Best shocks?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 0
From: USA
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...
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 5
From: Albuquerque
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 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...
Elder User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: SE PA
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.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: L.Bucks,Pa.
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.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 46
From: Kemmerer, Wyoming
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!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: The best is the U.S.
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
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 0
From: USA
Originally posted by swann79
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.
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.
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