Moparchat - Home of MOPAR enthusiasts worldwide!



Go Back   Moparchat - Home of MOPAR enthusiasts worldwide! > Technical Forums > Ram Truck Chat

Click here to search for Mopar cars and parts for sale.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-11-2002, 06:29 AM
SS/Teve's Avatar
SS/Teve SS/Teve is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: LAID BACK, ARKANSAS
Age: 72
Posts: 783
Angry Shock absorbers-need advice

It's time to think about shocks for my truck. I found this place on line, and have a few sample prices and types to run by you guys. I'm not up to speed on shocks, so I'm asking those in the know if these are good deals, and if they are for my application.
shockshopusa.com has these prices and makes listed.

Monroe Gas Magnum 34000 series- $48.00 a pair.
Monroe Sensa-trac 37000 series $68.00 a pair. Free boots.
Gabriel-Monroe Air shocks- $78.00 a pair. Free airline kit.

They also carry Bilstien, Edelbrock, Koni, etc. Are these prices competitive, and is the ride from the Monroes decent? Any thoughts are welcome, and I much appreciate it. Thanks!
SS/Teve
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-11-2002, 06:42 AM
HankL HankL is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Durham, NC, USA
Posts: 1,910
Default

Here 's an updated version of an old shocks for Ram pickups post:

I have had the Edelbrock IAS shocks on my 2wd 1500 Ram for about 4 years and
60,000 miles now.

They improve the sway in corners,
reduce nose dive on braking,
and generally feel more in control
- but they are pretty stiff when new and the on-pavement ride suffers some
compared to the factory installed shocks.

Don't believe the hype about 'luxury car' ride with the IAS, but the bit about
being able to go over speedbumps without 'buck & wave' afterwards is indeed
true.

Temperature seems to affect the IAS shock damping a little, with hot summer
days giving a softer ride than cold winter days.

On/Off road the control is good with almost no after pothole gyrations or
washboard road over-reaction.

I personally like the ride a little better now that my 4x2 Ram IAS shocks have
60K of wear on them versus the stiffer ride when they were brand new.

For off road driving several Ram owners have remarked that taking off the
Ram's front sway bar improves articulation and ride. The IAS shocks work well
without the sway bar off road and on pavement, perhaps because of their own
internal anti- sway valving. I have removed the anti-sway bar on my 1995 2wd
CC Ram and have felt a noticeable improvement in ride when one wheel hits a
bump that the other wheel does not. Body lean in turns is still low. I now
have a lot of experience without the sway bar and have personally found no
downside to removing it for the type of driving I do. (Before flaming me on
this I would ask that you read the sway bar links I list below)

If you buy the Edelbrock IAS for a Ram, watch to see that the steel bushings
inside the rear shock upper rubber bushings are there, otherwise you will need
to swap them in from the old factory shocks - the steel bushing keep you from
over-tightening the mounting bolts, which is important as the specified torque
on the mounting bolts is fairly high.

I also had to open up one of the front washer holes on the front IAS shocks to
get it to properly fit.

Edelbrock is now selling a double wall and cheaper version shock - but I don't
see any advantage to the new design except low price. Monowall shocks are
generally superior.

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/ias_shocks.html

The Tenneco-owned Monroe brand Reflex shock is more or less a copy of the
Edelbrock IAS. The Reflex is supposed to be softer for moderate on highway
use.

Tenneco also owns Rancho, and sells a Reflex-like shock with stiffer valving
as the Rancho model RSX for off roading.

http://www.a-1shocks.com/reflex/index.htm

http://www.monroe.com/Reflex_technology.htm

Quite a few people have said that the like the adjustability of the Rancho
model 9000 shocks. Most says that twisting the knob to adjust them is not hard
and can be done in less than 5 minutes. Setting 2 is soft and 4 is rock hard.
I haven't heard of the 9000's leaking so much as the exterior rusting badly
after a few years. An extra coat of good urethane paint prior to installation
might help.

Explorer ProComp is now making a monowall 6-way adjustable shock. Tenneco used
to make the ProComp shocks on their assembly line under contract, but I don't
know if that is true of the new shock design or not. The last time I looked at
the ExplorerProcomp webpage they didn't have the new 6-way shock written up
yet.

http://www.explorerprocomp.com/shocks.html

I haven't heard as many good things about the Rancho 5000 shocks. They are
stiffer than the factory Ram shocks, but I have heard Ram owners who bought
5000 later say they wished they had gone with 9000s.

http://www.gorancho.com/products.stm

Delphi Automotive
(used to be AC Delco of GM but now independent)
has a $500 electronically controlled adjustable aftermarket shock system that
can be adjusted from the cab but does not need an air compressor. Delphi has
been demo'ing this at auto shows but I haven't seen an installation
personally.

http://www.delphiautomotive.com/

The Kenne Bell Company says that they tested all shocks for their specialty
decked out Rams and Durangos and decided upon the Bilstein. Hotchkis
Performance Suspensions also says the Bilstein is best for Rams and Dakotas if
handling is your main goal, and use this shock in their retro-fit handling
kits. The ride of the Bilstein is not supposed to be overly harsh on pavement
either.

http://www.bilstein.com/index2.html

http://www.kennebell.net

Sway A Way has some 'extra fat' shocks that have physically larger bodies and
rods for heavy duty off-road applications:

http://www.swayaway.com/Shock%20frameset.htm

Note that if a lift for your Ram is in the future, any of these shocks may
need to be changed due to length, and any money spent now may be lost.

Other shock & suspension websites worth a visit:

http://www.shox.com/suppliers.html

http://www.tokicogasshocks.com/index.html

Also note the lightweight composite loaf leaf springs for Ram rear leaf
springs at the above Tokico website. there is additional fiberglass spring
info at:

http://www.hypercoils.com/text/leafsprings.htm

http://flex-a-form.com/

More shock links:

http://www.gabriel.com/NewFiles/Pro...ing.htm#Anchor5

Some interesting Java calculators pertaining to shocks:

http://www.proshocks.com/calcs/

Sway Bar/Suspension links and explanations:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question432.htm

http://mchambers.members.easyspace.com/swaybar.htm

http://www.teamscr.com/sway.htm

http://suspension.com/stam-bar.htm

Further Unusual Suspension mods for Rams:

http://www.kinetic.au.com/index.html

http://www.keldermanmfg.com/airride.htm

The "Roadmaster" top of spring control coil add-on below has gotten good
reviews so far from Ram and Dakota owners who have tried them:

http://www.activesuspension.com/

Velvet ride shackles have gotten mixed reviews on Rams:

http://www.drivetrain.com/velvetrideinst.html
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-11-2002, 06:51 AM
SS/Teve's Avatar
SS/Teve SS/Teve is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: LAID BACK, ARKANSAS
Age: 72
Posts: 783
Thumbs up

Thanks HankL. As usual, a reply with all the info to make an informed choice. I'll take everything into consideration, but have to go with the most economical choice without losing too much ride quality, as I am on a very tight budget after dropping $1800 for a complete tranny rebuild. Thanks!
SS/Teve
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-11-2002, 07:46 AM
tony smith tony smith is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Sheridan, Wyoming
Age: 65
Posts: 95
Default Edlebrock IAS shocks

As usual, HankL's post gives you the complete scoop. 'Just thought I'd add my quick .02 worth. I have the Edlebrock IAS shocks on my Ram (2500 HD V10 4x4) - the original monotube design - and I have been very pleased with the performance of them, on and off road. Generally speaking, the monotube gas-charged shocks are of higher quality.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-11-2002, 10:18 AM
HankL HankL is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Durham, NC, USA
Posts: 1,910
Default

If I was on a budget, I would try out the Monroe Reflex shock for a Ram. There is at least one member here on RamTruckChat that has them and his report seemed to be very similar to my experience with the Edelbrock IAS.

If you can wait a few more miles, Monroe frequently has "Buy 3 and get one Free" sales.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-11-2002, 10:21 AM
HankL HankL is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Durham, NC, USA
Posts: 1,910
Default

Another money saving alternative is the current JC Whitney catalog has a 15% off coupon for orders over $200. JC Whitney sells the Edelbrock IAS shocks for $69 each, so the coupon would cut that to about $59
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-11-2002, 04:53 PM
SS/Teve's Avatar
SS/Teve SS/Teve is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: LAID BACK, ARKANSAS
Age: 72
Posts: 783
Default

I've actually been thinking about the Reflex, but wanted some opinions about them. I think for the price, I can afford them. 95,000 miles on the original. I think it's time for a change. I may only be able to buy two at a time, but at least I'll have them. Thanks for the info guys.
SS/Teve
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-11-2002, 08:07 PM
frog frog is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: tulsa,ok,usa
Posts: 26
Default reflex

I am the guy with reflex shocks. I am very happy with them, as I have had nothing short of a dramatic improvment in body lean in turns, and no....nosedive on braking. I can hit bumps at speed and not even feel them. I would buy them again. Now for the downside, I am a very fast and aggressive driver, thus i am always hitting bumps at speed. but on the rare occasions I do 5-15 mph driving on bumpy streets it is a VERY stiff ride, almost like a hardtail. I would imagine that it takes a certain amount of force to open the valve, and at that speed it doesnt, ask hank l.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-11-2002, 11:35 PM
RRREDRAM RRREDRAM is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Ft. Worth, Texas
Posts: 439
Default

I have the Reflex shocks too, I like them. They definately helped the body lean in corners, and don't seem much stiffer than a good gas shock (like Bilsteins for example) I got mine at O'Reilly auto parts during the buy three, get one free sale so they were about $120 for the 4 which was a whole lot cheaper than the best I could do on the Edelbrock shocks.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-12-2002, 06:02 AM
SS/Teve's Avatar
SS/Teve SS/Teve is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: LAID BACK, ARKANSAS
Age: 72
Posts: 783
Default

There is an O'Reillys here in town. Think I'll stop in and see if they have another sale coming up. That is within my budget right now. Thanks for the "epinions" guys!
SS/Teve
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 04-22-2002, 11:32 PM
RRREDRAM RRREDRAM is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Ft. Worth, Texas
Posts: 439
Default

I got an O'Reilly's add in the paper yesterday, they have a sale right now where you get back an "safey first comback certificate*" of up to $75 if you buy 4 reflex shocks. The * says see store for detals not sure what that means. Promotion ends 5/15/02. Thought it might help out.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-23-2002, 06:16 AM
SS/Teve's Avatar
SS/Teve SS/Teve is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: LAID BACK, ARKANSAS
Age: 72
Posts: 783
Default

Appreciate the info RRREDRAM, I haven't had a chance to go by yet, but sounds like now would be the time to do it. Thanks!
SS/Teve
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 04-23-2002, 08:26 AM
Bullish11's Avatar
Bullish11 Bullish11 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: SLC, UT
Posts: 134
Default

Just to add to what's already been said, I have a buddy that's tried several different shocks for his Ram (Rancho, Monroe, Edelbrock) and he says that his current Doetsch Tech 8000's are the best he's ever had.

After he told me, I became interested and did a little surfing on the net to do a little research because I'm going to be buying some new shocks soon myself.

I found several different reviews, the majority of them positive.

The following pic (from http://209.153.207.132/pr/2001/doetsch/ ) is for a Jeep application, but you can see the difference. Notice the difference in the size of the chrome shaft and the length of travel. This owner claims that both the Rancho shocks and the Doetsch Tech's are for the same configuration on his Jeep. He also sounded impressed with both the on and off road handling of these shocks.



The only potential downside I can see is the TwinTube design - for those of you who want a Monotube shock. I still haven't decided myself which shock I'm going to get, but these sound as good as any from everything I've heard so far. They sell for about $40 a piece at trailquest.com
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 04-23-2002, 02:57 PM
Ram-N-Time's Avatar
Ram-N-Time Ram-N-Time is offline
Extra Stout
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,108
Default

For a good ride on a tight budget, buy the Gabriel LT VST's. They run anywhere from $20 to $25 each, depending on if you can find them on sale.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-23-2002, 04:18 PM
SS/Teve's Avatar
SS/Teve SS/Teve is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: LAID BACK, ARKANSAS
Age: 72
Posts: 783
Thumbs up

After a little more reevaluation of my truck finances, those Gabriel LT's are looking really good. If they are a decent shock, then I can get them at Auto Zone for $17 and change. Sound like a real cheapo, but I'm really strapped for cash right now. I do like the way the LT looks anyway. Thanks for the suggestion Ram-N-Time!
SS/Teve
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 04-24-2002, 02:32 PM
Ram-N-Time's Avatar
Ram-N-Time Ram-N-Time is offline
Extra Stout
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,108
Default

No problem.

I ran a set of them for about 6,000 miles before I installed my lift. They were a very good riding shock. I think they could have been a little bit stiffer but then we cannot have everything when we do not have the funds. I would rather have them a little too soft then too stiff.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 04-24-2002, 02:42 PM
SS/Teve's Avatar
SS/Teve SS/Teve is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: LAID BACK, ARKANSAS
Age: 72
Posts: 783
Default

Absolutely, I went by Auto Zone today and looked at one of them. I think they will look really good underneath the white Dodge. I may order some blue shock boots if I can find some that come close to the blue on my stripes. $16.99 apiece at Auto Zone. Thanks!
SS/Teve
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 04-25-2002, 08:54 AM
Race1Mopar's Avatar
Race1Mopar Race1Mopar is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Age: 56
Posts: 452
Default

Hey guys,
I currently run a set of gas KYB's and love the performance but hate the ay they will beat me up on a bad city street. Sweet on the highway and in the twisties though.

I've considered the Reflex shocks sine I wanted just a tad softer ride on bad city streets but was worried that I would lose some of my control.

Would the Reflex shocks make for more pleasant city driving?
Will they still give me that extra sense of control I've come to love in my gas KYB's?

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 04-25-2002, 11:11 AM
Ram-N-Time's Avatar
Ram-N-Time Ram-N-Time is offline
Extra Stout
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,108
Default

I have run some of those supposed "Auto Adjusting Shock" and I am not impressed. If I were you, I would by the self adjusting Rancho 9000. Buy the whole kit that way you can adjust your shock valving from inside the cab.

You can soften them up when you are going over the ruff stuff and stiffen them up when you are on a nice smooth twisty road.

The 9000’s will be the next set of shocks I buy for my truck
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 04-25-2002, 12:27 PM
Race1Mopar's Avatar
Race1Mopar Race1Mopar is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Age: 56
Posts: 452
Default

Has anyone ever tun different shocks up front then they have in the rear? Example... gas KYB's in the back to keep my rears planted but run Reflex shocks up front to make a smoother front end response.

How well would that work?
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 04-25-2002, 05:54 PM
SS/Teve's Avatar
SS/Teve SS/Teve is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: LAID BACK, ARKANSAS
Age: 72
Posts: 783
Default

Of all the performance high dollar shocks, you can just about find some negative response on just about all of them. Not because they are inferior in any way, but because different people have different qualities they are looking for in ride control. That's one of the reasons I've settled on the Gabriel LT's. It's a product from a reputable company that I have recieved nothing but positive responses about since I started looking for shocks. After reading a lot of posts, and checking info, I would probably buy the Gabriel shocks even if I hadn't needed the tranny rebuild. If they just stink on my truck, and do not ride good, then I'll look into the higher dollar shocks, and eat crow. But somehow, I don't think that's going to happen. I'll probably put them on the weekend following this one, and I'll post a full and honest report on their performance. Thanks!
SS/Teve
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 04-25-2002, 07:22 PM
frog frog is offline
Inactive User
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: tulsa,ok,usa
Posts: 26
Smile I took my reflexs off today

I took my reflexes off today, and took them back and got a refund. I put the stockers back on and feel great. I woulld rather have a soft ride, but I did like the cornering of the reflexes but couldnt stand the ride, it was rougher than my 77 1 ton w/ monroe heavy dutys.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Edelbrock Shock Absorbers ThePsychologist Performance Talk 5 01-21-2003 11:05 AM
shock absorbers? vikingfan68 Ram Truck Chat 4 05-13-2002 08:47 PM
shock absorbers desktopsilver Ram Truck Chat 2 02-15-2002 12:45 PM
FAQ on Aftermarket Shock Absorbers for Rams HankL Ram Truck Chat 0 02-13-2002 03:42 PM
ias shock absorbers? Charged8222 Ram Truck Chat 3 02-02-2001 09:41 PM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:40 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
. . . . .