New Shocks
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,066
Likes: 1,622
From: Seattle
Better? Whatcha mean better? More stock? Better at/for what?
Almost everything is a compromise. I think the first thing to do is ask yourself what you are after - that way you can determine when you have arrived.
If you want it better because it is more stock then Hydraulic is the answer.
If you want to lay the frame on the ground or have a ride, as the guy put it the other day, like a big-body Cadillac, then air bags might be the answer for you.
If you let others decide for you then it is not a choice you have made.
Good luck with your decision.
Chad
.
Almost everything is a compromise. I think the first thing to do is ask yourself what you are after - that way you can determine when you have arrived.
If you want it better because it is more stock then Hydraulic is the answer.
If you want to lay the frame on the ground or have a ride, as the guy put it the other day, like a big-body Cadillac, then air bags might be the answer for you.
If you let others decide for you then it is not a choice you have made.
Good luck with your decision.
Chad
.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: Jax
I would have to agree with TA455HO on what you are going after.... ive seen air shocks used in the rear for a little extra help with a load.
if you aren't talking about actually shocks, then are you referring to air ride vs hydro setup?
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,066
Likes: 1,622
From: Seattle
Good point. There are air-assist shocks and pure air shocks, too. Could be taken a number of ways I guess. I'll let you guys duke it out. I feel like if I recommend something and then another person doesn't like something the same way they might think I gave them bum advice when all it really was is different preferences.
Cool
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Cool
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,069
Likes: 139
From: tucson
My truck is nothing fancy. I use it for a work back-up truck to haul my tools around.
I was just wondering if one type was better than the other. Not looking to slam it on the ground or make it ride like a cadillac. LOL.
Thanks.
john
I was just wondering if one type was better than the other. Not looking to slam it on the ground or make it ride like a cadillac. LOL.
Thanks.
john
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,066
Likes: 1,622
From: Seattle
Typically the springs provide the rebound and the shocks just keep that rebound from cycling and causing any bucking or rocking motion. Both hydraulic and air shocks can do that.
If you want some sort of leveling ability as your load changes then air-assist shocks or strictly air shocks can do that. Hydraulic shocks can sometimes have settings, like Rancho shocks, but that still doesn't alter ride height when stopped. It only provides for a firmer or softer ride.
If you are just hauling tools and you otherwise like your ride height, a good hydraulic shock is easy to install and easy on the budget.
People who run a camper or other heavy loads often run air shocks so they can put air in when the camper is on the back and stiffen up the ride for better handling and control - or without the camper installed they let out some air to get a more comfortable ride.
Chad
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If you want some sort of leveling ability as your load changes then air-assist shocks or strictly air shocks can do that. Hydraulic shocks can sometimes have settings, like Rancho shocks, but that still doesn't alter ride height when stopped. It only provides for a firmer or softer ride.
If you are just hauling tools and you otherwise like your ride height, a good hydraulic shock is easy to install and easy on the budget.
People who run a camper or other heavy loads often run air shocks so they can put air in when the camper is on the back and stiffen up the ride for better handling and control - or without the camper installed they let out some air to get a more comfortable ride.
Chad
.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: Jax
Would be my recommendation esp since it doesnt seem like he is doing heavy hauling
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From: Jax
if heavy hauling I would suggest air shocks or helper air bags(look into the firestone kits or even air ride technologies air over leaf setup)
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