Best front shocks?

[Bucky90]

Hello everybody looking for a some opinions on some front shock absorbers I bought some Rancho Shocks for the front of my 90 and they blew out in a matter of a couple months any opinions on other shocks bilstein's Etc thank you Mike

 

[Wiredawg]

I guess I'll throw one out there before the gents who refer you to the solid gold (priced) ones. I like Bilstein and put them on everything, cept my 78 Lil Red Xpress Truck. They ride good, they last, and I like em.

So, let us know what you actually get.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Bucky90]

Thanks Ron I will

 

[Jim W]

I am also using Bilstein's on my truck to.

 

[Capt. Methane]

I don't know about the 2nd Gen and later trucks (perhaps there was an attack of logic?) but I have been told by a reputable source that the 1st Gen Cummins trucks used the same front springs as the gassers which means your truck is hopelessly undersprung in the front end from the factory and your springs are most likely worn out...er, were worn out years ago. Metal fatigue is real. It does not always rear it's ugly head as demonstratively as in the case of the de Havilland DH-106 Comet I airliner but it is real and it is everywhere around us from beer cans and magazine springs to pickups and airliners.

There is no shock absorber that can correct that deficiency. You need to start with a proper set of springs...

I recently put new, custom made Alcan springs on my '92 W-250 instead of the aftermarket offerings at a fraction of the cost. As far as I know they only make leaf type springs but you did not specify 2 or 4 WD. I have a 93 2wd also (my son totaled the poor old truck but it is in the yard to be rebuilt and I have a frame for it!) and the front springs were shot in it before the wreck so I am going to be in search of someone who does as well with coil springs as Alcan does when I get to that point...

Not everyone will ever experience the change in character that I have experienced when replacing busted-azz old springs on a severely abused old work truck but it made a believer out of me!

My advice is to find someone who builds springs to order (I'm not sure Alcan can be beat for leaf springs but you might need coil front springs) and tell them exactly what you have and exactly what the most critical load you will be transporting performance wise (trailer gross weight and tongue weight, what will be in the bed, the cab, the fuel load, everything!) and of course that it is powered by a Cummins...

 

[AH64ID]

I’ll put another vote in for Bilstein. They have given me the best performance for the price range. Rancho stopped getting my business many years ago as I find them overpriced and underperforming.

@Capt. Methane I have used Alcan on a custom rear leaf spring swap on my previous ‘95 4Runner. Great springs and great people to work with.

 

[GrantP]

I’ll put another vote in for Bilstein. They have given me the best performance for the price range. Rancho stopped getting my business many years ago as I find them overpriced and underperforming.

@Capt. Methane I have used Alcan on a custom rear leaf spring swap on my previous ‘95 4Runner. Great springs and great people to work with.

I would agree, the Bilsteins are a safe bet on a budget. I would also agree on the Rancho's (err...Monroe's painted white), not a fan.

 

[mysteryman]

Hello everybody looking for a some opinions on some front shock absorbers I bought some Rancho Shocks for the front of my 90 and they blew out in a matter of a couple months any opinions on other shocks bilstein's Etc thank you Mike

I like Koni myself ! I have never seen one wear out . Some I have had on my trucks for 30 + years

 

[shortsub]

I am not sure what is considered the best or not but so far I am pleased with the Bilsteins. With Fresh bushings and shocks all around this thing feels way better than it has in years past.

 

[endoscott]

Another vote for the Bilsteins.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I am not sure what is considered the best or not but so far I am pleased with the Bilsteins. With Fresh bushings and shocks all around this thing feels way better than it has in years past.

View attachment 126533

Not to hijack this thread but what else do you have under the front of your truck? I see quite a few non oem parts in there.

 

[pwerwagn]

Ispy:
ORD zero rate add a leaf
Heim jointed draglink/crossover
Looks like a heim jointed low steer tie rod
4" downpipe
Some lift springs
Some remote reservoir Bilstein's.

 

[shortsub]

Ispy:
ORD zero rate add a leaf
Heim jointed draglink/crossover
Looks like a heim jointed low steer tie rod
4" downpipe
Some lift springs
Some remote reservoir Bilstein's.

You are pretty spot on. It is 4” springs with the zero rate to push the front 1.5” forward so it’s around 5” of lift.
I wanted it pushed forward to keep the 37s out of the firewall/ fender yet keep the truck as Low as possible.