Upgrading Front Coilovers on the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger 4x4

The 2019-2023 Ford Ranger 4x4 is one of the most capable and customizable mid-size trucks on the market today. While its stock suspension is decent for road driving and light trails, it leaves much to be desired once you add weight, larger tires, or get into more aggressive off-roading. That’s where a front coilover upgrade comes in.

In this article, we’ll break down why you should upgrade your front coilovers and compare four of the most popular options: Bilstein 6112, FOX 2.0 IFP, FOX 2.5 Factory Race, and ICON 2.5 coilovers.

Why Upgrade the Front Coilovers?

Stock struts are built for compliance and cost—not performance. When you start adding aftermarket bumpers, winches, or larger tires, the front end can sag, rebound poorly, and lose control on rough terrain. Coilovers combine a coil spring and shock absorber into a single unit and dramatically improve ride quality, suspension travel, and damping precision.

Key reasons to upgrade:

• Adjust ride height (0–3.5") for better clearance or leveling
• Increase off-road travel and bottom-out resistance
• Reduce body roll, nose dive, and brake squat
• Improve heat dissipation and shock longevity
• Allow for tire upgrades (32–33" tires)

Whether you're aiming for a level stance or building an overland-ready rig, coilovers are a foundational upgrade.

Bilstein 6112 Series – Part #47-294301

Price: $842 | Lift Range: 0–2.5” | Best For: Value builds, daily driving, mild off-roading

The Bilstein 6112 front suspension kit offers an ideal balance between cost and performance. With a large 60mm (2.36") shock body, digressive valving, and height-adjustable snap-ring grooves, these coilovers provide a smooth on-road ride and controlled off-road behavior.

Specs & Features:

• 0-2.5" front lift
• Digressive valving for firm, responsive handling
• Monotube design with large piston for better damping
• Direct bolt-on installation
• Uses factory spring perches and mounts

What users say:

Perfect for Rangers that see occasional trails, moderate weight additions (skids, light bumpers), and want a better-than-stock ride without spending over $1,000.

FOX 2.0 IFP – Part #985-02-133-2

Price: ~$995 (sale) | Lift Range: 0–3” | Best For: Budget-friendly off-roaders, light overland setups

The FOX 2.0 Performance Series IFP (Internal Floating Piston) coilovers are one of the most popular mid-range suspension upgrades for the Ford Ranger. They feature 2" aluminum shock bodies, gas-charged monotube construction, and Eibach coils.

Specs & Highlights:

• Adjustable ride height up to 3” (preset to 2" for 4WD)
• Internal reservoir to separate nitrogen and oil
• 5/8" chrome-plated shaft and heat-treated components
• 6061-T6 aluminum body for corrosion resistance
• Direct bolt-in replacement

These coilovers improve on- and off-road handling without sacrificing daily drivability. The rebound is tight, nose dive is reduced, and they provide better articulation over uneven terrain.

Best for leveling your Ranger while improving suspension performance on washboard roads, forest trails, and desert whoops—without blowing your build budget.

FOX 2.5 Factory Race Series – Part #883-06-156

Price: ~$2,295 | Lift Range: 2–3” | Best For: High-speed off-roaders, overland rigs, heavy payloads

The FOX 2.5 Factory Race Series with remote reservoirs is built for extreme conditions. Designed for racers and hardcore trail users, this kit offers unmatched damping control, rebuildability, and tunability.

Specs & Highlights:

• 2.5” zinc-plated steel shock body
• External remote reservoir for maximum cooling
• Eibach 3.0 adjustable spring
• 7/8" hard-chromed shaft for extreme strength
• Travel: 3.98” | Compressed: 15.94” | Extended: 19.92”
• Rebuildable and revalvable

This is the go-to kit for serious off-road performance. If you're running heavy bumpers, winches, a rooftop tent, or plan on extended overlanding, the 2.5s handle the added weight and abuse without fading.

Best for desert runners, technical trail riders, and long-distance adventurers needing durability and fine-tuned ride quality.

ICON 2.5 Series – Part #91250

Price: ~$1,494 (on sale) | Lift Range: 0–3.5” | Best For: Rock crawlers, adjustable performance, daily + trail use

ICON’s 2.5 Series coilovers strike a balance between race-ready and daily-use refinement. Featuring 25% more travel than stock, CNC-machined aluminum parts, and optional compression adjusters, they offer excellent versatility.

Specs & Highlights:

• 2.5" aluminum CAD-plated shock body
• ICON-tuned Eibach spring
• 3.5” of lift capability
• Direct bolt-in, no modification required (for <32” tires)
• Extended travel for articulation-heavy environments
• CNC 6061 aluminum mounts and hardware

More tunable than FOX 2.0s and less expensive than FOX 2.5s, ICONs offer a great middle ground. They’re engineered for aggressive terrain, but still maintain ride comfort on pavement.

Note: Larger than 32” tires require trimming.

Ideal for daily driving with serious trail use, especially rock gardens or overland routes that involve articulation and slow crawling.

Price Breakdown & Use Case Comparison

Coilover	Price (Pair)	Lift Range	Use Case
Bilstein 6112	~$842	0–2.5"	Best value, daily + mild off-road
FOX 2.0 IFP	~$995 (sale)	0–3"	Great for light overlanding
ICON 2.5	~$1,494 (sale)	0–3.5"	Adjustable for rocks + trails
FOX 2.5 Race	~$2,295	2–3"	Ultimate performance, remote travel

Final Thoughts

If you're lifting your 2019–2023 Ford Ranger 4x4, upgrading the front coilovers is one of the smartest mods you can make. Whether you're a weekend trail runner or building a full overland rig, there’s a setup to match your goals.

• Choose Bilstein 6112 for value and versatility.
• Go FOX 2.0 IFP for improved handling and budget-friendly off-roading.
• Upgrade to ICON 2.5 for adjustability and rock-ready precision
• Step into FOX 2.5 Race Series if you're pushing your Ranger to the limits on tough terrain or long expeditions.

Whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy better control, improved ride quality, and a setup ready to tackle the trail.