Are the Bilstein's available with a three or four inch lift on my truck? And are they considered more for highway driving, which is mostly what I will be doing, and less for offroading? Thanks, EagleWalk

 

I installed 6 Rancho RS-5000's on my Bronco when I replaced the front and rear springs. I agree with Sycostang67 the truck rides stiffer... I never off-road the truck (Its from Cali and has NO Rust) so I am thinking of switching to Monroes or Gabriels and putting the Ranchos on my '86 Beater...

 

Eaglewalk, I noticed an improved ride during both onroad and offroad conditions.

 

The Rancho shocks are really intended for off-road use. The set I had were very stiff on the highway, but once off-road they really worked well. Unfortunately for me...most of my driving is on highway...so they just had to go.

I would also stay away from the manual adjustable shocks like the 9000's. First...very expensive setup. Second...you'll be dinking with them all the time. I rather let technology pick the right amount of firmness and such using auto adjusting shocks.

You might want to look at the Edelbrock IAS shocks. They may make a shock for your Explorer. http://www.edelbrock.com/

Good luck...

 

I'm just looking for a shock that will make my ride a lot smoother both onroad and offroad...thanks for all of y'alls replies though.

 

If you check the Bilstien's, which I would recomend also after having run everything else mentioned here and then some, make sure to talk to a knowledgable dealer (most are) and get the valving YOU want. This is the nice thing with these, you get to spec the valving for the expected use you will have for the vehical (I think a 180/55 or even lighter might be close). They have travel lengths of over 20" so they can handle any streetable lift.

 

Very good to know...thank you.

 

Glad I ran across this thread.I'm in need of new shocks.I have the Rancho 5000's and they are very stiff.I'll be lookin' into the Bilstiens.

 

Has anybody had any experience with the Edelbrock IAS shocks? I'm in need of some replacements myself. Was looking at Ranchos, but now thinking differently. I looked on Bilstein's website, but didn't find any for my application!

 

What application would that be? My truck is only lifted about 3" and they had shocks for it, but they also had shocks with INSANE amounts of travel too if you have a beast.
The only thing I regret about that purchase is that they are imported. We really need to move concern for our country and fellow citizens to the FRONT of our minds. sorry about the rant

 

The shocks I'm looking for are for my F-150, no lift. I want shocks that perform exceptional off-road, but won't beat you to death on the highway.

 

Then get the RS-5000's good deal for the money.... just a bit too stiff if you never wheel the truck...