shocks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 774
Likes: 104
From: Elk Grove Village, IL
Bilstein are supposed to be awesome but they're not cheap. Monroe has quite a few options, IIRC. eBay has shocks? I think Rancho and OME make shocks for our trucks, if you go off-road.
I'd prolly go Monroe and chose what fit in my budget.
I'd prolly go Monroe and chose what fit in my budget.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 127
Likes: 31
From: Livermore, CO
I think KYB shocks are of the same type as Bilstein. They have both the monotube shocks and the twin tube available. I use the monotube called the Gas-Adjust some people don't like increased handling feel of them on older vehicles, I love it...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 194
Likes: 76
From: SW Connecticut
Just put KYB gas adjust on my '86 F250 and immediately noticed the better ride. Granted i was rolling around on the factory shocks until that point and one was leaking like a sieve. I'm 99% on paved surfaces.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 346
Likes: 37
i run fox on the nice truck haha, progressive valving with a lifted progressive coil.
on my bullnose i'll got the rancho n3 i believe. with the coils and ride of the old truck a shock isn't gonna make it better. they look decent and ride well
on my bullnose i'll got the rancho n3 i believe. with the coils and ride of the old truck a shock isn't gonna make it better. they look decent and ride well
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,975
Likes: 514
From: Edmond, OK
I tried to install the Monroe 58591 shocks with helper springs in the back of my Bullnose truck. They were the heavy duty version available at the auto parts store. I couldn't get them installed because I couldn't get the suspension of the truck "unsprung" enough to install. So, I installed the Monroe 37038 instead.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
I had Rancho's on a 86 K5 full size Blazer and found they were to stiff for the mounts as it broke 2 of them 1 of them twice, ride was fine.
Most if not all factory shock mounts are not made strong enough to support weight like your helper springs on the shocks.
See my post above about mounts.
I am running KYB's from LMC on my 81 F100 4x2 and I think the ride is pretty smooth.
Dave ----
I tried to install the Monroe 58591 shocks with helper springs in the back of my Bullnose truck. They were the heavy duty version available at the auto parts store. I couldn't get them installed because I couldn't get the suspension of the truck "unsprung" enough to install. So, I installed the Monroe 37038 instead.
See my post above about mounts.
I am running KYB's from LMC on my 81 F100 4x2 and I think the ride is pretty smooth.
Dave ----
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,248
I'm not sure about shocks with helper springs. Never considered them. The springs on the truck are designed to handle your suspension needs. The shock absorber's job is to damp any oscillation of the suspension. I'm running the OE equivalent Monroe shocks. These are very good on my F250. Neutralizes any bump or pothole to one oscillation. Does an excellent job of stabilizing the ride. Shocks wear out. Consider a new set of shocks with every new set of tires. Typically every 50,000 miles.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
I'm not sure about shocks with helper springs. Never considered them. The springs on the truck are designed to handle your suspension needs. The shock absorber's job is to damp any oscillation of the suspension. I'm running the OE equivalent Monroe shocks. These are very good on my F250. Neutralizes any bump or pothole to one oscillation. Does an excellent job of stabilizing the ride. Shocks wear out. Consider a new set of shocks with every new set of tires. Typically every 50,000 miles.
On trucks it may not be to bad but on cars were the upper mount went to sheet metal trunk pan the shock would push thru in no time.
You would see this mostly with air shocks to fit larger tires out back.
WOW every 50K
Then I am way over being on I think my 2nd set or maybe 3rd and have just under 300K on my 02 Dodge
Dave ----
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,248
Shocks with helper springs and air shocks were a way to help support heavy loads but as said shock mounts are not meant to support weight.
On trucks it may not be to bad but on cars were the upper mount went to sheet metal trunk pan the shock would push thru in no time.
You would see this mostly with air shocks to fit larger tires out back.
WOW every 50K
Then I am way over being on I think my 2nd set or maybe 3rd and have just under 300K on my 02 Dodge
Dave ----
On trucks it may not be to bad but on cars were the upper mount went to sheet metal trunk pan the shock would push thru in no time.
You would see this mostly with air shocks to fit larger tires out back.
WOW every 50K
Then I am way over being on I think my 2nd set or maybe 3rd and have just under 300K on my 02 Dodge
Dave ----
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