Best 2nd Gen Offroad Shock

[Jason_25]

Ok Time for new shocks. My truck is on stock suspension with TT and shackles. I am also running no swaybars. Which is best for me? Please explain your vote (especially if you vote other).

 

[Doug]

A friend of mine has a 97 ranger and he runs rs9000s with no sway bars and he does alright. He like the ranchos because theyre adjustable.

 

[Jefe]

I have only run RS5000's and Gabriel VST's and I wouldn't recomend either for offroading. The Ranchos were just mushy and the Gabriels are too soft up front and too stiff in back.

I've heard that both OME's and Bilsteins are great.

 

[jobunn]

As popular as the RS9000's are and I am sure for good reason I have heard so many good things about the OME's. Especially with the extended travel they provide for the 2" lift you have.


Tough choice overall, but I will be down to deciding between those two shocks when it is time.

 

[taxx]

When it is also your daily driver, trust me, you won't be dissapointed with the RS 9000

 

[Jason_25]

Keep the responses coming guys. I appreciate the input.

 

[jjue]

I wouldn't use those cheap Gabriels after they were worse at 12000 miles than the OEM shocks were at 50000 miles. I'm using Bilsteins, and they worked great for an all-around use 4x2. They took out a lot of the rocking and rolling that I felt just driving around, and they seemed to be pretty sound since I never had that feeling of rocking out of control when I was in the N. GA Mountains in July. I thought about the Ranchos, but I couldn't afford to spend that much more on shocks a little over a year ago, plus, I didn't want to buy the RS9000 without the controller.

 

[taxx]

Originally posted by jjue
I wouldn't use those cheap Gabriels after they were worse at 12000 miles than the OEM shocks were at 50000 miles. I'm using Bilsteins, and they worked great for an all-around use 4x2. They took out a lot of the rocking and rolling that I felt just driving around, and they seemed to be pretty sound since I never had that feeling of rocking out of control when I was in the N. GA Mountains in July. I thought about the Ranchos, but I couldn't afford to spend that much more on shocks a little over a year ago, plus, I didn't want to buy the RS9000 without the controller.

From what most say the controller is junk. ostly for show. I guess they have problems with leaks and such. Besides it takes like 2 minutes max to change all four. Coming from someone that has them, you won't change them much after you figure out where you like them.

 

[Jason_25]

Why no votes for the OME? I guess many people don't run them? From what I have seen they look to be a very good shock.

 

[becker69]

I Love my OME Nitrocharger shocks. I have only had them a week, and I am real happy... my stock shocks had 12k miles on them... when I put the OME's in last weekend. I have not off-roaded with them yet... and I still have my sway's connected, so I can't help you there, sorry. But man are these OME's bombproof!! No kidding they DO weigh almost twice as much as stock ones but they are built solidly. My OME's measured just about 1.75" longer than stock, but they are stout. I got them for $62 a piece plus $8 shipping for 2 of them (I only replaced my fronts so far). So definately tally me as an OME proponent.

 

[Jason_25]

Becker, where did you get them for that price?

 

[becker69]

Jason; I got referred to 4wheelparts by someone on this board (wish I could remember who; they helped me out a ton).... I ordered from 4wheel parts in Memphis, phone # 901-332-5800 and was told to ask for Nick, as that he is the one that straightened out some confusion re; OME shocks for Explorers and pricing. Tell them you have a 2" lift AND that you are a member of Explorerforum.com and they will give you 10% off. Which is cool. They told me they would take a week plus because of the holiday, I got them in 5 days (mailed from Washington.) Hope this helps.. I do love them