Off Roading Which shocks?

[TCluff]

Found a set of bilstien 5100's for under $300. Both front and rear for a 6in lift. Going on a very rough riding 02':{ with 37's!

Was interested in the procomp MX-6 shocks. Anyone have any experience on how they ride? They are twice the price but if they are better then they will be worth it! Also, how much does adding dual front shocks increase your ride comfort?

Any other shock suggestions are appreciated too!

 

[Bob4x4]

Personaly I think 2" shocks just are not enough. To get them to not bottom out easily they will be too stiff to work well on or off road. I would say go to at least a 2. 5" shock that is valved for your truck not generic. The 2nd gen rear springs suck pretty bad so get your self some springs as well. To run dual shocks up front they need to be valved different to work properly.



Bob

 

[TCluff]

So if i go with a 2. 5" shock would dual shocks be needed?

Can you suggest a good brand? I have been searching but there doesn't seem to be much fits my application on different company's websites! They sell shocks for 3rd gens but do not list them for 2nd... I cant see the difference though? I would like to get it right the first time!

I am upgrading a cheap 5' tuff country lift with 6'' springs and adjustable long arms that are good up to 10"

 

[Bob4x4]

King,Fox,and sway away all make the shocks that can get the job done. You will have to have different shock towers to make it work. A single 2. 5" high pressure charged shock will be better than 2 of the off the shelf shocks by far. You can find the shock towers here as well as many other upgrades. Carli Suspension - Products



Bob

 

[TCluff]

I really like the Sway Away website! Their 2. 5 remotes look promising! Of course the price just jumped for $300 for a set to $350 a piece plus the cost of the shock tower (couldn't ever find a price on that one)

Definitely gives me something to think about and a few phone calls will be made before i decide anything!

Are the 2. 25's worth looking at? Or for the money should I just skip over them to the 2. 5's?

 

[Bob4x4]

Everyone I know has wanted to upgade or has bent front ends



Bob

 

[TCluff]

Hey Bob what do you think about the Skyjacker or Pure technologies Coil over shocks? Both are offered by Topguncustomz.com I know for sure the Pure Technologies are a 2. 5in shock with 10in travel! Seems to be around the same price.

2. 5in shocks $350 apiece ($700)

Coil springs $280

Billet shock towers $550

Total $1500 and some change



The Pure Technologies coilover kit can be bought for $1800 and I am not sure about the skyjacker (I called and they were closed)



Am just curious if there is a performance advantage in going with coilovers?

 

[desertbull]

Am just curious if there is a performance advantage in going with coilovers?

One of the issues we off road travelers see with coilovers is that if you break it your done unless you have a spare coilover shock on your truck. Whereas, with a separate coil and shock, as in the many different kits on the market now, you can break a shock and still limp out with the coil spring... emphasis on "limp"... and you're not stuck in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Bob4x4]

Hey Bob what do you think about the Skyjacker or Pure technologies Coil over shocks? Both are offered by Topguncustomz.com I know for sure the Pure Technologies are a 2. 5in shock with 10in travel! Seems to be around the same price.

2. 5in shocks $350 apiece ($700)

Coil springs $280

Billet shock towers $550

Total $1500 and some change



The Pure Technologies coilover kit can be bought for $1800 and I am not sure about the skyjacker (I called and they were closed)



Am just curious if there is a performance advantage in going with coilovers?

The coil overs have a bit of the cool factor,but like Tim pointed out the're not worth the risk on a heavy truck that actually gets used in the boonies. I have many years thrashing off road and really enjoy being able to drive back home afterwards. I am sure desert bull has many stories about the feild repairs to get it home again too.



Bob

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

BOB4X4



How about KORE?



I have herad that name in the past QUITE ALOT, all of a sudden I dont hear it that much anymore

 

[Bob4x4]

BOB4X4



How about KORE?



I have herad that name in the past QUITE ALOT, all of a sudden I dont hear it that much anymore

There are many reasons for that :-laf



Bob

 

[TCluff]

Well I am still undecided as to which shocks I will be spending my hard earned money on so for now I will order the long arm kit and my new springs till I can decide on what my budget will allow me for shocks!

I made a call to King today to ask about their springs and the lady said a sales rep would call me back... still waiting! What should I be looking for as far as spring rate, length, and how many pounds do i want? Remember this is for a second gen dodge looking for 6 in lift!

All info is appreciated!

 

[TCluff]

Well I would have really liked to get the 2. 5in shocks but my budget would just not allow after also buying some adjustable long arms and skyjackers 7in coils! I ended up buying some Fox 2. 0 remote reservoirs with 14in of travel! I will post back with results and pics of the truck when I get it all installed. They said expect about 2 weeks for shipping! Apparently with everyone getting tax returns this time of year they are having troubles keeping truck parts on the shelves!

 

[Matt400]

I will post back with results and pics of the truck when I get it all installed.

Did you get it done yet?

 

[DonCurley]

There are many reasons for that :-laf



Bob

So Bob ... what are some of the many reasons for that? (Just curious)



Don

 

[Bob4x4]

#1 they have undercut their dealers



You can not sell product for less than the dealers that have signed on(at a good size investment)

the dealer network has shrunken drastically



#2 I have not ever heard of any custom valving done when the off the shelf profile did not work for the end users application



I could go on but I am not hear to stir up old arguments.



On a side note I have been wheelin with many ex Kore dealers and have a great time with them.



Bob

 

[DonCurley]

Thanks for your perspective Bob ... and it wasn't my intent to stir anything up. However, I had noticed that once upon a time, KORE was the thing, and yet as time has gone by, you seem to hear more about the competition and less about KORE, so that's why I was curious.

 

[Bob4x4]

No problem



I fully understand



Bob

 

[Tinman]

Hey Bob, quick question. I have a Chase system and have re-valved them to "soften" the road ride. I don't go off-road too much, but I know I have comprised there. I am considering upgrading to 2. 5s in the front (both KORE and Carli have 2. 5 stem tops now) but do you think in is worth the cost of upgrade in the rear since it doesn't have as much weight? I do however, have about 400-450lbs in the rear with the top, bedslide and tools, etc. Thanks

 

[MMcCallie]

I really like my Rancho RS9000 XLs. On the front, 4 Wheel Parts originally gave me the wrong shocks. The shocks were a perfect fit but were meant for a rear application, the valving was way too light so they didn't last but a few months.

Rancho completely warrantied new shocks for an F-550 and I am amazed by how stiff they are on their highest setting. Then of course bouncy on the softest setting so I run them in the middle most of the time. I love these shocks and hope to someday upgrade to a remote controller. Billstein 51050s were some of the softest shocks I've ever owned, I'll never buy them again. BTW, my truck weighs 10,000 lbs on a scale.