Multiple shocks
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
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Multiple shocks
I was starting to shop around for a lift kit for my truck for after I get all the body work done, and get it on the road again (83 f-150, 300c.i.d.) I was strongly considering a 4" kit from superlift, extended radius arms, the superrunner steering kit, the whole package. I was also considering upgrading to dual shocks front and rear. I know that both Skyjacker and Trailmaster make multi shock kits, but I haven't been able to find any reviews, or even pictures of the kits installed. I was wondering if anyone else had either of these kits (or any other multi shock kit) installed on their rig and could give me some feedback as to how you like it, install, stuff like that. Pictures would be awesome. I'm looking to make the truck much more capable off road, and also still keep some level of road manners. I do use the truck for work when I'm home (can we all say Navy?) and do haul lots of wood and pull lots of trailers, so I don't want more than 4" of lift. I'd love some feedback...
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I have a 6in suspension lift on mine with 6 shocks on the front, and 2 on the back, it adds for a better ride off road and if you are looking to haul stuff, the dual shocks on the rear will really help, if you plan on hauling, make sure you go with the Rancho 9000 instead of the 3000 or whatever brand is equal to that. The 9000 is made for that. Not sure about installing, if you look at my gallery, I have a picture of the front shocks on the drivers side. If you look close you can see the third shock behind the right shock as you are looking at the picture.
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Elder User
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the setup looks nice, do you know which setup you are using? the only triple shock setup for the front i could find was made by trailmaster... i'm assuming thats what you have? are you able to tell whether the install was a weld job, or is it all bolt in? I have access to a welder, but my skills are very low and i'd have to have someone else do the work.
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From: charlotte, nc
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I agree, for the price and performace, I think procomp is the way to go. And ya, the blue boots you can get with them are nice. The shop here has like 10 different colors you can choose from that compliment your trucks color.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
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i'm going with a red paint, but i think either a black or a blue boot would look good. a good friend of mine has a powdercoating setup, so a lot of the smaller pieces, both in the engine and on the suspension will get powdercoated for the finished product, i still have a thing for ford blue.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Coutts Canada
If your truck needs more than 2 shocks per corner to have a good ride you have somme spring/suspension issues that need to be worked out, not saying its a bad thing, but if you look offroad anyone that is competive and does well never has more than 2 per corner, also as far as steering stabilizers are concerned, only one is necessary as they only mask problems, but i see your going with the proper steering setup for these ttb trucks.
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Elder User
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right now my suspension is in need of very little work. aside from a worn steering box, most things work just as they are supposed to. the only reason i want dual shocks front and rear (i'm not going with triple, looks awesome, but too much for me) is to help when carrying heavy loads and towing, and to ease the ride in the backcountry. I figure any suspension problems that i have will be aleviated with a quality lift kit, as most of the problems stem from worn bushings.
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Elder User
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so, the consensus says that the dual shocks are good, the steering system from superlift is good (?), stick to a single stabilizer, and make sure the suspension is properly tuned... any thing else i should think while planning the final stage of the build? i was planning on a set of progressive overload springs for the rear end. does anyone know if they will work with lift springs? i've never seen anyone with lift running overloads, and i don't know if they would fit properly with higher arched spring packs.
Post Fiend
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From: Coutts Canada
In all reality, the steering system you are choosing to use is designed to work with the TTB geometry (ie the tie rods pivot at the same points which helps eliminates steering issues), and becuase of this you don't really need to go with a stablizer, as far as the rear overload and what not, i'd wait till after you've got the new pack in t here and have hauled a load with it, as lift springs tend to be stiffer than stock in order to hold the higher arch and be able to haul the factory weight ratings without sag, so i'd wait a bit till you've tested er' out and if it doesn't satisfy your needs try the overloads.
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Elder User
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thanks for the info on the steering system. from all the installed pictures i have seen of the superrunner steering system installed (like two kits), it looks like the tie arms hook up the same place as the stock steering arms (mounted underneath). this seems to be a vulnerable place to get hit with obstructions (tree stumps, rocks, etc.). i have seen high steer options for dana 44 straight axles that moves the tie arms higher up to help prevent this problem. has anyone tried this with a TTB setup? Any input as to whether its an option worth looking into in combination with the new steering setup? just tossing out ideas...