what shocks do you suggest?

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70 ranger
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what shocks do you suggest?

Post by 70 ranger »

I did a body swap on my truck with a 95 chassis. I also wanted to put in a lift kit, but because I am not off-roading this thing I didn't get an expensive lift kit. I bought a "rough country" 4" suspension lift that came with shocks. I figured the new shocks would be better than my 15 year old stockers but was I wrong! This thing hammers me on a smooth logging road and when I hit some washboard I am all over the place. I don't take it into nasty stuff but it is still a truck that I take in the woods. What I am after is a smooth ride on the road and logging roads. I see the rancho 9000 and the bilsteins look like great shocks but probably more shock and price than I need. Does any one have any suggestions?
1970 ranger 4x4
1965 mustang needs resto
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1971ford
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Re: what shocks do you suggest?

Post by 1971ford »

Don't expect shocks to change the leaf sprung 4x4's ride into a cadillac ride. Lift kit leaf springs, and stock leaf springs, always seem to suck... something no shock can help.
Bilstein 5100's will be the best shock you can get without getting into the higher end shock area which would most likely be overkill for you.
-Ryan
70 ranger
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Re: what shocks do you suggest?

Post by 70 ranger »

No I am not expecting a cadilac! I should have mentioned that it has coil fronts and stock leafs in the rear.
By the way happy late birthday!
1970 ranger 4x4
1965 mustang needs resto
flh shovelhead
rigid evo
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1971ford
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Re: what shocks do you suggest?

Post by 1971ford »

ahh. Shoulda realized it would have coils up front. They probably ride a little better than leaf springs... throw some bilsteins up there, then you know it's as nice as it's going to ride without going to "the next level". Or if you don't want to spend too much money you can definitely try some Rancho's. I put a decent set of Rancho's on the highboy because I didn't want to spend the money on a higher end shock, yet. So far so good and i've beat on them a good amount.
-Ryan
70 ranger
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Re: what shocks do you suggest?

Post by 70 ranger »

Ya thats sorta what I was thinking, just thought I would see if any one had any other ideas. Thanks Ryan. What about all the other guys looking at this post, don't you have a comment? :lol: All thoughts are appreciated.
1970 ranger 4x4
1965 mustang needs resto
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rigid evo
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Re: what shocks do you suggest?

Post by CrypticRacer13 »

Ranchos here an they work fine for me, seeing how my truck is a beast in its own right and being old as dirt i know im never going to ride like a new F250 so untill i can afford 5100's they will do just fine for what i need.
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70 ranger
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Re: what shocks do you suggest?

Post by 70 ranger »

I got the call that my bilsteins were in yesterday.(5100) I installed them this morning at work. The ride home seemed good, but it is kind of hard to tell yet. I will be going dirt biking on new years weekend so I will see how it handles on the logging roads then. Thanks for the help guys.
1970 ranger 4x4
1965 mustang needs resto
flh shovelhead
rigid evo
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basketcase0302
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Re: what shocks do you suggest?

Post by basketcase0302 »

Something ya'll should realize about shocks...they are a lot like appliances! :lol:
Where you see "Kenmore or Hotpoint"...underneath the labeling of a lot of them-you'll find it's actually made by Whirlpool.
A lot of shocks...underneath what I found was Monroe. Bilstein I'm sure would be an exception as well as a few other name brands. But look hard at your brands for the bottom line on origin. And then go and buy the "Kenmore" to save yourself some bucks! :thup:
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Re: what shocks do you suggest?

Post by zakt »

I hear pro-comp shocks are rancho so run those currently on our jeep then our superduty has rancho on it... probably dual fox shocks on the 72 as they look cool with the remote reservoir with the alluminum mount. :D
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