Best all around shocks

snowsurfer · Post by **snowsurfer** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:11 pm

Don't do any off roading, just a daily driver to/from work about 20 freeway miles what's the best replacement shock.
03 Crew

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 1:21 am

Bilsteins seem to be #1 ratings with the Rancho RSX's coming in close behind with most of the members who have voiced an opinion on the subject.

T Man · Post by **T Man** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:44 pm

rancho 5000's for me

Horsehammerr · Post by **Horsehammerr** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 12:10 pm

I had a Fantastic day yesterday !!! Got screw type straps on both CV boots with new grease , got 90% zerts on two needed locations and greased the whole front end. Then got the parking brake tuned-up to actualy hold on a hill. After all that success I installed my brand new Heavy Duty Bilstein shocks, right side up,right side downand all I can say is WOW !!!!

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 1:18 pm

That switch to Bilstein's is a huge difference. I know the "wow" you are feeling right now. You will be very happy for a long time.

NO CLUE · Post by **NO CLUE** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 2:09 pm

i cant wait to drive my truck

no time soon though

. I'm driving from seattle,wa over to jacksonville, nc when i come back though, should be a fun road trip.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 3:33 pm

HenryJ wrote:That switch to Bilstein's is a huge difference. I know the "wow" you are feeling right now...............................

My first or second mod and I still remember HenryJ's response to my PM or thread posting. "Feels like you are on rails when cornering" (or a reasonable facsimile there of)

Post by **HenryJ** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 3:36 pm

That is the best description I could come up with. The difference over squishy stock was amazing.

Horsehammerr · Post by **Horsehammerr** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:01 am

This mod of getting the right shocks is so radicaly good that I am realy searching to decide what is next. I don't mind spending premium dollars when the result is this completely new and improved.I was thinking rear ZQ8 stabilizer bar,but I'm not sure I need it now. this truck rides and handles almost as positive as my Dads Corvete. I don't really need a bunch of extra power unless I decide to go racing,and this is not a race friendly vehicle. I'm not going to lower it. Maybe I will go on with the Mystery Lift, but I think I read that BFG is stopping production of 33/9.5/15 AT KO's. Is this true, anyone know? If not this complete mod , what is my next step?

Post by **HenryJ** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:22 am

Polyurethane front swaybar bushings and if you offroad, quick disconnects.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:51 am

HenryJ wrote:Polyurethane front swaybar bushings............

Arguably as impressive as the shocks for ride improvement. Looking at the 2" body lift in hindsight, I wish I had combined it with polyurethane body and bed mount replacements.

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 11:50 am

f9k9 wrote:
HenryJ wrote:Polyurethane front swaybar bushings............
Arguably as impressive as the shocks for ride improvement. Looking at the 2" body lift in hindsight, I wish I had combined it with polyurethane body and bed mount replacements.

That will definitely tighten up the frame to body which helps limit body flex while making the suspension do more of the work which are all good things, but it is also important to know that vibrations and road noise will increase because the body is now "one" with the frame so everything (road noise, engine vibration, etc.) is now transmitted to the body.

Guess how I know this.

Steve

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:05 pm

killian96ss wrote:...........Guess how I know this.

Steve

The same way you know about Polyurethane engine and tranny mounts.

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 2:37 pm

f9k9 wrote:
killian96ss wrote:...........Guess how I know this.

Steve
The same way you know about Polyurethane engine and tranny mounts.

As I try to make my car faster and handle better I lose a little of the comfort it had when it was new.

It's still a blast to drive though!

Steve

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:05 pm

killian96ss wrote:............................It's still a blast to drive though! .........

It's all good and it is all a trade off for either this reason or that reason! Comfort doesn't necessarily coexist with opinions on handling. I knew that when I posted and had hoped that the OP realized it. That's why they made mushy S10 Crew Cabs and Bilstien equipped ZR2s.

An alternative example might compare a '69 Z28 with a '69 Coupe Seville.

Do you think that the old shock testing trial would apply today?

"Bounce the front or rear of you car (by hand) and if, it cycles more than once, you need shocks"

Torskdoc · Post by **Torskdoc** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 7:58 pm

An alternative example might compare a '69 Z28 with a '69 Coupe Seville.

The comparison is Dead ON but the vehicles aren't. they're just plain DOA!

Hate to fry a couple of "old" brain cells

but the Caddy SEVILLE came out in 1975. It was basically a gussied up NOVA with Caddy badges. Above quote should have been "Coupe DEVILLE" (Rolling Battleship) as in Cruella........(been watching 101 Dalmations too much lately with the kids)

Larry

Horsehammerr · Post by **Horsehammerr** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:28 am

I did the front poly swaybar bushings a while back. I think that was the only reason my CC handled at all. The front shocks had to be the OEM's. They very smoothly slid in and out with o% resistance. The rears had some HI-economy replacements on that only resisted on rebownd. My '02 has 98'000 on it. So I think you can really understand the impression I have of the Bilsteins!! I think I'm going all the way with polygraphite and polyurathane bushings,including the body mounts. I like the idea of limited flex.