Hi, 99 Ranger XLT 2WD. 2.5L manual work truck. Upgraded years ago with sway bar, then when a kid dumped a yard of dirt on it, xtra HD springs in back (4 leaves). Raised the back 3 inches or so, so I bought front springs for a 6 cyl and this equaled out the height. Then I put high profile 6 ply tires on it. (Cleveland Ohio has killer potholes everywhere now). This frame is strong, I got blindsided in the side back by an Envoy running a red light and only blew a leaf spring and a wheel. (killed the Envoy). But at high speeds I get huge vibration/resonance issues. I was wondering what would be the best vibration related dampening shock out there. Also, the height is a little more than stock, I have older HD springs, but they max out their upwards travel.

I'm not a lift enthusiast, just want less vibration over 60 mph.

Thanks!

If your "high speed" vibration was a result of the accident then you have an axle issue. The wheel mounting flange on the axle side that was hit might be tweaked to where you can't see it.

And as far as shocks they won't get rid of the vibration only dampen it. Also have your tires check for balance and air pressure. If there is a significant difference of maybe 5psi between tires then rolling resistance will be different and could cause a vibration.

You could also have a U-Joint vibration, those should be checked also.

And check with the Auto Parts counter person to look in their cross reference manual to see what the stock travel length for the old shocks was and find a new set with longer travel. Rancho and Bilstien make off road shocks that come in differing travel lengths. And yes you may have to go to an "Off Road" shock to get the extra travel needed for your "HD/Overload" springs.

__________________
2006 Ford Ranger XL Std Cab 2.3L 5Spd 4x2

Hi,

Thanks, but this vibration occured well before the accident. I had a frame and thrust alignment done when I was hit. The U joints are fine. The tires are fine, they are hard and rigid however, and this adds to the issue.

I was just hoping to get a recommendation by anyone who has done something similar (beef up their springs) to a manufacturer who makes a shock for these situations.

Thanks. Again, I have a decent mechanical understanding, but don't mod for height so I am a little bit out of my depth with non stock parts.