Experienced Forum User--serious question

[wilsonw2]

Howdy my feller PSD owners.

I was going to post this in the performance, exterior, or even the general suspension section where it belongs, but I don't believe it would have gotten any attention.

So I called up to Rudy's Diesel Performance, ordered $2300 worth of "goodies" for my bro (he just got his taxes back), and I must thank them for great service and communication. So thanks fellas.

On another note, I asked him what shocks they run on their trucks, and he said "ALA shocks". I googled it, found NOTHING . Called him back and he said google "A-tech ALA shocks." I was like perfect...should come up this time! NOTHING

What gives? Am I a tard? (wouldn't be the first time).

On that note, I believe the consensus for shocks with the best reputation from stock to 4" of height have been Bilstein 5100's (for the most simple stock swaps and leveled trucks), Carli/Icon, and King in that order. Some are running Rancho 9000's with luck, others rough country, pro comp, and a couple monroe.

I think we all agree that you get what you pay for, but for the average fella looking for a good stance (leveled truck or stock truck) willing to spend about 500-1000 for the whole package (level, blocks, shocks, etc.) and wants an improved ride (yes, i know it's a PSD at 8000lbs and not built to ride like a caddy), what's the best option? I know some fellas that have spent thousands on shocks and have been very disappointed in ride improvement on the highway considering the $$$ they dished out, which is not what i'm looking for.

One last question, and it may be a funny one--anyone running "velvet ride shackels"? Heard that for the first time today, and thought it was a joke...turns out it's real and some guys do. Any reviews? Anyone even make them for our trucks anymore?

Thanks in advance for all educated, experienced, respectful responses. Please do not turn this into a shock bashing thread. I'd like for myself and others to get something out of this thread considering it's tax refund season and a good many are looking for the same answers I am.

[Evil Eye]

I'm running Bilstein 5100 shocks and the Velvet Ride shackles. Don't waste your money on the Velvet Ride shackles or Sulastic springs. In my opinion, they aren't worth it. I do like the Bilsteins, although my suspension is a little different than yours.

[drewactual]

I have ranchos on my rig that I can't stand.. but they ain't broke yet..

I ran 5100 billy's on my dodge, after running about everything else.. I was hesitant to spend nearly $90 a shock, but I wish I would have earlier.. they are great shocks..

[wilsonw2]

Bump. Does nobody really have an opinion or am I asking what everyone already knows. I listed the most expensive. How about some $100-150 a shock that have really impressed y'all? Anyone?


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[44magnum]

I have 5100's on my truck and I really didn't see any difference in ride quality.

[ZMANN]

I love the Rancho 9000x adjustable shocks Bilsteins were too stiff for my liking

I always suggest buying shocks local in case you need to warranty one

[Clayton1985]

Originally Posted by 44magnum

I have 5100's on my truck and I really didn't see any difference in ride quality.

x2 .

[drewactual]

my guess is the shocks made a difference on the Dodge because of the IFS torsion bar suspension.. maybe, anyway..

it's good to know that there is really no difference on these rigs..

here is something of value, though, that may serve the OP well:

Tenneco makes most the shocks we see under rides w/ after market lift kits.. they make:

Monroe[11]
Walker[12]
Rancho[13]
DynoMax[14]
Clevite Elastomers[15]
Gillet[16]
Fonos[17]
Fric-Rot[18]
Kinetic[19]
Thrush[20]
DNX[21]
Marzocchi[22]
Axios[23]
Lukey[24]

they also produce shocks with the Rough Country, Skyjacker, helz- just about every lift kit out there have shocks produced by Tenneco.. the thing about those shocks is that they aren't all bad, but the white bodied ones aren't good.. they are the precise same shock that sell for $30ea under one brand, then slap a Rancho label on them and BOOM-they are suddenly worth $70ea...

If you've got the coin, FoxRacing makes the best imHo, followed by the high end Bilstein's, and then the higher end Rancho's..

If you've ever been off road in a long armed FoxRacing suspended machine, the initial platform and then the progressive ramp is a thing of beauty.. it slaps the crap out of all linear travel shocks most of us use.. but then again, how often do we really work these things off road? In my mind, it certainly doesn't justify buying them..

[wilsonw2]

Thanks for the response fellas. I guess I didn't use the search button "enough" but i did search extensively.

I hate posting "shock" posts that really add no value, but i have drewactual to thank for making this thread valuable with his backup information on shocks.

i saw where a guy failed to read my post that i posted YESTERDAY about the SAME question...another reason why this site frustrates me, even though I have learned SO much from it over the past 5 years.

Always a double edged sword...

[OCVeloMan]

The 5100s are an entry level offroad shock. Depending on your coil choice, they will provide a firm ride and handle the sharp bumps much better but overall, they're NOT a "soft" shock. Their construction and quality are unmatched at their price point but whether or not you should purchase them is reliant on your goal. White body shocks (rancho, pro comp, etc..) are cheaper, inferior construction that won't last near as long but ride much softer (assuming a soft spring). Just some info, take it for what it's worth...