I just wanted to say thanks for all the write-ups and "how=to's" you guys post. This week-end was busy for me but very satisfying. On Friday I installed new rear shocks, Rancho RS9000xl adjustables, they ride awesome. Sat. I replaced the fuel filter, took about 20 min from start to clean-up. Sunday I replaced my front brake pads with Wagner ThermaQuiets.

Saved myself a couple hundred beans doing it myself. (estimated).

But a big to all you guys, without this site I never would have had the confidence to do all this. I know they are not major jobs but the most I ever did on a vehicle was oil changes and maybe a radio or speaker change.

Now the big questions is WHATS NEXT!!!!

 

So how are the Ranchos and why did you upgrade?

 

The back shocks were shot. I have a 5000lb travel trailer and the last time I towed it, it was very bouncy. Every bump I hit the truck bounced 2-3 times. When the truck was new I would hit a bump and the truck would just absorb it.

As for a review, I have only driven about 75-80 miles, but I have it on setting 1, the softest setting, and if feels like it new. When I tow I will raise them to a 6-7, as reccomended by another member here. I have atrip planned next month.

I plan on having the front ones put on for me, sometime in Sept/Oct.

 

The fronts are not very difficult to do. It's not too difficult to remove the strut assembly. 3 bolts on top of the strut assembly, the lower shock mount and remove the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Pull out the strut, hook it up to a spring compressor, replace the shock, and put it back in. Took me 1.5 hours on the driver's side because I was learning, and I did the passenger side by myself in about 30 minutes. I put all 4 shocks on this past weekend along with rotors, pads, wheels and tires. You shouldn't need an alignment if you are just replacing the shocks inthe front. Save yourself some more money!

I'm still trying to figure out where to set my shocks for optimum comfort for daily driver. Currently have it on 2 at all 4 points. Feels alright. Absorbs the harsher bumps pretty nicely. Might have to play with it a little more.