Shocks Summary and Question

[MGX]

Went out and did the Bumper-Jump-Shock Test on my Ex because something just hasn't seemed right ever since I got my 285 Revo's. Everything in the rear seems to be OK, but the front (especially the right front) seems to be riding on JELL-O. I got a flashlight and found that I have Monroe Reflexs all around, but I don't know how many miles are on them as they were there when I bought the truck in March. I guess its time to bite the bullet and put on shocks now (the queen is going to be just thrilled about this!). Anyway, I've spent about the last hour searching past posts about shocks and this is what I THINK I understand.

There are basically 4 choices/recomendations here (I have left out the 4x4 options because mine is 2wd and I don't off-road or tow) Bilsteins, Rancho 9000 adjustables, Edelbrocks, and Monroe Reflex.

The Bilsteins have valving that is specific to the application, that is, their EX shock is only for the EX. It has a good ride but seems to be the stiffest of the bunch.

The Ranchos now have a 9 position selector ranging from cloud to buckboard, for dialing in the ride according to use.

The Edelbrocks are a better than OEM choice and have the smoothest (read, car-like) ride.

The Monroes are an OEM or somewhat better replacement. Has middle-of-the-road characteristics.

I don't have a swaybar, but I am planning to put a Hellwig on before spring as we have a big road trip planned. So my questions are 1] is the above assesment fairly accurate? 2] Based on my use of everyday driver with 99% of my driving on interstate or rural highway, which would you recommend for me (keeping in mind that I have to float this past the accounting troll) and 3] where did you buy yours and who has the best price?

[FamilyRide]

Not sure I'd call the Edelbrocks "car like". I had them on my Expedition and they were slightly firmer than the OEM HD shocks. They did however have awesome recovery which lead to a much more stable and controlled ride.

[CHPMustang]

Pretty good assessment. If you use your 4x2 X as a daily driver with light or no towing I'd probably go for the Bilsteins.

But if you prefer to tailor your ride from firm to soft take on the 9000X's.

My father in law repaced his stock shocks with the Reflex model but his truck is freeway travel all the time and he likes the monroe's quite abit over the stockers.

I haven't had the chance to sample the Edelbrocks yet to give a suggestion.

I picked up the 9000X's when they first came out about 2 years ago from www.4wheelparts.com,the out the door price was around $260.

Check with www.samsoffroad.com and 4 wheel parts to see if they have shock specials going on.

BILL

[mike650]

I have Edelbrocks and they are great for what we use our X for which is a combination highway(usually), off-road(nothing too outrageous), and towing(mostly). They really do perform as advertised!! Our X is a 4x4 and is not lifted other than 285 tires and we do have a rear Hellwig.

By reading other posts it appears that most people on this site opt for Bilsteins or the Rancho's. The Edelbrock owners like myself are the minority. I had Rancho's on my '79 Bronco and I liked them. I can not vouche for the Bilsteins or Monroes.

I think from what I understand you are looking for, you may want to narrow it down to the Edelbrocks or the Rancho 9000's. The Rancho's are nice because you can adjust them just in case you run into a situation where you do need a stiffer ride. I think there are now 9 different settings on them. Just a rookie's take on your question!!!

-Mike

[Jeff27]

While on this subject...I am now torn between getting the Bilstein's or Rancho 9000X's?? Originally, I was getting more positive feedback from the Bilstein's but now it seems that the popularity of the adjustable Rancho's is growing fast! I thought there was a problem with the Rancho's rusting out?? Is this true? I will not have a set of rusting looking like crap shocks on my X! Can you spray them with clear or something to keep this from happening? Is it truly a problem? Are they lifetime warranted like the Bilsteins? I like the idea of adjustability...but the Bilstein's sound good too?? Painted white Bilstein's on the front with Rancho's on the back? I don't know how I feel about mixing and matching though? Please give me your $0.02. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[MGX]

From an emperical standpoint I would conclude that if you do towing/hauling/traveling a lot where you are changing the loads often, and like to have more hands-on control of the handling characteristics, the Ranchos would be best for this type of use and intent.

However, if you just do daily driving without towing or changing loads a lot, the Excursion specific valving of the Bilsteins is best.

Hypothesis correct so far?

Then one last question. For the 2-3 times a year when I load up 1000 pounds of people and luggage, how do the Bilsteins perform then? I would think that this type of scenario is built into the valving and that there would be no loss of performace.

[caryt]

I change loads in my 95 all the time, 0-2Klbs plus tow 8500lbs. Bilsteins all the way [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]. I have had them all, ronchoes [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif[/img], kyb's [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif[/img], koni's [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img], ect. Bilsteins are the best, IMHO
Cary

[DOC4444]

What you need to consider regarding an "adjustable" shock like a Rancho 9000, is that it is "single adjustable". This usually means that when you "tighten" the valving by turning the adjustment knob, it increases BOTH the rebound and bump damping at the same time. (More sophisticated racing shocks have separate adjustments for bump and rebound, sometimes TWO for each.) On an Ex, you want to increase the SPRING rate when the load is increased and possibly increase the rebound damping, NOT the compression damping. I have found that air bags are the best way to "fine tune" the spring rate to the load. The rear Bilstein BE5-6209's work seemlessly with this system from empty up to 5000 lbs of payload and/or tongue weight.

If you don't have airbags, increasing the bump damping when you increase the load may act as a stopgap for not being able to up the spring rate. Here is where the Ranchos could be a good choice. Perhaps someone with experience could comment on this?


The Edlebrocks are a great idea, basically a copy of a Bilstein with the addition of a high velocity relief valve built into the piston. It is supposed to allow higher compression damping to better control low amplitude movement without being too stiff when you hit a big bump/pothole. I tried them on a 3/4 ton Suburban. WAY too much compression damping on the rear. Nothing wrong with the shock, just not developed properly.

So, it all comes down to who takes the time to valve their shocks for each specific application. If you see the same part number for multiple vehicles, you can be sure it won't work equally well on all of them.

No "adjustable" shock has a large enough range of adjustment to take it from unacceptable to acceptable by just turning a knob. Shocks need to be valved pretty close for a given application. The adjustment then allows fine tuning.

Happy bump and rebound,

DC

[CHPMustang]

[ QUOTE ]
I thought there was a problem with the Rancho's rusting out?? Is this true?

[/ QUOTE ]
We've had our X's on for a little over two years with no rust evident anywhere,but then again the roads aren't salted here during the winter [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Bilstein and 9000X shocks are both great choices,it's just the type of ride one desires [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Bruce1954]

Not to confuse things but there is another choice Rancho RSX much less costly than the 9000

I have them on the front since front loading changes up front very little you are just as likely to reduce the front axle loading as increase it from my experience and I use my X about every way possible. I figure the front at 4000# +- 10% and that is about it.

The rear goes from uner 4000# to over 6000# so Adjustable does make some sense.




Bruce

[02ex]

Bilsteins on my 2WD Ex, handles empty, and with 5000lb trailer load (and air bags pumped up) with no issues, even on some of the big whoops here on I-635. They last longer it seems, and have a reputation for mnot degrading over time.

[caryt]

I have had them on every car and truck they would bolt up to. My 90 3/4 ton chevy had 300k on them when I sold it 4 years ago and there still going strong.

Cary