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View Full Version : What shocks will give a softer ride?

racerecchs
05-28-2002, 03:54 PM
Ok, here's what I've decided on: Due to financial considerations and in order to fix the wag sag so I can continue to drive my baby, I'm getting Rancho 2.5" AAL's. The best price I got locally was $75 per axel on the aal's and $90 to install.

I'm also going to get and shocks and stabilizer, maybe the Rancho 5000 series for $38 a piece.

My question: I know the AAL's will give a bit of a stiff ride, is there a shock other than the rancho 5000's that will soften the ride a bit?

Please advise. Thanks,
Craig
Bombadier
05-28-2002, 04:44 PM
whoa....i paid a bundle for my RS5000s....i forget how much, but it was a hell of a lot more than $38 apiece......
As for ride quality, i find no fault with my ranchos....they may shake me a bit when i go over RR tracks at speed, but oh well.....
I've heard good things about Gabriels as for ride quality on-road....look into their line. The original shocks on my truck were Gabriel SSTs, but those were completely shot, (they looked about 20 yrs old) so i couldn't tell you first-hand.

[ May 28, 2002: Message edited by: Bombadier ]</p>
miked
05-28-2002, 05:15 PM
the AAL's should be about $40 - 60 an axle, the price for the RS5000 sounds about right.

you can find this stuff w/pricing at summitracing.com, the partnumber for the rancho stuff is ran-rs5xxx where xxx is obviously the correct shock number for the 5000 series shock. the AAL's are something like ran-rs60612.

you can find rancho application info at gorancho.com, shocks specifically at http://www.gorancho.com/documents/shocks.pdf, shock spec's are at http://www.gorancho.com/documents/specifications_2.pdf

four wheel parts wholesalers is pretty agressive on price if you have one in your area. www.4wheelparts.com (http://www.4wheelparts.com) i think
shadowfax101
05-29-2002, 12:36 AM
I got Rancho 9000s for that price. I think it was JC Whitney.
Ralph
05-29-2002, 12:49 AM
The Rancho 5000 is a very stiff shock, wonderful for off-froad but tough on the daily driver. I would recommend a set of Gabriel GasRyder LT that are about $19 each at AutoZone.
tuck
05-30-2002, 06:00 AM
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by shadowfax101:
I got Rancho 9000s for that price. I think it was JC Whitney.<hr></blockquote>

Your sig says Rough Country 9000... which is it? There's a pretty big difference.
woodybeone
05-30-2002, 11:45 AM
Well I put Edelbrocks on about 1000 miles ago and there just getting broke in and ride great. But since you mention "finances" I guess you should stick with your original plan.
Ralph
05-30-2002, 02:40 PM
Yeah, I'm in love with the Edelbrocks, as well. They are the sweetest! But not cheapest!
Rob
05-30-2002, 08:05 PM
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Ralph:
I would recommend a set of Gabriel GasRyder LT that are about $19 each at AutoZone.<hr></blockquote>

Is there any reason Autozone recommends this shock just for the rear and not for the front?
Is it too soft for the front?
Ralph
05-31-2002, 02:09 AM
That would have something to do with the fact that the folks at the Zone are idiots. Same shocks front and rear, just like originals. By the way, the shocks I have are the VST version.
mccullough_89_GW
05-31-2002, 02:24 AM
I too recommend the gabriels...i have them on front and air shocks in the back....

Never tried the rancho's though...so really it's just my .02...on what I have....
Michael
05-31-2002, 02:31 AM
AAL's....it does not matter what shock you use. They are like ridding on rocks. I did this to my wag for about 6 months. I ran the Gabriel shocks and it did not help. It is the cheapest way to go for a bandaid fix.....but I could not keep the rear aal in the spring pack. It kept sliding out.
Summit sales Ranchos aals.... I paid around $120 for all four....both axles. And they were very easy to install. Good luck. I would buy the cheapest shock....like the gabriels....because if you decide to replace your springs in the future...say lift you will not be out much...
coolram
05-31-2002, 02:42 AM
Just checked www.autozone.com (http://www.autozone.com) for the Gabriel VST p#G63377 listed for $17.99ea.I put a set on my Dad's '73 C10 and the ride is very good.

What color are the factory original shocks and does anyone know the numbers that would be on them?

[ June 01, 2002: Message edited by: coolram ]</p>
Bombadier
06-02-2002, 07:00 PM
Just got a pair of shocks from my girlfriend.
they're yellow, silver box that says "AT Gas-Charged Shocks".....
Are they Discount/Auto-Zone/Checkers generic shocks? anyone got any info on how these things will ride?