I guess i have a lot of questions today. Sorry, i'm off due to the rain..lol If i wanted to get some of those cool shocks that you guys talk about. How do i know what to order,, such as length, etc.. I have a lift kit. I"m thinking its no longer a stock length shock..... right??

 

Short answer: yes -- the length probably changed.

Longer answer --- measure it.

 

Bilstein 5100s:
SKU for front 5-6" lift: BIL-BE5-C302-T0
SKU for rear 3-4" lift: BIL-BE5-C303-T0
http://www.trucktoyzstore.com/realm/...idcategory=182
http://www.trucktoyzstore.com/realm/...idcategory=182

Most manufacturers have some kind of chart and labeling system that matches their product numbers with a length, then label that length as applying to a make/model with a certain lift. Or, here's the app guide:
http://www.bilsteinus.com/305bilstei...ationguide.pdf

 

Texastech, do you prefer the bilstein 5100 to the rancho's that come on the FX4's? can you discribe any differences?

 

thanks,, that looks like what i needed to know.. so these Bilstein,, looks like a lot of people has these,, are they a tight ride?? will i see a different, even tho the shocks i have now arent very old,, not sure what they are,, what ever came with the lift..nothing special i'm sure..

 

I have stock Ranchos in the back, and BDS crap-o's in the front. He said the "cool shocks you guys talk about", so to me that means 5100s, so I found the info. I'm looking at the Bilstein 5100s, but I can't really justify the cost until something blows out again. I'm not pogo sticking down the highway yet, so I can't complain. Plus the fronts are rusted on so bad I'm going to have to split the nut off to get them out, so they aren't getting touched until I have a new pair sitting beside me.

From what I read, the 5100s stiffen up the ride enough to make some people complain. But some people complain that 6000# front springs mean you need a hard hat and a mouth guard to ride in the truck, and I love my 6000 FGAWR.

Stiffer is always better?

 

I just installed the Bilsteins. They do seem a little stiffer, but not bad. I like them. I am saving up for the Bilstein dual stabilizers.

 

I just ordered a set of 5100's today from shockwarehouse.com Went online and found a coupon code on a toyota forum, saved 5% AND got free shipping. $303 for a set of 5100's shipped to my door. Im anxiously awaiting for the big brown truck.

 

I'll go against the grain here and say that I'm really happy with my Rancho RSX9000s. I didn't go with the remote adjuster because I hear it's not very reliable. I RARELY adjust my shocks, but I can definitely tell a difference when I do, and I like having the option. The factory RSX5000s are kinda crappy. The 9000s are on another level. That being said, I have never run the Bilsteins. They are great on my Icon dual stabilizer.

 

The factory shocks arent even RSX5000's they are ford shocks with white paint, rancho sticker and a boot.

 

I recently went through Autozone and bought some Bilstein 5100s with a liftime warranty. While I had to do alot of research and spend some time on the phone with shockwarehouse.com, it was all worth it.

I went with shocks that were longer than what I needed by a long shot to ensure a stiff, but controlled and comfy ride. My wager paid off...

I bought shocks that were designed for a 4x4 Excursion with a 6-8 inch lift or 2-4 inches taller than my setup. It was a PITA to install the rear shocks since the strap that kept the shock compressed suddenly came off, but it was totally worth it after a drive down the road. I'd suggest the same if you're looking for a firmer ride...