Just replaced ball joints and u-joints this weekend (148,000 on OEM) and realized that I should have picked up some shocks while I was at it. What are you guys running these days? Ranchos, Bilsteins, something else? I'm in need of a steering stabilizer too.

Also when you do ball joints do you typically do a front end alignment?

 

As for shocks, it's difficult to narrow it down. It all depends on what you want to use your truck for. However, I have heard very good things about the Bilstein's. I'm running 37's on fox res shocks and don't care for them. I'll be swapping to Bilstein 5125 series before Christmas.

I also had only my upper ball joints replaced which didn't require an alignment. From what the shop told me if the lowers are replaced then an alignment IS required. It has been about a year since mine were done so I may have the upper/lower alignment mixed up. By the end of the day expect to have plenty of advice.

 

2wd here, so take it for what it's worth to you. I ran the Bilsteins on all four corners for a while, and am now running KYB's on the front. I like the feel of the KYB's a little better, but that could also be because I extended the stem to make them match my 2" front leveling kit so they could ride in the middle of their travel range (unlike running them at one end of the travel range like I did with the B's). The shock extenders on the B's might have given me a better ride, but I'm not interested in experimenting any more.

 

F250_ makes a good point. Matching the shock length to the lift of your truck makes a world of difference. Keep that in mind for whichever shock you go with. I'm only going with the Bilstein 5125's because they are ordered with a desired custom length to match my lift. KYB's are a nice ride.

 

For what it's worth, the uppers are the ONLY place caster/camber is adjustable on these trucks. There is a bushing in the upper ball joint shaft bore that you can replace to get the caster/camber in spec. The lower is fixed with no adjustment.


I used Monroe Reflex shocks last year on my stock height truck. I have been happy with them and they weren't terribly expensive.

 

I didn't move the adjusting sleeve on the upper ball joint, but I think I may still take it in.

My truck is mainly used on road with some occasional heavy pulling, It sees a lot of 4x4 time in the snow and fields (mud, etc)

Which KYB's? Monomax, Gas-a-just, Excel-G

 

Monomax for sure.

 

If we are in the running, keep this in mind:

Rancho Suspension: SHOCKTOBER® PROMOTION

Look to the RS9000's work well if towing or plowing.
Good luck!

 

My KYB's are the Monomax's. Would definitely do again.

 

Does kyb not offer shocks for our lifted trucks? 8"?

 

I just put Monroe mid grade on all 4 corners. Lifetime warranty. Seem to help alot.
3/4-1 ton don't ride like a Caddy but every little bit helps.

BTW I have less than 5000 miles so it is still young

 

Did the spring promotion worked out great amazon had good prices on them. They're adjustable so you stiffen up when towing, turn them down for plush around town. Drove from MI to WA pulling about 11,000 with quite a bit of tongue weight and forgot to turn them up backend was bouncing pretty good, pulled over adjusted to not even the firmest and I was really happy.

 

2x Rancho RS999273 RS9000XL
2x Rancho RS999267 RS9000XL
1x Rancho RS5410 RS5000 Steering Stabilizer
these should be the #'s