Shock Absorber Quandry

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 27, 2009 | 05:14 PM

'94Mesquite

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 17

Likes: 0

From: Southern Nevada, USA

Shock Absorber Quandry

I replaced the rear shocks on my '94 F150 4X4 recently but I noticed a big difference between the old and new shock. The new Rancho RS5000 shocks came with an exposed shaft that remains in whatever position it is left in. You can pull it out or push it in and it will remain there. The old shocks have a covered shaft, as soon as I removed them from the truck, fully extended and stayed in that position. I can, with a little effort, push it back in but as soon as I release the pressure it starts extending again. I've had the new shocks on for about a week now and notice quite a bit of bounce when driving over a bump in the road. Does it sound like there is a problem with the new shocks? Why is there a difference in the pressure in the shock? Anyone with experience in this area that can offer help?

Jul 27, 2009 | 05:22 PM

guitarnik

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 813

Likes: 1

From: foristell, missouri

shocks shouldnt wxtend when their released> i dont know why it would be bumpier with new ones other than their just stiffer

Jul 27, 2009 | 05:39 PM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarnik

shocks shouldnt extend when their released> i

Yes they should... if they're high pressure gas shocks.. which is what is spec'd for these trucks. The Rancho shocks may not be HPG shocks but if they are the set you have are duds. FWIW I have seen these shocks get poor reviews before.

Jul 27, 2009 | 05:42 PM

Diesel_Brad

Fleet Owner

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 21,437

Likes: 76

From: Gilbert, PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarnik

shocks shouldnt wxtend when their released> i dont know why it would be bumpier with new ones other than their just stiffer

Yes they should. What are you talking about? Not all shocks do , but for these trucks they most certainly do!

it sounds as thought you got shocks for a differnt application, but as far i know rancho shocks are all gas shocks. FWIW I wouldn't put Ranchos on if they were FREE

Jul 27, 2009 | 06:26 PM

'94Mesquite

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 17

Likes: 0

From: Southern Nevada, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel_Brad

Hmmm... Sounds like I might have gone with the wrong shocks. Do you have any recommendations on a good quality shock that won't break the bank?

Jul 27, 2009 | 06:38 PM

Diesel_Brad

Fleet Owner

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 21,437

Likes: 76

From: Gilbert, PA

Monroe Sensa trac for a stock application. Or for a better performing and more money Biltstines

Jul 27, 2009 | 06:39 PM

Neptoess

Tuned

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 373

Likes: 0

From: Ohio

fox haha i mean the raptor uses them right?

Jul 28, 2009 | 08:36 PM

rainbowATF

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 480

Likes: 1

From: Elyria, Ohio

I had Sensatrac's for less than a year. Ride to mushy. I replaced all four with Monroe Gas Magnum's; which I like alot. Stiffer (not too) and more handling control.

Jul 28, 2009 | 10:55 PM

#10

1966Tbird

Posting Guru

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,639

Likes: 2

i have a set of procomp shocks on my truck and love it they work great offroad make the ride really stiff but keep the tires planted firmly on the ground

Jul 29, 2009 | 09:01 AM

#11

'94Mesquite

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 17

Likes: 0

From: Southern Nevada, USA

My truck has an Eagle hydraulic lift gate on the back which adds about 435 lbs. Would this change the recommended shock type?

Jul 29, 2009 | 09:34 AM

#12

TexasGuy001

Hotshot

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 11,958

Likes: 228

If thats the case then I would just go with something like the Monroe gas magnum or similar hd shock instead of a regular replacement or smooth ride shock.