Shocks
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Denver Colorado
Shocks
Whats a good front/rear shock combo for my 68 f-100? I am looking to improve handling, don't care if it is a little stiff. I have some old coil over/load carrier shocks on the front right now but I don't want to raise it up any higher, would like it to be lower if anyhting else. Not lookinf to spend more than $250 on all four.
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Joined: May 2002
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I have new cheap OEM bottom-of-the-line replacement shocks from Kragen's Auto.
I think they may have been around $12-15 each. Just enough to get me down the road. They are *not* very good.
I'm thinking about getting Monroe Reflex or KYB Monomax on the recomendation of a buddy. He said those run $40-60 each.
I'm very interested in what others have to say on this thread.
here's a link with some interesting data:
http://www.kyb.com/truckloops/loops.html
I'm not yet sure what it means, but I'll look into it.
I think they may have been around $12-15 each. Just enough to get me down the road. They are *not* very good.
I'm thinking about getting Monroe Reflex or KYB Monomax on the recomendation of a buddy. He said those run $40-60 each.
I'm very interested in what others have to say on this thread.
here's a link with some interesting data:
http://www.kyb.com/truckloops/loops.html
I'm not yet sure what it means, but I'll look into it.
Last edited by mlf72f250; May 3, 2004 at 07:13 PM.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 25
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From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
shock solution
hey JD. I'm asking myself the same question, but I already have the answer that you and I need. I'm doing the engine/drivetrain right now, but the minute that's good my truck's going to the suspension shop. New front coils and bushings, general tightening and alignment, new rear leaf springs. After that you go to the off-road suspension shop and buy 4 new 9000 series Rancho shocks. They are absolutely the bomb. They're adjustable, in fact, you can set them for any driving conditions you get into. Hard for loads or rough roads, soft for freeway flying, in the middle for around town. They are the best shock I've ever had, or ever heard of. Around your budget too, maybe a few bucks more (like everything else). Get those Rancho's, they will absolutely work for you better than any shock you ever had. Plus lifetime warranty. I need a custom application guy for my new shocks, because my new springs will lift me about 2" and I'll have different piston travel specs so a custom app will be easy and last forever.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
I put Rancho 5000s in front and Autozone lifetimes in the back. Seems to be okay. Reason I went for nicer shocks in the front is because that is where you can feel a good/bad handling shock the most.
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Senior User
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From: Denver Colorado
Thanks for all the info, I have been looking at those KYB's also. On the Rancho 9000's do those work ok on a 2 wheeler without raising it up any? I want to keep the stock height.
Also, has anyone used one of those steering shafts with the knuckle on them instead of the rag joint? I was thinking about getting one since I changed to power steering, thought it might tighten things up al ittle more.
Also, has anyone used one of those steering shafts with the knuckle on them instead of the rag joint? I was thinking about getting one since I changed to power steering, thought it might tighten things up al ittle more.
Elder User
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It's interesting that KYB didn't compare themselves to the Rancho shocks in their performance graphs, just Monroe and Edelbrock. I wonder if it was easier for them to beat those two?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
> has anyone used one of those steering shafts with the knuckle on them instead
> of the rag joint
Yes, mine has UJs, works fine with my manual steering 4x4.
> of the rag joint
Yes, mine has UJs, works fine with my manual steering 4x4.
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Elder User
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I read about some interesting interchanges on the Rancho site. It looks like you can use the stock rear shocks on the front when you lift the front 2-4". I suppose the converse would be true if you lowered the rear.
Ya learn something new every day...
Ya learn something new every day...
Elder User
Joined: May 2002
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I went with Rancho 9000s. I spent more than I wanted to, but they were adjustable. Just installed them today. I cranked the adjuster valves up to 9.
The ride feels a little firmer. Maybe a little more choppy.
But the main thing is it feels safer and more stable.
The ride feels a little firmer. Maybe a little more choppy.
But the main thing is it feels safer and more stable.
Elder User
Joined: May 2002
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I should mention a few quality problems I had with the Rancho shocks, but was able to work around.
First, they didn't include the metal bushing package in one of the boxes.
Also, they appear to be more of a universal shock, and the metal bushings they did include in the other boxes were the wrong size. So, I just re-used the metal bushings from the old shocks.
Second, the threads on top of one of the front shocks were all buggered up. There was paint over the buggering, so it definitely happened at their factory. Nothing that a three-corner file couldn't fix, though.
First, they didn't include the metal bushing package in one of the boxes.
Also, they appear to be more of a universal shock, and the metal bushings they did include in the other boxes were the wrong size. So, I just re-used the metal bushings from the old shocks.
Second, the threads on top of one of the front shocks were all buggered up. There was paint over the buggering, so it definitely happened at their factory. Nothing that a three-corner file couldn't fix, though.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Denver Colorado
Thanks
Thanks for all of the guidance. I ended up going with Gabriel load carriers on the back and Gabriel Ultra LT's on the front. Rides like a dream even with old tires on.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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'71 F250 c/s Monroe rear shocks...
I went to Monroe.com and followed their catalog to Part No. 34958 for my truck. But they have an eyelet on top instead of a stud-type mount. Oops, Monroe!
Anyone know the right Monroe rear shock for '71 F250 c/s? Thanks
Anyone know the right Monroe rear shock for '71 F250 c/s? Thanks