which would ya'll use? I am getting ready to get new shocks for the Ranger as the ones that are on there now have some serious rust issues and have been on there for about 50,000 miles....and to be honest, they are too stiff....

Right now i have the Superlift SuperRide shocks....

Here is the ones i was looking at getting:
- Skyjacker Hydro: $136 for 4
- Skyjacker Platinum: $356 for 4
- Bilstein 5100: $320 for 4

I know can't really decide on which one to get.....money isn't an option because i want something that will last and that will ride a bit better.......i know i have a lifted truck and it isn't susposed to ride like a Caddy, but it isn't susposed to ride like a log wagon either...

 

- Bilstein 5100: $320 for 4

 

that is what i am leaning towards........i wonder what the difference is between the Bilsteins and the Skyjacker Platinum's are? they both are mono tube design and cost an asshat!

Is the Bilstein 5100's body a stainless or is it painted? i have never seen the Bilsteins in person......so would it rust is were i am going with this question...

 

Me personaly, You don't wheel your truck tooo often so don't spend the money on shocks that are for, i guess you want to say (hard core, good off-road use). Plus your truck isn't an everyday driver either. I would Just buy a desent smooth riding set at a good price. I would go for the Skyjacker Hydro: $136 for 4.

But again thats My opinion. Im going towards the pro comp ES9000's myself when mine get a bit more rusted up.

 

i also want something that wont rust, so if i have to pay extra for that, then i will......i have painted the ones on the truck about 5 times now.....getting sick of that period......espically since i show my truck, i want them to be good lookin all the time...

 

i love my skyjacker hydro's

 

You just beat me to it. I was going to say since yours is a show truck, than go all out. They will look nice either way. Plus if you have the money than why not. But I get what your saying tho.

 

my brother has Skyjacker hydro's on his '79...........since it isn't driven much, they aren't rusted, nor anywere near wore out.....

 

Neither. 5100s are zinc plated. So the finish is similar to a galvanized fence - silver when new oxidizing to flat gray over time. After all the zinc has oxidized first, the steel underneath will be attacked. The amount of time it takes before the steel begin rusting depends on the environment and the thickness of the plating.

 

how is yours holding up Bob? hasn't it been about a year since you put your 5100's on?

 

I had a set of used rear 5100's for awhile and they are dull grey. I don't know how old they are but think a year or two.

Now my truck has 7100's which are nickel plated. Nickel plating is porous and I expected corrosion problems from road salt. I was not disappointed. They looked great when new but rust is attacking them after one winter. From a long term appearance point of view, paint would be a better than nickel, at least here in the Rust Belt.

 

so the 5100's would last me a bit if i keep the salt off of them......

i wish they made a 7100 for my truck........that would look sweet with a resivor under the front...

 

7100's are basically a race shock, so they don't make them for specific apps. They are sold by extended and compressed length only and you have to make the suspension compatible with the shocks, not vice versa.

 

so if i gave them the dimensions for my truck at ride height, they would be able to give me a part # for my mounts with my deminsions?

 

The rear upper mounts on my 2003 are 16mm studs, IIRC. 7100's come with 1/2" Heims which is smaller and won't fit. I had to press out the Heims and substitute some homemade polyurethane bushings. Also, there can be interference problems with the DS reservoir hose. I had to notch and reinforce a crossmember to make the hose fit.

As far as the TTB front goes, you'd have to check with Bilstein. I'm sure that they've had requests before. They might be able to give you some guidance on the 97 rear installation, too. I know that the crossmember is different. Maybe the upper mount is too.

 

if you don't mind me asking, how much were the 7100's?

 

Im new to the whole world of off-roading so bear with me. What about the Rancho's? I myself are thinking of replacing and have heard from some good with them.

 

Rancho doesn't make a shock for a '97 that is suspension lifted 6"....they only make 1 for a 4" suspension lifted '97....

 

I just took the Skyjacker Nitro's off my truck for the SAS... they dont last very long... and I had the same suspension setup as you pretty much... oh, and they were rusted... I'm going w/ the 5100's... I suggest you do the same!