Which shocks are you running

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Jan 18, 2005 | 01:17 PM

Redthunder

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Which shocks are you running

My truck has a basic 4" lift (drop pittman arm, drop brackets for radius arm and TTB axels) from Trailmaster. The shocks are RS5000 from Rancho, but the truck rides like a tank. The slightest bump or hole really jars the truck bad. So bad, in fact, that the right side dash board mounting bracket has broken and the dash has dropped some on that side. My tires are Wild Country's 33x12.5 and I run 30psi in them. I am want to remove the front shocks and go for a ride to see how it handles. I will probably (based on test drive) replace at least the front shocks, and am considering replacing the radius arms to some longer ones.

I was looking at Bilstein 5100 and the 5150 shocks, and don't have a clue as to which radius arms.

Also, has anyone had there tires shaved to remove the choppiness from the tread.

Jan 18, 2005 | 02:13 PM

xltlariat87

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Joined: Mar 2004

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From: southwestern,pa

on my '87 i am running explorer pro-comp es9000 shocks. on front & back. also have the same sdhocks on my '85 i got mine from summit racing. i really like them alot they seem to take anything i have put them through.

Jan 18, 2005 | 02:52 PM

Haztec

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I have a 89 F-150 with a 4" lift also. I'm also running RS5000's. My truck also takes bumps like a tank. I see you added add-a-leafs in the rear. This is probably adding to the stiff ride. I have bigger springs in the front of mine which don't even give the shocks a chance to provide much give. Your add-a-leafs are doing the same for the back of yours. Its just the nature of the beast, running with a lift kit with heavy duty parts on an older truck. I thought about new shocks to maybe provide more give but I don't think it would make that big of a difference. Outside of a better lift kit with more give, I wouldn't waste your $ on the shocks but. Hey xltlariat87, you running those ES-9000's with a lift kit? If so what Kind?

Jan 18, 2005 | 03:08 PM

wickymustang

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Shocks only stop the springs from going through their natural harmonics, in otherwords, they dampen the recoil so you don't go up and down for 4 hours after hitting a hole.

Jan 18, 2005 | 03:22 PM

xltlariat87

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Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 217

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From: southwestern,pa

skyjacker 4inch, do to chang come spring though, going to change the ttb and put in a straight axle from a '78 bronco.

Jan 18, 2005 | 10:44 PM

Redthunder

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Is any one using the Bilstein shocks?

What are the best Radius arms to use?

The add a leafs in the rear are for the extra weight support.

Can I get maybe a softer spring for the front?

I want to resolve this problem asap while I have the money now.

Thanks for any input.

Jan 19, 2005 | 01:19 AM

SoCalDesertRider

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: USA

I'm running Bilsteins in the front and Rancho RS9000X in the rear of my F350. Very happy with both brands of shock! Yeah I know about the harsh riding RS5000's, had them on an old Chevy pickup. That truck was sprung very stiff too, so the shocks were not all to blame, but they were stiff. The Bilsteins ride very nice. Firm but not harsh.