I have 2 suspension questions for everyone. I know there is a suspension board but I like this one and you guys have the same type truck as me so you know more about my equipment.

1- Shocks: I'm considering new shocks, specifically the Rancho RSX, and wondered if anyone had these and what they thought. My brother has an '02 x-cab Fx4 w/RS5000 and he complained that they were a little stiff. 3000 miles later and he says they have broken in a little and aren't as bad as new. I have the short bed, regular cab so mine won't ride as well as his so stiff shocks would be magnified on my truck. I like to do light duty off-road and tow a 3000lb boat so I want good shocks but not get beat up. The RSX sound like they've upgraded the valving to take care of this. Any opinions....like you guys don't have opinions, lol.

2- Helper springs: I tow a boat and plan on doing some landscaping and finishing my basement so I want to get a set of helper springs. I saw a guy practically dragging his F150 bumper hauling so much sheet rock. Not safe at all. Besides, I've seen where some helper springs reduce axle wrap and claim that they can knock 2-3 tenths off your 1/4 due to the added traction. I'm looking at the roadmasters. They claim that they don't affect the ride until loaded where some add-a-leaf types can stiffen the ride.

Thanks!!!

 

as far as the shocks go, the RS5000 arent that bad at all after youve driven them for about 100 miles or so. they are stiff at first, but then get more comfortable. you could also go with hte 9000's. adjustable to how you want them. i dont know much about the rsx's so i cant help u there. good luck!

 

Well I've got Skyjackers on my rig with 2.5" helpers in the rear and 2.5 lift springs in the front. They have been great. (Best part was that I bought them via a on-line contact and only paid $100.00 for the shocks and my first "leveling springs") I recently bought some TrailMaster SSVs and was planning my next lift (4") and planned to use them (auto sensing = high lift still comfortable ride?) When I unbolted the SkyJackers to "check them for wear and tear" it was all I could do to push them boys back in! WOW! I was surprised. I'm impressed. I also considered WARN Black Diamonds due to the amount of positive press I read. Got the front set cheap via eBay but could never come up with the rears. Now Black Diamond line has been purchased by another company. To get my matching rear set will be $104.00 for two. Ouch. Not good since I've recently experienced the effects of our wonderful economy ( lay-off = lift project canceled ( Good set of shock for sale cheap) ).

Hope this gives some perspective.

 

How cheap?........lol.

 

i am going to get helwig progressive adjustable helper springs . since i am the service manager of an RV dealership i can get them @ wholesale cost . bonus i have installed many of these when i worked for cruise america and for customers and you can set them down for everyday and up for towing /hauling. . as far as shocks go i was looking at the heckethorn hydro's . made by rough country . they also have another more expensive one .

 

I use my truck as a work truck as well as a pleasure truck, and often have it loaded down with over 1000 pounds of "stuff" in the bed. I decided early on to buy a set of "add-a-leafs", and have never regretted it. They were cheap, easy to install, and work killer. They didn't jack up the rear, but allow me to retain my ride hight when loaded down or towing. I expected the ride to worsen, but it actually improved. The freeways out here are laid in sections of cement that are so many feet long. This creats small seams between the sections. In my truck, before the add-a-leafs, my truck would develop a bounce at around 65 mph, due to my wheelbase and those damn seams between the cement sections. This was greatly reduced. The biggest difference in ride quality was noticed on the freeway, too. Heading out of Ventura, on the 101 freeway north, you cross the Ventura river. Over the years, a series of "dips" have developed on the bridge. They start out as a simple dip, but as the vehicle comes down, the subsequent dips become worse. It is my theory that this is due to the semi's that travel this highway everyday, and the fact that as it worsens, it encourages worsening. Anyway, my truck used to feel like it was going to get airborne by the last dip, especially if I was driving over 60 mph. With the add-a-leafs installed, it takes them smoothly up to and over 85 mph. I expected the opposite. This is true with or without a load in the bed. The truck also handles much better around corners with the add-a-leafs installed.

I know there are better systems, but this one has worked great for me, and was cheap, too!

As far as shocks, I replaced the originals with Gabriels at 35k miles, and was pleased for about 10k miles. Now they suck eggs, and need to be replaced. I'm debating which ones to buy.

Take care,
-Chris

 

this is the kinda stuff that happens from over loading and if you drive a chevy .lmao .

 

OMG!!!!

That is what happens when you get too drunk to drive, and let the wife drive you home.

I'm going to borrow that picture.

That's fu*king gnarly.

Take care,
-Chris