Should only depend on where your 02 sensors are. If you have a downstream 02 sensor you can't do it, but if they only come off the manifold you should be fine.
The only time I have ever replaced shocks I put Monroe shocks on. I had a 99 two door Tahoe a while back and I put Monroes on and they did great. They aren't too expensive and they are worth the money. Go check O'reillys they carry them.
I'm new to the forum. Had my ranger since June and love it. It's an 03 ext. cab 2wd. Work edition truck so it was very stock. I have done a good bit of mods so it doesn't look like a work truck. I will post pictures soon.