Time to replace

[WILL]

It is time to replace my stock shocks all the way around 83k on them. Here is my normal usage...trailering, city/hwy driving, snow, mild offroading(not moab). I am looking for something that will benefit me when trailering and give a slight stiffer ride...well anything new can do that. I think that is the cause of my rear-end sag. I was thinking Rancho RS9000 or is that overkill how bout RS 5000. Any other suggestions I am open to all opinions and thank all in advance, send prices if possible.

Will
97XLT SOHC 4X4
Alsip, IL

 

[TarHeel085]

bilsteins are really good, maybe just because thats what i have. but a lot of other people have them to, and really like them. but some people think there a lil steep at $65 each. jus my $.02

 

[JDraper]

I have the Gabriel VST on mine and I love 'em. Nice thing is that they cost $20 each at Pep Boys, and are basically the same as the Edlebrock IAS and the Monroe Reflex for a lot less money.

 

[zensius]

I'd have to agrre with JDraper. The Gabriel's are a great deal. This comes in handy when you damage the rears wheeling amd replace them frequently.

 

[WILL]

Thanks and I look foreward to more responses. I am looking for something that is adjustable, I think. I have heard bad things about those Gabriels going out too soon. What are the thoughts on a air adjustable system? Is the ass sag that seems common related to my shocks or the springs. I was looking at getting some helpers back there but wanted to wait for new shocks to see the ride quality first

 

[id92]

bilsteins are 50 something at performance products

 

[zensius]

Ass sag is a spring problem. That is, if you are referring to your car. Hehe.

 

[WILL]

Definately

Definately talking about the explorer not me. I haven't heard a single thing about rancho...seems like the majority go with gabriels on the low end and bilsteins at the top end. One final request on the trailering end, I have a boat and am towing around 3500 lbs every now and then. When towing it would be nice to have an adjustable shock setup....opinions

 

[MikeTEC]

Will: I tow a 3500 lb travel trailer. I have found Tokicos to be a good tow shock. I suspect Bilsteins would be just a good if not better. Not much difference in price. You need all the shock damping action you can get to keep your chasis level and good tire to road contact when towing. I recently have used rear air-shocks, but have not been entirely happy with them. Helwig makes some progressive helper springs that are supposed to help sag. If it will work on your trailer, check out a high quality weight distribution hitch such as Reese or Easy Lift. This transfers the trailer tongue weight to all four wheels of your vehicle and trailer, thus eliminating sag. Large travel trailer rigs use them but check with your trailer manufacturer first. Combined with high quality shocks, this might be your answer. Good luck. Mike

 

[WILL]

Yea I have decided to go with bilstein's along with possibly replacing the rear leaf's. I was gonna while I was there replace the sway bar bushings front and rear. So now here is a tangent what kind of bushings are the best? And what is a good price for bilstein and where

Thanks much for all who have responded!

 

[id92]

performance products (san fernando valley, CA near los angeles) has em for like 59/each..you can order them by calling 1800 752-6111 or online @ performanceproducts.com
thats where i picked mine up..i installed them myself too

 

[MikeTEC]

id92: How do you like your Bilsteins? How is your ride quality on the street/highways? Mike

 

[WILL]

Well I got a wonderful price on Rancho 5000's. I don't mind waiting for them, my local 4x shop had them in stock for 4-$160. I just got 4-$147 and no shipping. Now I have to order an add a leaf and possibly some warrior shackles. Thanks for all your wonderful advice, hope that I am happy with myself

 

[id92]

i've had them for about 6-8 months now..i think they are beginning to break in cause the ride is getting smoother. i choose the stiffest ones thye had (i asked them for the stiffest)..they handle really well..ride is kinda rough because my car is lowered 3inches..on the freeway, they perform beautifly smooth and ride nice no matter the speed..on the streets i feel most cracks and my car creaks (old car too w/ 170K..another thing is that when i brake hard the car doesn't jump at all forward and accelerating it does like an inch or so
overall nice shocks

 

[Explorer58V8]

I tow a '25 Hydra-Sports CC w/ twin 250hp Johnson V-8's and let me tell ya im glad i only have to tow it 10 miles or less every once and a while.... Anyways I put monroe reflexes on the front and the Gabriel Air shocks for the rear... not only did the ride improve greatly i dont have to worry about bottoming out no more and i have my truck lowered... So there.... if you got "ass sag" use air shocks!!!


d

 

[BadEgg]

Originally posted by Explorer58V8
I tow a '25 Hydra-Sports CC w/ twin 250hp Johnson V-8's


d

I'M WILLING TO BET THOSE ARE V-6'S RITE? GRINS.

 

[Explorer58V8]

"I'M WILLING TO BET THOSE ARE V-6'S RITE? GRINS."

I was waiting to see if anyone would catch that.... another thing is I would never go with Johnson again... Two years ago we had a 23ft Whaler the 230 Outrage with a 250 Yamadog on the back of that.... Man that had to be the best marine engine our family has ever owned.... But ya they are 250 v-6's.....lol

d

 

[BadEgg]

I have a Johnson on mine too but my next boat will definatley have a Yamadog. All my buddies have "dogs" and them damn things are bulletproof!

 

[Explorer58V8]

im tellin ya them japs can sure build an engine the right way... i've also got a '91 Yamaha Wave Runner III... Man that thing has so so so so many hours on it and it still runs like brand new... Starts up right away.... usually with only 1/2 choke...best damn engine i have owned!!!!