I know everyone has their favorite brand when considering shocks,, Rancho, Edelbrock, Monroe..etc... but just wanted to get some feedback from those who have actually purchased, installed, and road tested.
I have a stock 98 F-150, and have been researching a seemingly endless variety of shocks for the past month or so, and have narrowed down my list of choices quite a bit. I dont do alot of off-roading, outside of an occasional fishing/camping trip 3-4 times a year, so the extreme off-road shocks are already off the list.
Mainly highway, but still want some performance applications, so Ive been looking at the Rancho RSX, that claims they fit stock/no-lift.
I just want a nice smooth ride, that can handle some off-road at times.
Anyone have an opinion, or another shock suggestion, please let me know.
Oh, BTW,,, I found the Rancho RSX on-line, for $223.00 for all four, no shipping or tax.
Seems to be the best deal.

 

I'm running these Gabriel Ultras for $29 ea. because I want to go with a lift kit later this summer and didn't want to spend that much. Noticed a difference rolling out of the garage.

 

Bilsteins.

 

Bilsteins are great. It all we install in the Mercedes we work on. I personally am a big fan of Sway-a-Way shocks. Great performance. Any application (custom buggies are welcome) outstanding shocks all around. But a bit pricey. I run em on my Samurai. Saving up for a set for the truck. I have also heard good things about Kings but have no first hand knowledge.

 

I have used Pro Comp 9000's, Rancho 5000's, Edelbrock Performere IAS, and Edelbrock Extreme Travels. The Pro Comps were waay to soft for my taste. The Rancho 5000's, IMO, are a low budget replacement twin-tube shock and ride as such. They are firm, but not controlling so. The Edelbrock Performer IAS's were nice. Soft ride, but controlling when they needed to be. I didn't have them that long because I got my lft. With the lift, I got the Extreme Travels and they are awesome. But, their performace waned faster than I would have imagined. I have 40,000 miles on them and I wold have hoped a $170 aftermarket shock would have lasted a little longer. They're not bad, but they don't feel brand new, and it's noticeable.

My problem is I'm not the type of guy that when I find something that works good I stick with with it. I like to try different stuff. The mood I'm in right now, I will be trying the Bilstein's next time for sure. They get A LOT of great hype. I just ordered a set of Bilsteins for my Lexus which should be here this week and can't wait to try them out on that thing.

I don't think S-A-W makes anything for our trucks there Mercedes!! But I agree with you on that though...If I had an '04 or newer truck, it would be getting S-A-W coil overs for sure.

 

Your right, SAW doesn't make a specific shock for you guys but if you have some fabricating skills, they do make custom shocks of all shapes and sizes. You could convert yours over to a "coil-over" shock set-up.

Sorry, my mistake. Didn't even think about it.

 

Thanks guys for the quick replies and much appreciated info.
I was really close to going with the pro comp 9000's until I read what Galaxy had to say about them.
Just curious if anyone has any info on BDS shocks?
Another enthusiast recommended these highly.
BDS link.... http://www.bds-suspension.com/produc...hocks_5500.php

Thanks again.... the shock shopper.

 

Never ever heard of them.

 

Im starting to give in to the Bilstein hype myself G.
Even at the higher price of around 70 bucks a shock, I will probably end up doing the same.
Where did you order yours from galaxy?
Thanks.. Typhus

 

If you re-read my post, the Bilsteins are going to be my next shock...haven't tried them yet. I bought the ones for my Lexus from ShockWarehouse and will do the same for the truck when the time comes. They're a vendor and give a 5% discount. Their prices are competitive, not outstanding. They got my business because they're a vendor and shocks for the care were in stock. In the past, I've always bought everything from Summit. $70 a piece is pretty typical of a decent shock IMO...I don't consider that "higher" at all. But everyone has their own standards. Especially compared to my Edelbrocks at $170 a piece.

 

i will never buy bilstein shocks for any vehicle i own. i had the 7100's with remote resevoir on my old superduty and they were junk. they kept breaking at the welds and i never took the truck off road. i thought for $200 a shock they would be better built and more worth the money especially since i had to buy 6 due to the dual front shocks. i ended up just getting the cheap skyjacker shocks and never had another problem.

 

I have run Rancho RSX on my last two trucks. They have a good ride, keep the truck stable and stand up to my abuse.

JMC