About Shocks.

[TBarrett]

I have looked over the hits about after market shocks and I am asking again for a update as I was not totally sure as to all I read.

The talk is about a bliestein or something like that as being what everyone is going to. I also saw where the 1 ton shock about it as to dirrectly go on a 3/4 ton as to being the best way ???, not sure. My truck is stock height 3/4 ton with auto/od camper and tow package. I also remember a hit about someone had a price for set or better price. Basicly the stock shocks are what I feel too light as to be for the 1/2 ton type and what I read others feel the same. I guess I most be slow to get or Im not reading between the lines somehow. Nothing against all you out there getting older, but it sucks for me getting older. Im still tring to keep a young mind though.

 

[Bill Littlefield]

Shocks

I was looking for some aftermarket shocks too (until I had to use the money on something else).



I narrowed it down to Bilstien or Edelbrock. I finally decided on the Edelbrocks because of their pattended design.



I priced them locally and couldn't do much better than $100 each. I did find them on the net for $69 each. I'll buy a set of four as soon as I get the money saved up again. Hopefully the dog won't need emergency surgery next time. She is my hunting partner or ... .



Here is the link I found before. This was a couple of months ago and you may be able to get a better price elsewhere now.



http://www.truckaddons.com/Catalog/subpages/EdelbrockSuspension.asp



Bill

 

[Bud Fox]

Ijust bought Bilsteins. 10000% BETTER. I highly recommend them 54. 95 on the group purchase

 

[GLowe]

Put on the Edelbrocks last summer, noticed a big difference in the ride. I was told by Central 4WD here in Kent WA that the Edelbrocks will give a better ride and that the Bilsteins are a little stiffer and better for towing and campers. I don't think you'd go wrong with either. Stock shocks are junk.

 

[RADdodge]

How about the Rancho 9000

I had to change the shocks after putting on bigger wheels and tires. I decided to also use the in cab control so I could quantify the setting vs. the result. Here is what I found that might be especially useful for those that carry a heavy camper.



With the standard shocks or the 9000's adjusted to the same setting all around, the camper causes the truck to porpoise. It feels like your a kid riding a rocking horse. I always tried to adjust the shocks to the max for performance reasons. It's not necessary. I played with the in cab control and found that setting the fronts to a softer setting completely eliminated this effect!!! I mean completely. I was amazed. This is how I now carry the Camper, 5 in the rear, 3 up front. But there's more.



We were on some really bad concrete freeways (I won't say where) and the ride was shaking us to death. Worst ride I ever experienced by far. Finally I had the copilot change the settings to 0/3 (front/back setting). WOW!!! The performance as far as handling/steering was gone. But now it felt like a caddy booking down the highway. The truck was floating. We felt a whole lot better. What a difference shock settings make. After the road smoothed out, we adjusted it back to the normal 3/5. This experience made a believer out of me. If you go on long trips, the in cab adjustment is worth it.



I have heard some complain about the in cab pneumatic setup because they won't hold pressure. My settings don't change by even a step in over a month. So if the lines are sealed right, they won't leak.



Around town I have them set for 3/1. With the aft fuel tank and the shock setting, the ride is pretty good. I'm still looking to put an air suspension system in next year and get rid of the rear leaf springs altogether. It will keep the truck level regardless of load too. That's my 3 cents worth.

 

[mstephenson]

Rancho 9000

I put some Rancho 9000's on the front and noticed a much better ride at setting 3. 1-2 is too mushy and 4-5 too rough.



I also have a question for upgrading my stock springs. I want to put a heavy bumper on the front and would like some 3500 springs. does anyone have any numbers that would fit a 2500 4x4 5sp?



Michele St.

 

[Ted Constantine]

Bilstein (F) rancho (R)

Hey has any one ever tried bilsteins in the front and ranchos in the rear? I was thinking it would be a good combo. I would love input



Ted

 

[vinconco]

Ted - Was waiting for someone to reply . . sounds like a good idea so I will try it. Getting ready to put them on now, will keep you posted.

 

[LSMITH]

If you buy Bilstiens or Edlebrocks and do not like the ride quality empty or loaded there is nothing you can do, you have what you have with them and they are a compromise between loaded and empty performance.



With the Rancho 9000's you have a choice of settings to match what you are doing at the moment and do not have to compromise. Just my honest opinion, hope it helps.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I'm waiting to see those too Dan. I saw the advertisement last month.

 

[JohnE]

I thought the adjustable Ranchos are not a true high pressure shock.

Bilstein is a great shock and Bob Wagner got an outstanding pricing (group pricing).

Don't forget <em>another</em> high pressure charged shock is KYB. They come in 2 varieties, Gas-a-Just and Mono-Max. Great pricing from <a href=http://www.shox.com/ target=_blank>SHOX</a>



If you want shock information go over to the Ford site. That twin I-Beam front suspension that Ford has bragged about for 40 years is the biggest tire eating POS. It takes a stout set of shocks to dampen those moment arms.



My 2 reale

-John