I have an '04 FX4 (14K miles).

Everything is fine with the truck but the "floor jack"ride is getting to be a bit much, especially in-town driving. After the past winter the roads are like a battle field.

I would like to switch shocks to something I could easily and quickly adjust for smooth to off-road capability.

Any suggestions? THANK YOU!

 

The RS9000X Ranchos serve me well. They have a kit you can adjust them from the inside of the cab. I just do it manually at each shock.

 

I love my Edelbrocks. They ride great and the valving adjusts based on the terrain.

 

I went for the Bilstiens all the way around. I had them on my last truck and my corvette. They make the new 150 ride alot better over rough roads and bumps. When you get the old shocks off you will be amazed how crappy they are.

 

i have had ranchos and bilsteins. the bilsteins are a MUCH better shock

 

i know i'll be gettin the ranchos when the time comes!!

 

When the tine comes for replacements on my truck it will be the Bilsteins.

 

Ive been debating this too...I might just go with the Ranchos since theyre adjustable. Ive had Bilsteins on all my other trucks...with the exception of one, FabTech w/ Fox Shocks (awsome combo to tell you the truth).

Im trying the Rancho RS9000X on my FX4 SCAB. 4 Wheel Parts has a deal on'em right now...buy 3 get one free.

 

OK...I'm stupid I thought the ride was determined by the suspension and the shocks were to stop the "bouncing". Is there more to the shocks than I thought? I love the way my FX4 rides in the city but when I get out on the interstate I can get a bit of a harsh ride almost like a washboard effect but I know that is the road itself cause it only does it in certain sections/areas of the interstate on my way to work.

 

Tell me why you feel this way? Have you had both?

Why are bilsteins better?

I've got to get some new shocks, the ride with this stock ones really suck.

 

I run a off-road forum and I along with most others who have used whilte shocks(procomp, rancho, etc) and Bilsteins will allways recomend Bilstein when going with a OEM replacement style shock. Read this about why Bilsteins are better.

http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/ht..._bilstein.html

-Tim

 

Cool Baja! Thanks!

 

Anyone have an idea where to buy (inexpensivly) or rent an external coil spring compressor to handle our front springs? I measured mine and they are ~ 3/4 inch diameter. The tool you rent from auto zone is for a max diameter of .625 inches. I know some people have used them but would rater use the correct tool.

 

TTT

 

Well, I guess I figured it out myself. For anyone interested, napa sells an external coil compressor kit that correctly fits 3/4 inch diameter coil springs. It costs $52, not too bad considering pep boys wanted $50 if I brought the shocks in off the truck and $120 if they took them off the truck. Took me about 4 hrs total to install the front and rear shocks. Truck rides firmer, and an anoying vibration I had at ~ 45 - 55 mph is gone. A tip, if you don't have an impact gun to compress the coil springs, you better be in good shape and patient.