Dynamically Adjusting Shocks

[briantf]

I have dug around looking for a review of the Edelbrock/Rancho/Gabriel/Whomever adjusting shocks. Nada.

My wife's Explorer has a major fault - it thinks it's a porpoise. She's complained enough that replacing new (9K Mi.) shocks makes sense to me.

As we have an infant, RS5000's aren't really practical due to increased ride harshness, but more dampening and control is definitely the goal.

Gabriel's VST sounds good, but I've not found any reviews (I like their price, esp.). I have heard Rancho slam on Edelbrock (rebound sensitive vs. compression sensitive, etc.) but again, no comparisons without factory representatives pushing their product.

Anyone?

Regards,
Brian

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Brian in CA

 

[WAExplorer]

Once upon a time I had an 84 Ranger 4x4. I put Trail Master shocks on it, couldn't even tell I had replaced the worn out shocks!! After 3 months or so I put on Rancho RS5000's, they were not harsh at all. Very nice ride. Also, I have driven a lifted Toyota with Trail Master's new SSV shocks and the ride was very nice too. Not harsh. I have Superlift shocks on My 91 Explorer Sport and wish they were a little stiffer. Maybe another shock change in my future.....

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91 Sport
Supperrunner 5.5" lift
33x12.5

 

[Paul Gagnon]

I have Trailmaster SSV shocks on mine and I am very happy with them. Actually Rick H. commented that my truck rides nice so I guess that is an endorsment also.

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Paul Gagnon
"No Brain, No Pain"
Dead Link Removed

 

[Rick]

I spent a day riding shotgun with Paul and his Explorer really did ride very well both on and off-road.

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Rick Horwitz
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com

 

[kvo]

I have the Rancho RS9000 on mine and have been pleased with them. The best thing I like about them is the ability to adjust the 5-way settings. I can go from a soft ride to a very stiff and harsh ride by turning the dial settings. I can tune it to my mood that day or that week.

 

[j]

What type of driving ? On road, Monroe Sensa-tracs also now sold as Napa Sensa-Trac. Off-road, Eddys or Bilsteins or Rancho 9000s. The 5000s ARE too stiff.

 

[Darin]

I put Gabriel VST's on my 94 sport and they work fine. I do mainly highway driving and they work fine (even with two little one's in the back seat).

Darin

 

[danny]

After 1.5 years with my RS9000s, I'll honestly say that I wish I had the Edelbrocks. The 9000s wouldn't be so bad with the in-vehicle controller, but they can be a pain in the a--. One of mine is acting up and now has 6 settings, rather than 5. I don't really get that...
If I could talk my wife into it, I would either replace them with the IAS shocks, or get the dual controller, but she has decided that it is going to stay as-is for a while Dead Link Removed.

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Danny
93SHO
91EB
www.hit.net/~danny/explorer.html

 

[briantf]

Thanks VERY much for the excellent input.

I should have clarified that my wife learned to drive in a '68 Toyota FJ-40, and her expectations of where she can take her Explorer include some pretty ugly terrain.

The RS5000's are pretty much out b/c of the valving, and I was hoping that some of the less extreme dynamically valved shocks would be appropriate. I like RS5000's, I will probably put them on my Ranger, but I've ridden in trucks that have them and they're too sharp for a baby. It's a mommy truck, after all.

I think I'll try the Gabriels first, since they're cheap enough that I don't have to wait for payday. This weekend we went rolling around on jeep trails and worse, and the stock shocks really let her down.

I appreciate Danny's comment about the RS9000's - it helps me deal with the "I *really* like THAT idea" desire to get them just b/c they're neat.

Thanks again, all!

Regards,
Brian