[Spooner]

I've got an 01 Ranger 4x4 that's nearing 100k. I think it's definitely time for some shocks. I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions.

My local guy who does my tires, alignments, etc. swears by Monroe. I see several options from that company that are relatively inexpensive. I would like a relatively smooth ride--for a truck of course--and not really something that is going to knock my kidneys out. For that reason, KYB and Bilstein seem like they're not good ideas.

Any suggestions?

While at it, how about front brake pads? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

On edit, didn't post in towing, because I don't consider this a tow vehicle. It's more of an around town/winter vehicle.

-John

This post has been edited by Spooner: Apr 24 2006, 03:21 PM

[Blainefab]

I put Bilstein HD's on my Silverado 2500 70Kmi ago - stopped the hobby horsing, smoother over bumps, not too expensive. Highly recommended.

[rmackintosh]

I put Bilstein HD's on my Silverado 2500 70Kmi ago - stopped the hobby horsing, smoother over bumps, not too expensive. Highly recommended.

Alan, you have the 2500HD like I do right? I was coming home from Laguna yesterday towing nothing, just the truck, and noticed that the thing seems rather "shockless" (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) seems to bounce for days after a hard bump. My truck has ONLY 25000 miles on it. When did you replace yours?

[Blainefab]

I put Bilstein HD's on my Silverado 2500 70Kmi ago - stopped the hobby horsing, smoother over bumps, not too expensive. Highly recommended.

Alan, you have the 2500HD like I do right? I was coming home from Laguna yesterday towing nothing, just the truck, and noticed that the thing seems rather "shockless" (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) seems to bounce for days after a hard bump. My truck has ONLY 25000 miles on it. When did you replace yours?

Mine is a 2002 2500 short cab long bed - I believe it is the last of the non-HD 2500's and is a little lighter than the HD. Mine was delivered with "heavy duty suspension $95.00" the salesman said it was better shocks, but they sucked from new. Sucked badly. No damping for big whoops, and just horrible while towing - the front end would rebound on bad bridge transitions so violently I think I was getting air. I got a load leveling hitch which made it almost tolerable towing, but still sucked unloaded. I finally got the Bilsteins at 50Kmi, and the truck felt way better than new - no more launching off whoops, it tracks better without running thru all its travel, rotates nicely with a little trail brake, and soaks up little bumps that the stock shocks did not. Ride quality is wonderful, does not feel truckish at all. Now have 127Kmi, an the Bilsteins are still fine.