Compressing and extending a shock by hand is a fun little exersize and may help you identify a completely worn out shock, but it tells you next to nothing about how the shock will behave when thousands of pounds of force are trying to compress or extend it.

Try compressing the shock slowly rather than rapidly. Most shocks will feel much stiffer if you try to push it fast. Keep in mind the hardest and fastest you can push by hand is nothing compared to the forces the shock will encounter on the truck.

The difficulty in hand compressing a shock has more to do with how much pressure the shock is charged with (if it is a gas charged design) than the shock's damping characteristics.

Gas charged shocks will extend by themselves if unweighted. Pressurizing the shock helps the shock fluid resist foaming and boiling when the shock is in use, so it is a good thing. Despite the pressure to extend when the shock is off the truck, it can strongly resist extending when installed, as the oil has a hard time being forced through the shocks's valving.


There are many ways to reduce body roll, if that is your thing. They all have their benefits and compromises. Quality shocks are way up there on the list of potential benefits and low on compromises, even though they cost more than a anti-sway bar.

 

I sure have gotten a lesson in shocks and sway bars from this post! Thanks a lot guys, you have given me a LOT to think about.

Still undecided on what shocks tho! LOL

Jag

 

Jaguar, LOL

I was thinking the same thing, sorry for butting in on the originator.

I am glad so many have added their input, I think this all helps when you are making a decision about sway bars and shocks. The above definately presents some "opinions" and facts that are helping me.

But to address shocks...I can only tell ya dont go with cheap Monroe gasmatics unless you want a quick fix for jumping all over the road on OE or blown out shocks. They have treated me well, and provide a nice fluid ride. No "truck" feel but you can tell the truck seems to be a little too much for these. A friend of mine went onto Monroes website and they have a SHOCK FINDER for your requirements. It suggests putting *blank* on the front for smooth ride with *blank* on the back for carrying loads (of course all their different brands).

Also not sure on the validity...but my local Sport Truck recommends BDS shocks that run about 30$ each.

 

Hi Sean -

I installed the rear sway bar before I installed the new shocks. In my experience, with my truck, the rear sway bar was much more helpful with preventing body roll. The shocks really improved handling over rough surfaces.

I know others have had a different experience, so maybe the shocks they used were of a different design (or just plain better?) than the Edelbrock IAS units I used.

I installed the shocks on my 'Screw by myself. The fronts were very easy to do; the rears were a bit more challenging.

Because they are pressurized, they want to extend to their full travel limit. Edelbrock ships them with a strap to hold them partially compressed, but they are still too long to slip into the brackets properly.

If you jack your truck up from the frame (not the rear axle) so the suspension drops as far as possible, you will have a much easier time of replacing them. I would also drop your spare tire. It will give you a little more room to work under there.

By the way, Summit Racing had them for $69 each, with free shipping.

I got the Hellwig rear bar there also - $140 if memory serves me right.

If you decide on the sway bar, look in my gallery for pics on a completed install. Might save you some grief and time...

 

B-Man,

I noticed you mentioned that you are using Edelbrock IAS shocks. How do you like them? I am leaning towards them vs Bilsteins.

Any comments pos or neg on the Edelbrocks? I heard that they are much better at highway speeds, (which I do a lot of).

Let me know please.

Thanks,

Jag

 

I too spend a fair amount of time on the highway. I wish I could tell you that the Edelbrocks made a big difference on the interstate, but I really noticed the change on rough local streets. They definitely ride nice on the highway, but I think their real forte' is on the rougher type pavement scenario. I'll explain:

There is a particular off-ramp here that has a lot of surface imperfections right before it turns onto a local street. Before, my truck would skip and wiggle all over the place when I came off the ramp any faster than 20 MPH or so.

Now, I routinely come off that same ramp at 40 - 45 MPH and have no problems making the corner or maintaining control.

Granted, the rear sway bar helped with the cornering, but the Edelbrocks really improved the rough surface control of my truck.

The other area they really helped out in is braking on rough surfaces. Control is much improved over the factory set-up.

I know no one with the Bilsteins, so I can't offer an opinion either way. I've heard over the years that they are good, but I'd be lying if I said I really knew.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

B-Man et al,

Thanks for all the reply's. I will let you know what I end up doing as soon as I can DECIDE!!! LOL

Jag

 

Well, I have a 2002 Expedition 4x4 Eddie Bauer (Non Air Suspension). I am coming out of a 93 Bronco. My first complaint was the majior body roll and the soft bounce. I want to hit a dip or bump and be done with it.
I installed the Heilwig rear stab bar and a set of ProComp 9000 shocks. I also instaled a ProComp Steering Stabilizer. This was by far the best investment that I have done to the truck. Night and Day difference. I looked at the other shocks(ie Bilstein, Edelbrock, Rancho) Well the Edelbrocks and Bilsteins seamed a little pricey to me.) After talking to the guy at 4 wheel wholesale Monroe(Owners of Rancho suspension) make the ProComp shocks. The ProComp3000 is the same shock as the RS5000 Rancho.
The ProComp 9000 are comparable to the RSX Rancho. Both the ProComps were much cheaper due to the fact you are not paying for the name of a Rancho or Bilstein.I think I got 4 shock for like $139.00
I installed the same shocks on my fathers 97 F-150 and he also loves them. We pulled off Monroe senceatracs and he said he can tell a big difference.
Any way I just wanted to say I would fully recommend the Hellwig stab bar and the Procomp shocks, Certainly the most bang for the buck.

 

Ordered a set of four Edelbrock IAS performance shocks today for my Screw. Also ordered a Rancho Steering Stabilizer both from Summit Racing.

Tomorrow I will be ordering a Hellwig rear sway bar!

Thanks to all,

Jag

 

Hi, Im back.

My monroe gasmatics were starting to make me sea sick. So much up and down on the freeway so I gave in and bought new shocks. I got BDS (5500?) (formerly Big **** Shocks) and they are awesome! They were the final item that pulled all the work I have done on the truck together. They completely eliminate lunge back on acceleration and I can finally say my truck has some ummph.

The ride is a bit stiff, but I dont mind, it makes it feel sporty and dips in the road are hardly noticeable because the truck settles back so fast. Also, they do help with roll on turns, I can take turns faster for sure.

I can squelch the tires now because I have no power loss in the lunge at start!!!

One question though...when putting the shocks on, they did not extend on their own, I had to pull them to extend them. Is this due to them not being gas, or having dual valves I wonder? They were brand new out of the box, and all four behaved the same.

These shocks make me anxious to go out and drive! Acceleration has improved.

PS they have polyuerathane bushings which is an option highly recommended.

PPS Stopping has improved, and there is no lunge forward on stopping, very nice.