Would different shocks make a difference?

[bigcountry78]

As most of you know, my truck has slowly been returned to stock While I’ve worked on it. It rides and drives much better. Now I’m wondering if new shocks will help. My current ones are Rancho 5000’s. They are about 20 years old, but only have about 20k miles on them. I see where rock auto is having a close out sale on Gabriel brand oem replacements, and I can get a set of 4 for about $54, before shipping. I know the Ranchos are geared more towards off road, so would I see any improvement by going with the Gabriel’s? Or would it be a waste of time?

 

[HotRodPC]

I'd say they would if they were lift shocks on there now and now you're back to OEM lift. Them things may be close to bottoming out now and will certainly ride stiffer.

 

[bigcountry78]

I don’t THINK they are lift shocks, but I could be wrong. The truck didn’t have a huge lift, mostly cut fenders. But I’m thinking more like after 20 years, the bushings are rotten and the seals probably aren’t much better. Plus ranchos are geared more towards off road, thinking maybe they have a harsher valving.

 

[HotRodPC]

Yep, after 20 years... As you said, for $54 close out for a fresh set of shocks, you're not going to get hurt. I think they'll have a $9.99 flat rate shipping. That's what they charged me for the set I just bought and I applied our 5% discount from the Rock Auto Vendor Page so my grand total was $68 and they were on my doorstep 2 days later.

 

[bigcountry78]

I went ahead and pulled the trigger. $65 after shipping for a set, Seems like a win win. I know they aren’t the best on the market, but they’re sure to be better than my current setup.

 

[HotRodPC]

They may not be the best, but for the price I think they'll work just fine and serve their purpose.

 

[shiftpro]

I don't really agree but that's ok...
IMO shocks are just starting to get decent at $100 each.

It's one of those things.. that if you never experienced it you just wouldn't know the difference.
And some people (ME) really seem to get spoiled easy.

Anyways James, I appreciate all the work you've done on your rig, and I hope you're satisfied with the setup.

 

[77 K20]

I did run some KYB monomax shocks for about 2 years and thought that they were very similiar in ride characteristics to the Bilsteins I had on my other truck. The KYB shocks can be found for about $50

I've yet to run some Fox shocks or Kings though.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Old ranchos weren’t bad. Modern ranchos are junk, though. Just about any shocks are likely better. They came factory on my 2019 z71 and rode terribly. Have adjustable Eibach springs and shocks all around and it’s 100% better.

 

[bigcountry78]

I don't really agree but that's ok...
IMO shocks are just starting to get decent at $100 each.

It's one of those things.. that if you never experienced it you just wouldn't know the difference.
And some people (ME) really seem to get spoiled easy.

Anyways James, I appreciate all the work you've done on your rig, and I hope you're satisfied with the setup.

And that’s ok, I did ask for opinions lol. I love my truck, but It’s hard to justify $500 worth of shocks on anything that isn’t my DD. But, I figured just about any new shock would be an improvement over old ones.

 

[bigcountry78]

One other thing I should mention, I had the rear shocks off a while back for whatever reason, and they didn’t have any rebound. If you pushed it all the way in, it stayed in. I was always under the impression that they should push back out if they were still working. But, maybe that is a Rancho thing. They had resistance, but no rebound, if that makes sense.

 

[waterpirate]

I am pretty sure I put the Gabriels on my sled last year. They replaced the set of red riders from 20 years ago. lol It was a improvement! I got mine at napa.
Eric

 

[Fortarel]

I'll throw in a couple cents: just recently changed out old worn out shocks and went with the Bilstien's. Massive difference. I guess it's possible that I could have gotten that same improvement with a cheaper shock, but I had talked to a lot of folks who tried other brands and they all swore by the Bilstiens. Not cheap I guess, but given the moderate miles I put on the truck, they'll last me for quite some time. Non-lift truck; haul about a one ton load once a week thru some 50mph tight canyon driving so I really needed stability.

 

[elcamman50]

Six months ago, I took off the Hi Jacker Air Shocks I put on my Big 10 back in the mid 80s. Put on some Gabriels and it was like night and day. I could push the Hi Jackers up and down with one hand...lol. Am rebuilding my front end as soon as the cool weather starts here. Will put in new shocks too!

 

[Raybo135]

I'll throw in a couple cents: just recently changed out old worn out shocks and went with the Bilstien's. Massive difference. I guess it's possible that I could have gotten that same improvement with a cheaper shock, but I had talked to a lot of folks who tried other brands and they all swore by the Bilstiens. Not cheap I guess, but given the moderate miles I put on the truck, they'll last me for quite some time. Non-lift truck; haul about a one ton load once a week thru some 50mph tight canyon driving so I really needed stability.

I am curious, I have a 76 K10 and I put new Monroes on it last year. I getting up there in years and like the smoother rides. I didn't really notice much difference in the ride from the old ancient shocks and the new Monroes. My question is, if I get new leaf springs with just 1 less spring in the front AND the rear, will my ride be easier on the kidneys? I current have 3 in the front and 6 in the rear. I just use it to drive on weekends and don't haul anything in it.