I have a 1997 single cab ford ranger that was passed down to me. It has 110,00 miles and I'm not sure if the shocks have ever been changed. While driving on city streets it seems that I am feeling the small bumbs much more than I should. How can I tell if I need to replace the shocks?

Thank you

take one off & then compress it by hand all the way. now watch it decompress.

if it doesn't decompress, it's bad.
if it sounds like sand grinding, it's as good as finished.
if you can see oil leaking, it's bad.
if you can see the piston & there is corrosion/rust on it, it's as good as bad (lol!)
if your ride quality sucks, i'd replace them. especially after 100,000 miles

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and welcome to the forum Bob!

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oh another thing, if the bushings on the shock are rotted, might as well get some new ones...

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

I appreciate the help. But I have little knowledge about the truck and how to work on it, and my work situation gives me little free time. What is the best way to check without taking the shocks off?

Crawl under the truck abd look at the rear of the leaf springs. There is a hanger attached to the frame abd a shackle that goes from the hanger to the leaf springs. Are the hangers and shackles there? Are they rotted and rusted?

1999, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 145k. (Sent from my DROID BIONIC using FRF App)

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

slide under the truck with a flashlight and look them over. if they look really really rusty, they probably need to be changed fairly soon, if not already...

they are very very easy to replace. all you need is a socket set (probably metric) i think. and some penetrating oil (pb blaster, etc.), and about 10 minutes per shock! (and the new shocks of course)

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beat me to it lol

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.

post some pics if you can!

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

My guess is he is out of his league and got overwhelmed That is understandable. This is not for everyone.

1999, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 145k. (Sent from my DROID BIONIC using FRF App)

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

yeah i suppose so...well shocks would be an excellent starting point for a DIY-er, you know... they're cheap to buy, easy to swap. it's so easy a caveman could do it lol!

(we believe in you bob!)

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

Hey, Bob--welcome to FRF!

To answer your question (the quote): It's called the Bounce Test. Basically, go to each corner of your truck and push down. If the truck bounces more than once, you need new shocks. Reason is, the shocks should jounce (compress), rebound (extend), and then the truck should settle.

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Billie, my "sparkly" blue 1992 Ranger
SPECS: 2.3 I4; Rebuilt motor at 194,263 miles; straightened driveshaft when engine was rebuilt

FIRST MODS: 2" suspension lift and rear disc brake conversion

i knew that, and i didn't post it lol ... i fail sometimes haha

__________________
1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}