Well I spent a few hours searching for posts on shocks over the last couple days trying to make my decision on which shocks to get... I've got a regular cab 2wd STX, don't go offroads, and don't do much heavy towing, so I am primarilly looking for a good balance between quality of ride and improving handling and eliminating body roll. From what I have read, here is what I have learned:

Without much queston, the #1 recommended shock is the Rancho RS9000. The shock itself is larger than many others (such as the Edelbrock) and of course is adjustable. For someone that spends a lot of time doing some challenging offroading, or towing, this seems to me to be the best shock available. In my case, I don't do any offroading, and don't tow that often, and don't care much about adjusting them, so while these are a great shock, I think I would be smarter to spend my money elsewhere. Cost:$275/set

Pretty close behing, the Edelbrock IAS shock seems to be the 2nd most recommended shock. From what I have read, while the ride is a little stiffer than stock, these Edelbrock's ride as good or better then the Rancho RSX's or 9000's on a 2WD, and do an excellent job at eliminating body roll. As far as quality or ride and handling, the Edelbrock's seems to be the better choice for a 2wd truck versus the Rancho RS9000's. Biggest drawback, like the 9000's is the price at about 70 bucks a pop. Have been some reports of leaking, however they are covered with a lifetime warranty. Cost:$277/set

The 3rd most recommended shock seems to be the Billstein 5100/HD shocks. From what I have read, these are probably as good of quality of shocks as you can buy. Many owners on here have reported the Bilstein's perform aswell after 50-75,000 miles as new, and they of course come with a lifetime warranty. Compared to the Edelbrock IAS shocks, I have read they are slightly stiffer giving a slightly rougher ride, however due to the stiffness are a little better for handling and eliminating body roll then the IAS shocks. Cost:$207/set

And last but not least, the Rancho RSX shocks. From what I have read these shocks are Rancho's competition for the Edelbrock IAS shocks. Most everyone seems to comment on the qualty of ride compared to stock aswell as the reduced body roll. Seems to be a little less stiff then the RS5000 shocks offering a slightly smoother ride. Compared to the Edelbrock IAS shocks, I have read they ride slightly rougher, however they are $100 less. Cost:$176/set

Other than that, I've read a few good things about the KYB MonoMax shocks designed for trucks. About the only comparisons I have found on these shocks were to the Bilstein's, claiming they are quite a bit less stiff (offering a smoother ride.) Cost:$235/set


For my driving habits (with a 2wd STX) smoothness of ride is probably most important followed closely by handling. I'm leaning torwards the Bilstein's (in part due to the price) but am afraid the Bilstein's may be a little rough on regular pavement on a daily basis. Has anyone else had any expierence with any of these shocks and have any opinions comparing one to the other you can offer or noticed any publications comparing any of the above shocks? TIA.......

 

I ride on the rough roads around dallas too. I Just dropped my truck 2-frt/3.5 rear- and bought shocks that are too stiff...
I spent 26 years in the parts business, sold monroe, gabriel, delco, etc. and shocks designed to handle a loaded 1/2 ton pickup will just be too stiff for a normal unloaded ride. my suggestion is too find some one who still has an old catalog from monroe-and pick some shockss with the same mounting specs and the right length. It will take a real partsman to do this, and there aren't many of those left....good luck

 

IMO, the Edelbrock's are not stiff at all.

Essentially, the Edelbrock's ride smooth and plush on most road surfaces, but reduce body roll, also.

This is possible by having a shock that has relatively little 'high speed' compression damping (high speed = rapid shock shaft movements), so the shock can use much of its travel absorbing sharp hits, like potholes and washboard roads.

On the other hand, the Edelbrock's have more 'low speed' compression damping, which means they feel stiff when the shock shaft is moving slowly, like body roll during cornering.

Building a quality shock that can be plush on high speed movements but stiff on slow speed is gonna cost more than the bargain basement cheapies that are either always stiff or always soft.

I've had the Edelbrock's for a long time and they were never 'harsh', but are always much more controlled than stock, that's for sure.

 

I'm leaning torwards the Edelbrock IAS's although it's all but against my religion to pay $300 for shocks! Anyone out there have the Bilsteins on a 2WD? If so how stiff/rough is your ride? The more I read on the Bilstein's the more I get the idea they are going to ride pretty harsh.

 

Has anyone tried Tokico's Trekmaster truck shocks?

 

I have TrailMaster SSV's on my 2000 4x4 and there great, similar Edelbrock IAS's and a little less expensive. Also had Rancho 5000 on a 97 2wd and was a real improvement over stock good shocks as well, hope that helps.

 

i recently purchased the tokico trekmaster shocks (10,000) miles ago and am very pleased with the ride. firm but smooth and reduced body roll i was fortunate and picked them up off ebay for 140 in all very pleased with shocks would recommend. hope this helps 97 f150 4x4 sc

 

I had the Monroe Reflex on my 2000. Just like the Rancho RSX, except the price is a bit cheaper. Tennaco owns Monroe and Rancho......the Reflex/RSX valves are the same thing.

4 Reflex Shocks mounted for less than $200, and was well worth it.


-jeff b.

 

I am also interested in putting new shocks on my Expy so this thread caught my eye. I was wondering about the Monroe Reflex shocks as they are only $39.99 a piece at Orielly's. Thanks for the info Jeff! I too am on a budget and don't want to spend $300 on a set of shocks but I'm also really tired of getting seasick going around corners.

 

I am about to get some Rancho 5000 put on my 01 Ex 4x4 and am wondering if this is the right choice. I do little offroading and tow a trailer and do alot of highway driving so am looking to reduce to roll and better the ride..


Thanks

 

Just go to PEP BOYS and get the Gabrial VSTs.About $20.00 each and a lifetime warranty.Unless you got alot of money,which I sure dont,then go hog wild on the more expensive ones.

 

I kind of got the idea in reading posts on the RS-5000's that they are probably a better shock for a 4x4 rather than a 4x2. From what I am told they are extremely stiff, which will help you offroading and will help eliminate body roll and improve your handling. On the other hand, it wouldn't suprise me if they rode a little harsh. (Pretty much everyone seems to comment on how stiff they ride.)

 

So what would you think would be a good shock.. Like i said i do alot of highway driving and in the warm months i pull a boat.. I do little offroading and when i do that it's not ***** to the walls or anything that would really harm my truck.. Also I'm looking at getting a 1" lift.. I know that isn't much but not sure how much i can crank out the bars.. if i can get 2" out of them then i will go with a 2" but i doubt i can.. do you think I'm waisting money on the 1"?? I'm also going to go with the 305 tires when i need them in about 10-15k

 

I'd like to second the Monroe Reflex. I put on a set after upgrading to LT2657516 tires. The original shocks were a little soft/worn out with the bigger tires.

That was all about 40k ago. My opinion hasn't changed. They still work great. I have towed with them, hauled heavy loads, taken the truck on some rocky trails, etc. No problems, no noises, no leaks.

BTW, I installed them myself with a floor jack and a couple of jack stands. It is not that difficult and only took about 1 hour.

Good luck!

 

I ended up going with the Edelbrock IAS shocks... The Bilstein's and the Edelbrock's seem to be the two best shocks available. From what I have learned, the general consensus seems to be that the Bilstein's are a little stiffer and the ride is a little harsher then the Edelbrocks, however they also seem to last a little longer and are better for offroading. The Edelbrock's on the other hand are supposed to ride a little smoother. Since I've got a 2WD that stay's onroads, I'd figured the Edelbrock's would better serve my purpose. Paid right at $300 from 4Wheel Parts.