2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Recommendation for smooth riding shocks?

[jebia]

I never tow anything, I hardly ever carry anything. What would be the best shocks for a comfortable (ride quality) ride for my truck. It's a 2000 4x4 qcab, short bed, with the factory camper package. I've got mud terrain 285's (no lift). What shocks give the smoothest ride?



My truck is just too bumpy for my old bones.



Thanks in advance.



Jon

 

[CumminsPower98]

I really like my Rancho RS9000x shocks. I can turn them down low for a smooth ride or turn them up for performance corning off roading or load. I have not tried others so can't compare.

 

[JGheen]

I would recommend the Rancho 9000s being that they are fully adjustable. In my experience when I sold 4x4 lift kits over the phone, people always wanted the best ride with their kit. I always asked them what they were doing with the truck in the way of accesories(winch, bumper, plow, etc. ), towing, off-roading, engine size and type as well as the climate they were typically driving in.

I typically only sold hydrolically charged shock as well as the gas charged or "Nitro" shocks. The "Hydro" shocks were obviously charged with hyrdolic fliud but they tended to give a much smoother, "Cadillac" ride and were recommended for lightwieght trucks like 1/2 ton rigs. However, they did not disipate heat very well, so they were recommended for mildly hot to cold climate conditions. And they did not hold up to extra weight put on the vehicle such as a winch or bumper. These accesories would usually cause a squishy ride with the added weight.

The "Nitro" or gas charged shocks tend to give a stiffer ride, are highly recommended for high temperature climate, due to the exceptional heat disipation and definately work well with extra vehicle weight. I usually sold the nitro shocks to people who have diesel trucks or the V10 engines since they are quite heavier than a typical V8 gasser. Also those who were running a snow plow, bumper or winch would benefit from these shocks because of their great shock absorbtion.

So that is my $0. 02, hope it helps in a good decision.

 

[CyberRanger]

Ditto on the Ranchos. Got 'em on the '02. My father-in-law runs 'em on his '95. Rides great when empty & just as good towin' his '32 Holiday Rambler 5th Wheel.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

9000's and there good for drag racing too.



Jim

 

[JDixon]

I just started reading old threads about shocks last night. The other threads seemed to show alot of support for Bilstein. In fact, it seemed to be the overwhelming favorite. Where are those members now?

I just ordered a set of Edelbrock IAS for my truck (prior to any in-depth research). They will be on next week, but I am also adding a 2 inch spacer kit and larger tires. If I find anything I like or dislike that I can attribute to the shocks I will let you know.

 

[RT66DOC]

9000s here

 

[jraker]

I put Bilsteins on all four corners and D25 coils up front. I put an Airlift system in the back that I can adjust from the cab. I am very happy with the system and it rides a heck of a lot nicer. The only thing is you get a bounce in the rear when you go over a speed bump when empty (I have the bags at 5-10psi empty). Now that it has been leveled by the addition of the springs I can bring it back to level when a load is applied. If you think your truck rides bumpy all I can say is "Have you driven a Ford lately?"

 

[JDixon]

The ride is definitely better with the new Edelbrock shocks, but I can still tell I'm driving a truck. However, the change in the ride quality may also be due to the change in my tire size.

 

[BTowler]

Originally posted by JDixon

but I can still tell I'm driving a truck.

You make it sound like this is a problem.

 

[Newf Limo]

JDixon. . . LOL, You ARE driving a truck!

 

[BTowler]

If you want something that rides like a car, buy a car! You'll never get that smooth of a ride out of a Dodge truck! And why would you want to? You would have to change spring rates as well and make it a useless boulevard cruiser!

 

[Rattlin_Ram]

If you want something that rides like a car, buy a car! You'll never get that smooth of a ride out of a Dodge truck! And why would you want to? You would have to change spring rates as well and make it a useless boulevard cruiser!

Or you could buy a Chebby and put a Dodge logo on the front... ... Oo.

 

[JDixon]

I was just trying to convey the fact that the shocks helped, but were not miraculous in changing the ride quality. I didn't want to give anyone the idea that they could put on a set of Edelbrock shocks and feel like they were driving a Cadillac.

Don't get me wrong folks, I love the truck.

 

[Midnite]

Shocks alone may not give you what you're after. If you truly never tow or carry any significant weight in the bed, you might consider removing a leaf from the rear spring packs.



Mike