Shock Absorbers

[rwmcarlyle]

Can anyone advise me on the best shocks to deal with the harsh suspension on my '93?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Midnite]

I like the Bilsteins in my 2000, but when I had my '92 I knew shocks alone weren't enough. Since my '92 was a 4x4 it had front leafs, and they had sagged to the point where there was almost no spring action left in them. They beat me up like crazy going over the smallest of bumps.

I ended up going with the Skyjacker 1" leveling kit, which also included shocks. The ride difference was absolutely night and day! The Skyjackers worked fine for me, but I think the key is just to replace the worn out front springs.

I just noticed you're in Alaska. I bought my Skyjacker kit from, and also had the work done by Northern 4x4 in Anchorage.

Mike

 

[rwmcarlyle]

Thanks alot Mike, I'll check them out.

R Wm

 

[GHarman]

Do ya have an AutoZone in yer neck of the woods? Their shocks have a "lifetime warranty" and wont break the bank. Used 'em on "Old Ugly". GregH

 

[MMeier]

Has Skyjacker done anything with the spring eye bolt issue?

 

[TBartlett1]

I will assume you have a 4X4?



I have been a W250 CTD owner since 1990 and currently have 2 1990 CTD's and a 1999 which is heavily modified.

My original W250 was retired just this summer to the salvage yard minus all parts & accessories.

Prior to my purchase I drove a W350 which was passed over due to the harsh ride, the W250 was only slightly better.

Adjusting the tire pressure down helped some but not enough.

When the original shocks wore out I installed heavy duty shocks which was the worst thing I could have done.

My truck also was low in the front with not much more than an 1” between the front springs and bump stops but I never felt it bottom although I know it did.

I did not want to change suspension due to cost; I also don't care for lifted trucks, not mine anyways!

I also liked the way it stayed flat and true on the road when I gave it a HOT SUPPER going up the mountain.

Went it was time for tires I installed 33x12. 50-16's which was the best decision I could have made.

Installing the new tires was a HUGE improvement making it ride and handle much better,

I ran the tires between 45~50 in he front and 40~45 in the back and I got approx 50k miles out of them.

I would recommend tires for the following reasons;

They give it an aggressive look.

Improves the ride from terrible to good ~ great.

Makes it drive & handle better.

Best bang for the buck, you're going to need tires at some point anyways!

My vote is for tires!



Recently purchased a cherry 1 owner 1990 W350 in California and my son drove it home to Massachusetts. It's currently getting some detailing. I will post pictures when it is presentable. Also looking to buy or swap an automatic for a 5speed and all related hardware.





Tim

 

[Harlacher]

I put Bilsteins on my 99 after trying some others. Just bounght a leveling kit that came with them. Haven't used anything but Bilsteins since the first set.

 

[Midnite]

Has Skyjacker done anything with the spring eye bolt issue?

What's the spring eye bolt issue?

 

[CValiquette]

What's the spring eye bolt issue?

Not sure but I know my bushings are sure shot and I've heard a lot of complaints about them.

 

[Flexiheep]

I bought a set of the Skyjacker 2" springs 1 year ago and got the old 1/2" eye bolts on mine... . Since my spring hanger bolts were oblonged I just welded them up and drilled them out to 1/2" to match the springs and Skyjacker bushings.



With the softer springs up front I run Bilstein 5100 series shocks and like it a lot.

 

[JHumphries]

When I was swaping my D150 to a D250 I found out the 1/2 tons use 1/2 inch bolts, the 3/4 tons use 9/16 inch bolts and the 1 tons use 5/8 bolts. This also made bushings an interesting issue.