Topic: SHOCKING! on the fence with shock choices

[Sundowner]

right now, I'm somwhat unsure what to do about the shocks for my 84 4runner.
I can spend $160, shipped for a set of Rancho 5000's from Summit and be done with it,
or I can shell out the $260+ shipping for Bilstein 5100's.
biggest reservation with the 5100's is that I will need some sort of upper shock mount soloution for the front axle. stock upper mountes are bayonet style, and 5100's only come in eye mount configuration. whatever I do has to be quick and easy, I can't afford to have the truck back on the road by week's end. while I COUND do it, I'm not terribly interested in whacking off the front shock towers and welding in a set of ford towers.

are the Bilsteins REALLY worth the $$$ and hassle difference over Rancho 5000's?

[WHITE_TRASH]

YES!!  If money isnt a huge issue buy quality.  I run 5012's on my trucks and they are ok but Id much rather have bilsteins!

[FIREBALL]

What ever you do, don't get the 5000's. Best thing I ever did to improve the ride of my truck was taking them off!
If you don't want to change the stock mounts, i'm assuming that you aren't trying to achieve a lot of suspension travel either. In that case there's a lot of other choices that will probably do just fine for you. 9000's, you can adjust em. Pro Comps, they're cheap, etc. and no modifications.
I'm taking off the 9000's and goin with the bils.
Good luck.

[SWAMPER]

But just in case you still want the 5000's go to www.desertrat.com I think they have em cheaper there

[Sundowner [OP]]

I'd naturally prefer the bilsteins, but again that front upper shok mount is a pain.
is there a pin-mount eliminator kit available? I think Iv'e seen one for later model Jeeps.

[RUGER]

i'm pretty darn sure that rancho and pro-comp are the same thing. get pro-comp if you go that route and save yerself some money.

if i got the money for it i plan on bilstiens next time around.

happy trails
rich *ruger*

[jvministries]

the 5000's ride like a tank
call up sky manufacturing and see what he has to offer you on some shocks
doesh techs are fine for most trucks and the bilstiens will only help you if you use em for what they are designed for

the quality of the shocks is important and you get what you pay for
I have run stock shocks (not enough shock for the tires)
gabriel gas charged off road shocks (these worked great but finding ones for a lifted rig ??)
rancho 5000's (fit a lifted rig really well and worked with stopping tire shakes and stuff but rode rougher that a wagon)
doeshtech shocks (best shocks I have ever run did all the above and rode good to boot)

[RUGER]

the 5000's ride like a tank
call up sky manufacturing and see what he has to offer you on some shocks
doesh

i agree that the 5000's ride is less than to be desired...but if marlin sells shocks why go to sky(a competitor). support marlin.

happy trails
rich *ruger*

[SWAMPER]

Marlin sells shocks?

[RUGER]

Marlin sells shocks?

http://www.marlincrawler.com/shocks.html

i thought he had a better selection but oh well.

happy trails
rich *ruger*

[Fireimp141]

I didnt think that 5000's were too bad... maybe cause i went from stock napa replacements to those and for 40$ a pieice not bad. And the marlin shocks are bilstiens also, but i might have to try out those doeschtech or w/e in the future

[cebby]

I've been running the yelllow replacement Bils for many years.  They are still great shocks, but are likely past their prime.  I've always thought they were a good all around shock.  I'm putting Ball Joint spacers and Cruiser coils on soon and I need loner shocks.  I have the same issue with the top mount being the bayonet style.

I've been looking at the OME LTR shocks.  They have models with a bayonet mount and feature the remote reservoir.  Expedition Exchange has pics of them on their site showing the bayonet mount for Rovers.

http://www.arbusa.com/ltr_shock_absorbers.htm

I can't seem to find a fitment guide anywhere though.

[nowhitefenders]

 :thumbs:I'd say get the 5150's, they are plenty long and the road ride is good.  Sure you need hoops, but you want to be flexy on the trail, right....
Robert