OFF-ROAD'ish SHOCKS...?...?

[duffyduzz]

Hey All: 20' Ranger Lariat 4 X 4 w/ 92K miles on here. Totally trouble free so far, btw. But shocks are getting a little "bouncy" by now, although not objectionable, amazingly enough. But the miles are mostly highway, pretty little off-road so far. I do want to put some good shocks on for better loaded ride control, and perhaps more compliant than stockers. I've found Bilstiens for as little as low $300's on one site. (Questionable...?) How about Koni's or KYB's...?...? Any good suggestions out there for basically stock, not raised truck, towing around 2000 lb toy hauler trailer? Any off-roading I do will be without the trailer of course and it will be mainly fire roads and the occasional "manageable" jeep trail.

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[DukeCanBuildit]

Good thing you’re looking for shocks because you’re likely going to need 2” to 2-1/2” levelling coil over shocks up front to fit those 32” Nittos and aftermarket wheels you asked about in your other post.

Eibach, Bilstein, or FOX on all four corners and you’ll be fine.

 

[Jhbryaniv]

 

[9zero1790]

im off road as much as possible. Bilstein shocks are my first choice. the performance for price cannot be beat. They have been around long before the current fashionable brands, and they know how to make a quality product. They offer 2 or 3 direct fit off the shelf products. if you want to get more serious they have custom options as well. My second choice would be the fox off the shelf direct fit options.

 

[fjwlobo]

I can't say how good the Bilstein shocks are as I went a bit further with the stage 6 2.5 Icon build, but many people here like them. I would go with the 5100's for the rear at a minimum for what you want to do. 5100's are $153.90 and 4600's are $124.90 MSRP on Bilsteins site. With the mileage on your truck you would benefit with the 5100's all the way around as they'll also give you the ability to level the front to put larger tires on if you want to.

 

[Langwilliams]

I like the Bilstein's especially for the money. The coil overs look nice but they require service every 30-50K or so an it looks like you drive a lot of miles so the Bilstein 5100's or eibach's with the lift collars might be the ticket.

 

[Superspirit]

I'll throw another vote for the bilstien 5100's and I'll recommend stage 3 motorsports. Frank will get you fixed right up.

 

[9zero1790]

Yep S3M is the bee knees for good stuff at a fair cost. Thats were i got my 5100's. They are also a supporting member of R5G @Stage3Motorsports

 

[duffyduzz]

Thanks, guys! Bilstien 5100’s it will be. I’m pretty mechanical, don’t have a spring compressor though, think I can D.I.Y. the fronts..? I know the rears are easy…

 

[Jhbryaniv]

You can DIY anything.

But if you have the ability it might be easier to grab the old set and new set and swing into an auto shop and have them put them on their compressor... Or buy a set with new springs already assembled...
I have a set of Chinese spring compressors - 2 long bolts woth hooks on the ends (essentially) I used them to swap my subaru suspension. Let's just say they are sketchy at best... Frightening at worst...

 

[duffyduzz]

Jhbryaniv;
Thanks! I’ll probably rent a spring compressor and D.I.Y. ‘em.

 

[Jhbryaniv]

Jhbryaniv;
Thanks! I’ll probably rent a spring compressor and D.I.Y. ‘em.

Good luck...

Have your life I durance policy all paid up.... ?

 

[MXGOLF]

I have 4 Bilstein 5100's and they are great. They make a huge difference.

 

[jflogerzi]

I run the 5100's as well. No complaints. Most say they are on the stiffer side and I do agree. Many say the Eibachs are happy middle ground

 

[9zero1790]

so swapping the fronts out is not really difficult in terms of mechanical skills. id bet most of the r5g members could do it. however - without a quality setup for compressing the springs I would not.

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