Opinions on shocks?

[05Monsterdmax]

Sold my fabtech lift and lowered my Dmax back down to stock height, possibly a little lower then stock waiting on my wheels to show up so I can check my clearances. Anyhow, before I lifted my Dmax I ran bilstein 5100s on 285s and 17x9s. Rode fine but dnt honestly remember a whole lot. Needing some shocks now since mine went with the lift. Question is are the 5100s really worth 340 bucks? Or should I just run to the local auto parts store and get a medium grade shock? Idk that theirs gonna be a big difference, which I think a stock Dmax rides just fine. Input?

 

[Devon]

I have a set of kyb monomax shocks for the rear I will be putting in today or tomorow. There 2" shorter than stock shocks but I also run 3" drop shackles. Also have some rancho 9000's on the way for the front. I will get back to you on the ride and quality


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[juddski88]

I would stay away from any shocks you can find at the local parts store (monroe, KYB, Gabriel, Etc.) They ride like crap and don't last. A friend's truck blew 3 of them up running them as rear shocks on a stock 02 and the fronts rode so stiff it broke the mounts off.

 

[hondarider552]

We just towed 500 miles from Phoenix to Cali with brand new KYB shocks with 10,000 lbs and rode silky smooth. I wouldn't say they ride like crap.

 

[Noreaster]

I like the adjustability of the rancho 9000s

 

[Swisstyphoon]

I switched from the Bilsteins to the adjustable Rancho 9000xl, I like the Ranchos way better!

 

[juddski88]

We just towed 500 miles from Phoenix to Cali with brand new KYB shocks with 10,000 lbs and rode silky smooth. I wouldn't say they ride like crap.

Your roads are not even comparable to ours, lol

 

[hondarider552]

Your roads are not even comparable to ours, lol

Cali is... The bridges are the smoothest part lol

 

[juddski88]

you are still talking about highways though, we dont have those out here. we have dirt roads around mountains and through swamps, potholes and frost heaves on every road, oil and stone roads. The average speed limit around here is 40. Welcome to Western Mass

It's fine if you think I am talking out of my ass, it's no skin off my back.
I used to have the pictures on my phone before I lost it of the bent shock pistons due to them siezing, as well as the dent in the bed floor from exploding up into it and the bent and broken brackets all around. I am just trying to save others from the aggravations I had.

Just because someone can get away with taking the cheap route doesnt mean its the right way or the best way for someone else.

 

[THduramax]

I was lookin into new shocks too.. The stock shocks were made for stock height.. I hope to get a smooth ride and cure my wheel hop which is the big problem.. Sittin 3" lower in the rear and an inch or so lower in the front.. Shocks are a must now

 

[05Monsterdmax]

Urs springs clamped tommy? Got several trucks around here at 3" all the way around, on 305/55/20 mt tires with just clamps and no bars and none of them wheel hop? Stock shocks also. May just get the bilsteins and be done with it, I'm not to concerned about the ride, stock works fine IMO

 

[07bluelbz]

Imo Bilsteins aren't worth the money and I don't plan in buying them again. A set of Ranchos are in store for me in the future.

 

[SmithLBZ]

I have 305-55-20, and T bars leveled. Love my Bilstein's.. Trying Rancho 9K next time

 

[05Monsterdmax]

I dnt remember mine riding much different then stock? That's why I'm not wanting to dump 340 in more of em. Looking for something comparable but cheaper

 

[Trotorx2]

I have Rancho 9000's and in about 6mo the adjusters froze up on the rear. I can't find a setting I like for the front...if it isn't stiff the front of the truck feels like a boat.

 

[btfarm]

I've been perfectly satisfied with top level Monroes but do very little off roading and not at any kind of jarring speed when I do. Just farm fields.

 

[Swisstyphoon]

I have Rancho 9000's and in about 6mo the adjusters froze up on the rear. I can't find a setting I like for the front...if it isn't stiff the front of the truck feels like a boat.

I took mine apart right from the beginning, and filled the adjuster part with silicone grease. Have them for over a year now with zero issues.

 

[Trotorx2]

I took mine apart right from the beginning, and filled the adjuster part with silicone grease. Have them for over a year now with zero issues.

So the adjusters can be removed and cleaned up? I will have to try this. :thumb:

 

[DMAXchris]

I'm a big fan of the Rancho 9000xl. I've ran the Bilsteins and didnt like them. They didnt seem like they were setup for a nose heavy diesel and the fronts were shot in less then 10k. The adjustment on the Ranchos really lets you dial in the ride you want and they seem to be really tough also.

 

[juddski88]

I have Rancho 9000's and in about 6mo the adjusters froze up on the rear. I can't find a setting I like for the front...if it isn't stiff the front of the truck feels like a boat.

I have found the same thing. Long bed trucks exacerbate the problem too. I liked the old 9000's when they were white bodies. The new version has felt floaty in every truck I've put them in. The one thing they have going for them is their replacement program.