I need some new rear shocks for my unlifted 92 2 door Tracker.  The shocks it has have a leak in the driver side shock and both shocks can be extended and retracted by hand when not attached to the axle.   Is the purpose of using a Crown Vic shock because it is longer and will work better with a lifted vehicle or does the Crown Vic shock have better dampening qualities than a stock shock on an unlifted vehicle?  I think I have read that the Crown Vic shock has to have the bolt insert from the stock shock pressed in.  What about the Mustang shock?  Since my Tracker is stock would I be best off with a plain OEM type shock or with one such as a Crown Vic or a Mustang?

Crown Vic shocks offer more travel for lifted trucks

Wild

i'm using mustang shocks because i put some pucks in the springs. also, they were a direct bolt-in(unlike the crown victoria shocks).
but like you said, they are longer when compressed/extended.
so you'd be right to use stock replacements.
super shocks are probably not worth it unless you are doing some extreme driving(i think).

I see that Mr Gasket makes a shock extention that screws to the end of the shock to make it a bit longer.  Could I add these to my new shocks if I lift the vehicle in the future?  If so I may buy the better shocks now.  Advance Auto has Monroe-matics for $21.99 each and SensaTracks for $43.99 each.

i suggest you buy the cheapest shocks you can, the ride will not change much in the rear of that truck with a better name brand shock....  yes you can simply but and add the extensions later if you add a lift.

Yes, get the cheapest shock you can find, you don't need a super
ninja sauce shock for these light trucks

Wild

I bought the Monroe-matics for $21.99 each.  I'll install them tonight and report back.

I installed the shocks last night. It was pretty easy after i got the bolts that holds the stud end to the frame loose.  The old shocks were defiantly shot.  One of them would compress with no effort when extended.  The problem is the Tracker seems to ride as bad or worse with the new shocks.  I hate how you feel every bump in the road in these things.  I don't understand why a Wrangler rides so much better when it is the same size vehicle.

were you a drunk passenger in that wrangler!?!?!?  how much air is in your tires, maybe too much if the ride is that bad.

were you a drunk passenger in that wrangler!?!?!?  how much air is in your tires, maybe too much if the ride is that bad.

No, every TJ I've driven (probably 6 of them) has ridden like a Cadillac compared to my Tracker.  I'll have to double check the air pressure.

The ride is one reason you want the cheapest shock you can find, light
truck compared to a Crown Vic, or even a Mustang, never tried those
shocks, could be a better match, I'll take one of mine off and go size
it up to a Mustang Shock at the Autoparts store

Air Pressure, most people use the rated max pressure on the tire, WRONG,
you should always use the listed pressure from the vehicle, and bigger tires
make the pressure needed lower, like the difference between a Bicycle tire
and an ATV, bike 45 psi ATV 3 psi, SideKick 23 Factory, bigger tires like 235s
I would go to 15 psi for ride, if you want MPG leave it higher.

Eric says mark your tread with chalk, then drive around the block to see where
the contact patch is, keep lowering pressure until the chalk wears off evenly
across the whole tread surface, this is the best pressure for that tire and tread life

Wild

Air Pressure, most people use the rated max pressure on the tire, WRONG,
you should always use the listed pressure from the vehicle, and bigger tires
make the pressure needed lower, like the difference between a Bicycle tire
and an ATV, bike 45 psi ATV 3 psi, SideKick 23 Factory, bigger tires like 235s
I would go to 15 psi for ride, if you want MPG leave it higher.
Wild

Lower than factory with a 235?  Why would that be?

Larger tires carry more weight with less air pressure, like in the example
I posted, I run 7 to 8 PSI in the 33-13.5 Swampers and they are still too
stiff

Wild

So let me understand.
I can buy stock sized cheap tracker shocks and attach those shock extenders and it will be just as good as installing Mustang/Crown Vic longer shocks.  And provide a better ride too?

I'd MUCH rather do that.

For me i don't do hardcore trailing i don't need extreme articulation. My rig is a mild lift for light dirt road type off-roading and basically for looks.  If all i need is a shock extender to get the length i need and save my ride comfort with stock sized shocks...i'll be in heaven.

I ran into the same problem with the Crown Vic shocks, just to stiff for my tastes.  I switched to the Bilstein shocks in the rear and the difference was noticeable.  Expensive, but worth it.