Worn Shocks

[radar doctor]

I have a 99 4X4, Long Bed with 50 K Miles and it seems to ride ok but i see a lot of guy's on here changing the shocks. My Question is (How do you tell when your SHOCKS are going Bad?? Tks RD.

 

[Sarge]

Worn shocks........

The best test is the seat of your pants. I replaced mine with 18k, and still have the old ones in the garage. The new one's make it that much more fun to drive. Sarge

 

[radar doctor]

Shock Reply

Thanks for the SEAT Check. We use to Bounce the front end fenders and test the shocks that way on Cars but can't do that on this truck. Would taking it into a front end place work??? What do you think? RD

 

[Pit Bull]

I changed mine at 40K miles to Bilsteins, world of difference. Make the change you will like it, plus it will cut down on the wear on the other front suspension components.

 

[Sarge]

Shocks........

A front end shop is going to look for a problem. You may not necessarily have one. Changing the OEM shocks is the easiest way to improve the ride of your truck, wether it is brand new or broken in. For a relatively modest investment you can make a substancial difference in the ride and handling of your rig. It will ride better empty, and towing. Sarge

 

[RAMalama]

Don't take it to a front end shop!

Or any shop for that matter 'cause I guarantee you they'll not only tell you your shocks are shot, BUT! -they just so happen to have the ideal replacement in stock and at a discount that will perfectly match the performance you're looking for... -Whatever that happens to be.



They're sales people. It's what they do.



At 50k with your OEM shocks my bet is you'll notice an improved driving experience with four RS9000 Rancho's. That's what I spent my money on and would do it again in a heart beat.



The adjustability of the Rancho boingers just can't be beat!!!!



R/ Ian.

 

[radar doctor]

THANKS GUY'S

THANKS FOR THE SHOCK INFO. I SEE SOMWTHING ON THE RANCHO SHOCKS HOW ARE THE BLUSTIEN SHOCKS? ANYONE LIKE THOSE?

 

[keimmmo]

If you never haul anything, you can probably get 50k out of the original shocks. Empty, my 2001. 5 rode great. But loaded it rode like it didn't even have shocks!!! Replaced the originals at about 10k with Rancho 9000's. Really like them!!! I can dial them down and ride like stock or crank them up and handle a load!



Keep in mind how these trucks are shipped. Mine was built in Saltillo, Mexico and shipped to Illinois by rail. Have you ever watched how the vehicles bounce inside the railroad cars!!! The original shocks are worn out before they ever come off the trail cars!!!



Steve

_________________

2001. 5 QC 4X4 SLT Laramie

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by keimmmo



Have you ever watched how the vehicles bounce inside the railroad cars!!! The original shocks are worn out before they ever come off the trail cars!!!

That is a good point, never thought of that before.

 

[DBazley]

shocking experiece

Bad pun, eh? Lost my stockers at about 80k, came here, majority opinion seemed to favor Rancho 9000's.



Local off road / suspension shop had a demo of them. Drum full of water (400 + lbs) with R9000 mounted on top. Guy says: work the lever, while switching the dial from 1 on up to 5.



What happpend was, every click was half again more dampening than prior click. # 1 was Cadillac soft, 2 firmer, 3 firmer than stock (best overall setting, not towing) 4 very firm, 5 ain't gonna budge - super stiff heavy towing action.



I could hardly budge it on # 5, or 4 much either. The adjustability sold me, and now 20 k miles later, you couldn't give me 5 times the cost to take 'em off. The safety & control they provide when my truck & trailer combo is over 22 k gross [for a 2500] is beyond measure.



I know Bilsteins are great units. OEM for Mercedes, BMW, etc. If they offered an adjustable, that would get my attention!



One guy here said he went Bilstein on the front, R9000 on the back for towing/loads. That might work, also.



Radar, Good luck with your choice. [I think the R 9000's were about $ 65 ea] Either way you win.



David B.

 

[Pit Bull]

Re: shocking experiece

Originally posted by DBazley



One guy here said he went Bilstein on the front, R9000 on the back for towing/loads. That might work, also.

David B.

If I towed a lot, I think this would be a great idea.