Lets Talk Shocks

[Quattro]

I'm looking at new shocks up front for my 1998 expy. I currently use the beast as a daily driver, but take it offloading at least once a month.

I purchased this vehicle with no prior history, as it was from a police auction. It currently has 35" tires with what seems to be at least a 1-2" lift. Any time I go over a bump, or a bridge/freeway connection the truck almost jumps off the ground.

The front has shocks, while the back has springs and air bags. The truck has a aftermarket air ride system installed that supplies air to the rear.

SO to my question, to improve overall drive and ride for my daily drive, improve offroadablity, and keep the same ride height, what front shocks should I get...

Bilstein BE5-2574-HO
Rancho RS 5000 Series
Rancho RS 9000XL Series
or just generic shocks

Thanks in advance

-Derek

 

[panda24619]

do you have pics of the truck? just to see how high it is. but i would say bilstein. just b/c they are good shocks and are good off road too. i have generatic monroco reflex shocks... wish there was a thumbs down smiley! i dont like them. the ride improved over the old worn out shocks but not as good as they should be. and they started to squeek after a month. and i know its the shocks cause it wasnt my sway bar at the time. haha i want to get fox shocks with reservoirs. just because! haha

 

[Quattro]

I will take some pictures tonight when I get home with more detail of the height and the current suspension.

I am also planning on doing the following during the shock replacement:
Upper control arm and bushings
Lower ball joint
Front and back breaks
Serpentine belt

 

[tmajikman]

Double post :-(

 

[tmajikman]

Go with the Bilstein 5100 series shocks, they are made for the full size SUV's and Trucks, the weight rating and all that, I have done a good bit of research on them and talked with several folks who have them, they love them, I am getting that series when I get mine in the near future..

 

[seeker]

dont go generic

SO to my question, to improve overall drive and ride for my daily drive, improve offroadablity, and keep the same ride height, what front shocks should I get...

Bilstein BE5-2574-HO
Rancho RS 5000 Series
Rancho RS 9000XL Series
or just generic shocks

Thanks in advance

-Derek[/QUOTE]

i have used Bilsteins on several vehicles and never regretted it. I am running Pro comp e 6000's on my expy and been very happy with by 160 dollar investment for the four shocks. I stay on the roadways so cant speak to off roading.

 

[Quattro]

I will take some pictures tonight when I get home with more detail of the height and the current suspension.

So I have attached some photos of the ride height, front inner wheel well, and rear look at the air suspension (4). Again I am most interested in keeping the current ride height. In this position my air suspension is at 25psi.

For size reference my tires are: 285/17/r16

 

[Quattro]

Any suggestions

Does anyone have any ideas of how my truck is lifted after looking at the pictures?

 

[panda24619]

it looks to be about a 2" lift. and that rear spring airbag set up is unique. but 2 inch longer shocks should do the trick.

 

[Quattro]

Thanks a lot, I appreciate the info.

I am in Orange County,CA. I see you guys are planning a pismo run. I might be interested in that. Take the expy and the ys250 and get sandy!

 

[curleywon]

Looks like this system!
http://www.strutmasters.com/Expedition-Air-Lift-1000-p/al-61792-fe.htm

 

[panda24619]

Thanks a lot, I appreciate the info.

I am in Orange County,CA. I see you guys are planning a pismo run. I might be interested in that. Take the expy and the ys250 and get sandy!

yeah you should come. the more the merrier. i dont want to be the only expedition there. haha so far a bunch of lifted 150s a stock 09 f150 and a lower 2wd f150 on 22s. we all told him to get some stock tires for the rear. haha but yeah you should come. im trying to talk a lot of other people on here to go since they live in the area. im probley going to be one of the firsts ones there since i live in sd and most likely will have a trailer and dont want to get stuck in LA traffic. get there before the sun.

Looks like this system!
http://www.strutmasters.com/Expedition-Air-Lift-1000-p/al-61792-fe.htm

thats most likely it. at least it seems like it.