Shock survey
Got Data?
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 1,411
From: Lake Stevens, WA
Same here. Stiffer, but stable, especially with crazy heavy campers in the bed. Hard to know what would be the best choice, but looking back, I might have gone with the Bilsteins so I don't have to spin the ***** each time I load the camper. I think the firmer H-rated tires did most of the stability improvements, followed by the Torquelift stableloads on both upper and lower overload springs.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 9
From: Wellington, Co
Great replies so far.
I have never been thrilled with the Bilsteins, and after 20k miles I am getting a lot of tire movement/bouncing almost at times. Had the tires rebalanced (Mich), they are true, so I am ready to get back to a smoother ride, without spending the 75 ea I did on the Bil..
Monroe is sounding like the way to go.
Thanks.
I have never been thrilled with the Bilsteins, and after 20k miles I am getting a lot of tire movement/bouncing almost at times. Had the tires rebalanced (Mich), they are true, so I am ready to get back to a smoother ride, without spending the 75 ea I did on the Bil..
Monroe is sounding like the way to go.
Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
KYB Gas-adjust shocks - because they are not Ranchos and are relatively inexpensive. (Gas-Adjust are not adjustable - that's just what they are called).
I have KYBs on a Toyota Land Cruiser that I installed in 1991 - still working fine. Over the years, I have had one defective KYB across a number of Ford pickups on which I installed them. So, I'm happy with the brand and the price/value.
I have KYBs on a Toyota Land Cruiser that I installed in 1991 - still working fine. Over the years, I have had one defective KYB across a number of Ford pickups on which I installed them. So, I'm happy with the brand and the price/value.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 9
From: Wellington, Co
KYB Gas-adjust shocks - because they are not Ranchos and are relatively inexpensive. (Gas-Adjust are not adjustable - that's just what they are called).
I have KYBs on a Toyota Land Cruiser that I installed in 1991 - still working fine. Over the years, I have had one defective KYB across a number of Ford pickups on which I installed them. So, I'm happy with the brand and the price/value.
I have KYBs on a Toyota Land Cruiser that I installed in 1991 - still working fine. Over the years, I have had one defective KYB across a number of Ford pickups on which I installed them. So, I'm happy with the brand and the price/value.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay, CA
I have the Monroe's on my Ex. Too soft. Especially if towing. Comfy though - which is nice. If you like the ride of old Buicks and Cadillacs, these are good options. If you tow heavy, go with Bilsteins or maybe Ranchos.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 9
From: Wellington, Co
Normally I like a firm ride, but with a 3/4 ton truck suspension mine has always been too harsh with the Bilsteins.
Going back closer to stock, but the KYB's look good.
Thanks.
Going back closer to stock, but the KYB's look good.
Thanks.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 1
I think I'm probably due for some new shocks, 155k miles and still on the originals. Is there a noticeable change in the ride of the vehicle with different shocks? I have never replaced a set of shocks before, so I don't know. I have been reading through various shock threads for quite some time and am about convinced to go with the Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks on the rear, and something non-adjustable up front. I want a softer ride when unloaded, thats for sure, but I also like the idea of being able to stiffen the ride up when towing the heavy 5er. Should I just bite the bullet and do the adjustable shocks on all four corners?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 9
From: Wellington, Co
I think I'm probably due for some new shocks, 155k miles and still on the originals. Is there a noticeable change in the ride of the vehicle with different shocks? I have never replaced a set of shocks before, so I don't know. I have been reading through various shock threads for quite some time and am about convinced to go with the Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks on the rear, and something non-adjustable up front. I want a softer ride when unloaded, thats for sure, but I also like the idea of being able to stiffen the ride up when towing the heavy 5er. Should I just bite the bullet and do the adjustable shocks on all four corners?
I would say if your truck doesn't bounce excessively after hitting a dip they might be fine.
Last edited by trekbasso; Mar 7, 2013 at 12:54 PM. Reason: added.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 6
From: Marseilles IL
I like my Rancho 9000's nice firm ride towing and nice soft ride not towing. Adjustability is the way to go. You can adjust them as soft or firm as you want. Pricey butt what isn't on our trucks.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 9
From: Wellington, Co
I decided on the KYB Gas-Adjust, happy with them so far. I have put about 75 miles on them, over the same roads I have been driving on all week, so a real good back to back comparison. By by Bilstiens. I can actually feel the suspension move, less harsh, but nobody will call the ride plush.
Bought from Rock Auto, 160 for all four. Bought Friday morning, ground shipping, had them Tuesday! Not bad.
Thanks for the responses. They helped a bunch.
Bought from Rock Auto, 160 for all four. Bought Friday morning, ground shipping, had them Tuesday! Not bad.
Thanks for the responses. They helped a bunch.