The front of my truck now has a sag to it, it is about 2 inches lower than the rear of the truck. The truck doesn't ride as well as it did back when i first had it. I think its about time for new shocks. I have two questions for the people who know about suspension on these trucks.

If the shocks are worn, would it cause tires to wear more on the inside than the outside faster?

How have the Gabriel Max Control shocks? I am interested in them because autozone has them buy 3 get 1 free.... so they would be just under 200 after tax. I do alot of highway driving, but from time to time like to go off road and fool around.

I do not want to make the truck too stiff of a ride, but I do like the bumpiness that it once had, now it is more of a sagging sway, haha.

I also have ordered a set of BFG mud terrains in a Load D tire, which will make the ride must stiffer I believe.

Any thoughts? I live in a wintery climate with alot of salt and sand... if this makes any difference.

Also, when I go over large bumps slow, I get a squeek. This is the shocks right?

 

The squeeks may be the shocks, but it could also be something else, possibly the control arm bushings.

As for the shocks, if you can afford them i'd go with Bilsteins. I had the cheapo Gabriel shocks and they sucked....I only went with them because they were cheap. I upgraded to the Bilsteins and I wouldn't look at any other shock again. Just my .02

 

I am extremely happy with my bilsteins as well.

 

control arm bushings? I'm not super savy with this stuff, is there any pictures of where these would be and what they would look like when bad?

 

Look at your lower control arms and upper control arms. Where they mount, there is a bushing. I don't know how often they go bad but it's a possibility. I have the same issue when going over speed bumps.

 

How about Rancho shocks? I mean, I am not looking for the cheapest shocks on the market, but I do not know if I really need something like a bilstein shock. My fathers F350 has rancho shocks on it, and the ride seems alright. Where is the cheapest place to get shocks from online? If the ranchos are alright, which model am I looking for since I have noticed that there is a bunch of different kinds...

 

The squeal is more likely ball joints. Out of all the ranger based vehicles I have had or driven, the balljoints (normally lower ones first) start making squeaking/creaking noises over bumps before anything else.

For shocks, I would go with bilsteins. I ran them on my 98 and they were great. Firmer than stock, but no bouncing around, very good ride.

 

I recently put the Rancho Rs5000s on my truck, like you said it was the best quality advance auto had and I dont feel the need for anything better. So far I have no complaints with them.

 

I have Monroe Sensa trac no complaint there. They have a mail in rebate right now I believe.

Front end squeak can also be tie rods

 

My recommendation for you would be to go with a shock absorber that is gas pressurized. This will insure that you get a shock that will give you some sort of progressiveness for on road to off-road driving. This will also help with acceleration squat, minimizes braking nose dive and controls roll and pitch when turning or maneuvering off-road. Sure Bilstein is one of these shocks and with the RF discount they run you only $67ea. but for the stock vehicles KYB also makes an affordable shock called the MonoMax gas adjust.

 

You guys are selling Bilsteins for $67 each? If noone buys them they are on crack. For all four, that's $100 cheaper than you would buy them at any parts store. Heck I bought all 4 of mine for only 3 dollars less than that total. That is DEFINATELY an awesome deal.

 

It was just a possibility. If he has greaseable ball joints I would suggest greasing them and seeing if it makes any difference.

Have you checked out your front end?

 

i run kyb monomax shocks and u can't feel anything when bombing down a trail haha they are solid shocks.

 

67$ each? Where can I get these for this price? You have my attention!

 

From them. Nick is the sponsor to this site for Offroad Warehouse I believe. Send him a PM and i'm sure he'll hook you up. That's a damn good deal.

 

Thats right we are a sponsor for this forum and offer discounts to all RF members. Just remember that the $67 was for this guys application and prices do very with lift etc. If you would like any prices or tech support you can always PM me or shoot me an E-mail @ nick@orwmail.com
Thanks for all the great support

 

ORW... rocks! Im gonna be getting some bilstien 5100's from them soon. Great company to deal with, Nick is the man!