I've got an '80 F150 with a 302 and a 4speed manual. I just put a limited slip 3:50 gear in the nine inch and it's great (b/c i got it for free.) I wanted/ need to put new shocks on this pos and I was wondering what you people thought. I've rebuilt most of the truck and just need something that will run off road all right. I'm lookin at drivin through a friend's fields but I also drive it daily. I'm lookin forward to hearin what you guys have to say... I'm not lookin to spend more than 60 bucks a shock as well so keep that in mind.

Thanks

 

anything gas pressurized! skyjackers nitros are what i am running and i have NO complaints

-cutts-

 

Why do you like gas? I personally prefer the hydro types, such as rancho 5000s, but have lately changed to the opinion that the cheapest shock with the same characteristics is good. I bought my rancho kit from desert rat, and it came with their desert rattler shocks, and they ride just like ranchos. So, what is the difference besides the price? I think it is the same for gas shocks too. Ted

 

well my rig is a bit heavier than most (8000lbs) and so i have more of a problem with the truck going down rather than up, so i want my shocks pushing up all the time rather than up and down

just my opinion though

-cutts-

 

i've heard Heckethorn are pretty good and cheap. but I like Rancho's. I would say go with RS5000's like Ted said. There a little more but there quality stuff.

 

I would suggest pro comp's they are great shocks for the money. I have the es1000 for 91 bucks shipped from 4 wheel parts. got the boots rwith them free!

 

How much stiffer will the ranchos make the ride? I am looking at a similar situation, but don't want to be bounced all over going down the highway. But the truck will see farm fields, dirt roads, logging roads, ect.

 

trust me....from 4WP's, you paid for those boots, lol!

-cutts-

 

i had procomps when I first lifted my bronco. after 6 months of daily driving and wheeling just about every other weekend or so they were trashed. I have been on the same pair of rancho 5000's not for 1.5 years. I only paid about 125 for the set of 4 ranchos I am running now.

 

Why not get the Rancho 9000 so you can adjust your ride any way you like?

 

Which shocks are better? Skyjacker Nitro's or Rancho 5000's. What about Skyjacker Platinum shocks?

 

They make platinum shocks . . . fo realz? I got to get me a set of those . . . bling!!! Sorry, I don't have a clue about them but couldn't help myself.

I'm going with the Rancho 9000's front and rear on my truck when I lift it along with one of their control systems so I can adjust the ride from inside my truck. I'm all about convenience and gadgets . . . like you haven't noticed already.

 

Hey guys thanks for all the great suggestions. The Pro comps were a bit pricey and I have looked at both gas and hydro shocks. My truck barely weighs anything. It's a stepside shortbed regular cab. It might weigh 3700 lbs. I'm pressently looking at Rancho's RSX17000. They run about 54 bucks a piece and appear to be much like the RS5000 but are gas shocks instead of hydro. What are the differences between hydro and gas shocks? It's really between those two shocks at this point. Thanks again.

 

basically a hydro uses an oil type liquid that moves through valves and cycles through the ups and downs of rough terrain....gas shocks on the other hand are pressurized which it is constantly pushing up.

you take a gas and a hydro and set them side by side....compress the gas one by hand and it will spring back, do the same to the hydro and it will stay!

i don't think the gas shocks have as bad a problem with heat as the hydros do and heat is a bad thing cause it will cause the shock to fade and the ride will get rougher

-cutts-

 

So then, what advantage does each system have. I mean the gas sound great for extra load or for old springs or something, but they also sound like they would have a harder ride. The hydro on the other hand would seem to have a boat-like ride without much control. I don't know though.