Hey Everyone! I had posted some questions a while back about new shocks for my 2002 FX4 SuperCrew at stock height. I have to give a huge shoutout to Galaxy! He helped me immensely during this process. I was running KYB Gas-A-Just shocks and felt my ride was pretty rough. After doing some research and taking some measurements of my own, I realized that the KYB's were too short up front! The top washer had actually collapsed on itself. For this reason, I opted not to go with the Bilstein HD's. They were only marginally longer. Using Galaxy's recommendation, I looked at the Rancho RS9000XL. They measured a full half inch longer than my KYB's so that was a good start. I also like the adjustable options. So I pulled the trigger. AutoAnything.com had a great offer going and I got them for $82 a shock with free shipping! I received them very quickly and had a great overall buying experience from them.

The install was a mixed bag. I tried to remove my spare tire for more space, but I can't get it down. I bought the truck used and didn't receive the key for the spare tire lock! Tried to see about cutting it down, but had no way to do it. After looking at it, not really sure it would help all that much anyway. I decided to start with the rears since they were going to be more difficult. Understatement! Now a lot of this was my own fault, but the one that mounts to the rear of the axle is a royal pain! There's just so little space. This was not helped by the fact that I didn't own a wrench or tool thin enough to properly secure the nut anchored on the shock while I tried to secure the top nut. (What I mean by this is these shocks have what looks like a secured washer then the secured nut on top of that. Then you mount the first washer under the bushing. The space between these two washers is quite thin and all my wrenches were too thick). After wasting way too much time I made a quick trip to Wal-Mart and bought a new wrench (as well as 7 others that I didn't need but had no choice). Once I got home, the rest went very quickly.

So far, I love them! Soooo much better than my KYB's. I have them set at 5 in the fronts and 3 in the rears. I may continue to play with those settings, but the overall ride quality is significantly better. But the thing I notice most is my truck seems to stop easier. I don't feel like the entire weight of my truck is heaving forward and struggling to stop. It feels much more balanced. The build quality of the shock feels and looks stunning as well. I just hope they live up to that! Interesting note, Galaxy has the same shocks but with the resi's and for lifted applications. On his they mount with the body up and the rod down. On mine it was just the opposite. I elected to keep the boots off to prevent any chance of premature wear and corrosion, so they don't look quite as cool as his, but I still like them and the adjustment ***** are easily accessible.

Sorry for the long writeup, but just wanted to share my experience so far. Thanks!

Driver Front



Passenger Front



Driver Rear



Passenger Rear

 

Well then, let me be the very first to say thanks for the mention...But what kind of idiot starts a thread like this with no pics

 

Haha. I knew that was coming. I'll go take some shortly and post them up. Thought about that after I had typed everything!

 

Pics Added!

 

Looks great man!

 

where did you get them from?

 

Autoanything.com

 

Thanks!

Yep! And they were originally $99 a piece but I had a big coupon since I had shopped there before. Brought them down to around $85 a piece and free shipping. They used UPS Ground which was the most painful part. They arrived in San Antonio late Friday night but since it was ground they don't go out for delivery on the weekends. Had to wait until Monday to get them and then the in-laws were in town so I couldn't install them until they left!

 

Just noticed you left them staggered also. Did you find the mount on the back side of the axle for the right shock?

 

I did. I'll be real honest. After the amount of time I spent on the driver side, I didn't want to mess with that side like that. I at least wanted to be able to see what I was doing. Now, if I had more clearance and lift like you do, I definitely would have sucked it up and done it since it would be visible from behind.

 

well im new to all this truck modifying, but im guessing these new shocks delete the need for springs in the front as well?

 

No you still need springs.....these just replace the Struts up front.

I too LOVE my Rancho setup!!
Good choice!

I have mine set at 6/4 now.

 

Ok, yea that was probably a stupid question but i wasnt sure from the picture. Loooks real nice tho, im in need of a new set, ill keep them in mind

 

Ummmmm, both of you guys are on crack...LOL...JK! This is a pre-'04 truck in case you missed it. No coil springs or fancy suspension. Straight up, good 'ol torsion bar. That thar in them thar photo's is your typical, run of the mill, good 'ol shock absorber. A rare breed these days, but a shock absorber none the less

 

^^What he said!