factors that you must always look in a shock for Ford Ranger. These factors were chosen based on our experience and intense research. Following these points will help you select the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger.
Will it fit?
This is the first question you must ask while buying. There are hundreds of shocks for cars in the market. Each shock has a design for a specific model of car. Thus, the shock of a Toyota may not be compatible with a Ford. Moreover, every shock has a different weight-bearing capacity. Assume you install the shocks of a mini car in an SUV. Yes, the shocks will not be able to bear the weight of the vehicle, and they will break. How can you identify whether a sock is compatible with your vehicle or not? There are two ways. The first way is to directly ask for a shock to your model of the car. This is highly effective in the case of offline shopping. And, the second way is to match the OEM number of shock. We would highly recommend you to use this method during online shopping.
Effectiveness
Assume that you are driving on a bad condition road with lots of potholes. Let us say that we remove the shocks from the car. What will happen? Yes, whenever the vehicle runs over a pothole, you will feel an intense physical shock. The work of a shock is to reduce that physical tension. However, not every shock in the market is capable of reducing anxiety. Therefore, you must always look for an effective shock for a Ford Ranger. How can you identify them?
The simplest way is to go through the reviews of the shock. Consequently, make sure that the review talks explicitly from the perspective of a Ford Ranger.
Durability
Replacing shocks of a Ford Ranger is neither easy nor cheap. There are situations where a shock replacement breaks down within a few months. That situation is extremely annoying and will inevitably affect your budget. That’s why you should always look for a highly durable shock for the car. How long should a shock last? Well, it entirely depends on the road you usually drive and the kilometers driven by the vehicle. However, in an ideal case, a shock lasts at least 4-5 years. So, how can you identify a long-lasting shock for Ford Ranger? There are two most effective ways to ensure that. The first way is to go through the reviews of the shock. Make sure you go through multiple reviews talking about the durability of the product. The second way is to ensure the proper installation of the shock. A shock breaks down due to improper installation.
FAQ of Ford Ranger shock replacement
Here are the most commonly asked questions with answers related to the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger.
Can the installation of a shock affect the effectiveness?
Let’s understand this by an example. Assume that you install a shock improperly in a car. What do you think will happen? Yes, the shock will keep making a rattling noise. Further, it may even displace from its mean position. Due to this, the pressure on the shock will be uneven. Thus, the effectiveness of the shock will get affected by the way you install it. Make sure that you follow an instruction manual for proper installation.
How can you identify a damaged shock of a car?
Whenever we check the condition of the tires of the car, we inspect them physically. We look whether the rubber has worn out or if there is a hole in the tire. This helps us understand the present condition of the tires. However, when it comes to shocks, you cannot identify the state by physical inspection. So, the only way to inspect a shock is to feel it while driving the car. As mentioned earlier, the work of a shock is absorbing the bouncing of the vehicle. If you think driving the car through a pothole vibrates the whole car, it makes it uncomfortable to ride it. In that case, you must surely replace the shock in the car.
Should you buy a refurbished shock for the car?
While looking for the best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger, you would surely come across the refurbished shock. What are they? These shocks originally had a small problem, so they were repaired. Also, they are almost brand new. If you are looking for a short term shock, then yes, you must buy them. However, if you are looking for a high durability product, you must not go for refurbished shocks. Why? It is because it is likely that they will have another problem with them. However, they are cheaper than a brand new shock for Ford Ranger.
What are the types of shocks for a car?
There are six different types of shocks for a car. They are as follows.
- Gas shocks – These are filled with Nitrogen Gas, and sealed by oil.
- Standard – The most commonly used shocks in a car.
- Heavy-duty – Designed specifically for heavier vehicles like vans and SUVs.
- Automatic shock – These shocks offer you the most comfortable ride as compared to other shocks in the market.
- Overload shock – The perfect shocks for rough terrains.
- Air shock – Offers you manual control.
Conclusion
These were the top best replacement shocks for Ford Ranger in the market. Of course, there are chances that you may not agree with our list. In that case, you can go through the buying guide already discussed. Furthermore, make sure that you always keep an eye on the budget. However, you must not ignore the durability of the shock, as it will affect the budget in the long run. On a different note, it is highly recommendable to follow a guide, while installing the shock. You need to gather every equipment before uninstalling the existing shock. Always work in daylight, as it will prevent improper installation. What are you waiting for? Replace the shocks and enjoy the ride.
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