What shocks are you running and why?

[Stanley]

16 minutes ago, LorenS said:

I would guess for "look at me" reasons.

Exactly what I was thinking. Lol

 

[Mopar1973Man]

That is one thing about KYB shocks they are not super stiff. That one part about Bilstein shocks being they are charged with more pressure makes for super bumpy ride especially like washboard dirt roads. A softer shock is much better and doesn't beat you to death. Both the Rancho 5100 lasted a super long time and the KYB are going good too no excessive bounce at all. I've got KYB on both Thor and Beast.

Edited April 17, 2022 by Mopar1973Man

[JAG1]

KYB's on both my trucks. I really like the MonoMax on the truck carrying the camper RV and the stock factory replacement KYB's on my contracting truck. They have been good to me.

[Silverwolf2691]

Bilstein 5100s on my truck, supposed to be "Carli tuned". I don't believe that for a second. My set were really stiff but they have either loosened up or my sled pulling weight puts enough to put them on a different area in the internal valving.. They are actually doing the blown shock type bounce when coming to a stop but they aren't that old.. I don't think.. 

[Mopar1973Man]

I had the experience of installing two sets of bilstein shocks. In neither vehicle i was not impressed. Stiff ride. But that's what customers want. Me I'll most like go back to Ranchos 5100 being the lasted so long, never leaked oil and softer ride. When you off road then you want softer shocks not stiff.

 

Edited April 18, 2022 by Mopar1973Man

[LorenS]

11 minutes ago, Mopar1973Man said:

I had the experience of installing two sets of bilstein shocks. In neither vehicle i was not impressed. Stiff ride

This is what I like about them on my VW Passat, but unlike the Bilstein units that fit our trucks, these are actually made for the car and just "well, they fit".

 

If course right now the front of my truck is like having no shocks at all. Hit a dip in the road and you sway back and forth like a rocking chair. Unsafe, in my opinion. Can hardly wait to put the KYBs on. Just can't do much for a few more weeks while my back heals.

[Max Tune]

30 minutes ago, LorenS said:

just can't do much for a few more weeks while my back heals.

How's that going for you? Much pain or stiffness?

[Doubletrouble]

May I ask? What did you do to your back @LorenS?

 I think I may go with the KYB shocks. I don't want a stiff rude just controlled. I am starting to notice that the front end is a bit "choppy" after a bump in the road which leads me to believe that the shock may be an issue here. 

[Sycostang67]

I ran a set of the Bilstein 5100's for a few thousand miles.  I pulled them off and sold them, way too jarring.  I switched to a set of Monroe Reflex shocks and have not regretted it.  My wife even noticed how much smoother the truck was.  It still rides like a truck but I swear the Bilsteins didn't compress at all in comparison.  

[Doubletrouble]

 Shocks arrived yesterday. Gonna get them installed maybe today. Weekend at latest. 

[Doubletrouble]

 Shocks are installed. Seemed to help quite a bit. Still have a slight "choppy" feeling. Not sure I got the top shock mounts tight enough. The top is a stud with the bushings and a nut. A little nub to try to hold the shaft while tightening the nut. I tries a small wrench but I couldn't get the nylok nut to budge anymore. The rubber bushings seem like they should squish a little more. 

[SVALIN]

Depending on material of bushing, I don't think they should be ‘squished’ much. Snug is good. Sort of like sidewall for tire? If they wanted it designed super tight would come with a rod end.

 

So when my shocks failed, truck would bounce down the road after small bump for 1/4 mile (springs return, no dampeners). Fairly easy test, if they're really shot. Jump on bumper and see how many times it bounces. More than 2 small probably shot. When I removed the shocks you could compress them all the way by one hand in a second, and would maybe regain length in a minute. 
 

Another test, high speed up and down (only)bounce/death wobble/ reverberation. Best I can explain, thats before complete failure though.

I always wanted Fox shocks, and there was already a sticker on my window, so thats what I got. 2.0 IFP. 650$~ for 4. Not too bad for some stickers. The next step up with reservoirs would have been like 2k. Not for my application.

 

I like them, they work well for me. Fairly stiff/responsive and effective. Have hit bump stop with only minor front end pavement contact loss however. Not for Baja superman stuff. About 10k miles on them. 
 

My peev with the expensive reservoirs is that they’re rarely adjusted after, used for looks mostly. If going that route, get a hose extension and mount them inside the cab for on the fly tuning.
 

 

Edited May 22, 2022 by SVALIN
Answer post question

[JAG1]

My idea is to keep it simple with using a good brand name shock. Currently both trucks have KYB's. The stock replacements work very good on my 01 work truck and the MonoMax for the RV camper truck that hauls heavy. I think they last awhile too if you like to save money. I think Mopar1973Man uses regular ole Monroe stock replacements from Napa with good results.

[Mopar1973Man]

Both Beast and Thor are KYB currently. Last batch of shocks was Rancho shocks. Lasted a good 150k miles.

[Doubletrouble]

 I just installed the KYB Monomax shocks on the front. So far I like them.