I've done some searching, but couldn't find any suggestions/answers. I've got an '81 4x4 long bed & I'm looking for some new shocks. I don't know what shocks are on it now (covered with rust) but it rides like my 3/4 ton work truck. If this is normal for a SFA, then I'll have to get used to it. I'm looking for a more comfortable ride at an affordable price ($250 or less). Here's a pic of my ride, it's on 31x10.5 LT & new tires will more than likely be 235/75/15 (budget). Thanks for any help.

 

I'm rebuilding an '81 short bed right now. The suspension is going to be completely stock (no lift, etc.). I'm using Bilstein HDs that I ordered from Shockwarehouse.com. I searched the net and they were the cheapest plus no shipping charges. Be warned though, they take awhile to get them to you.
As far as I know and have read, these trucks rode kind of rough from the factory, I guess it's and acquired taste. I've heard EMU makes a pretty good stock spring, but I'm not sure about the ride quality or if there's any difference.

 

I'm planning on keeping my suspension stock, too. How long did it take to get yours? I had Ranchos on a 94 that wasn't too bad. But this is my first SFA, so I wanted to get some opinions from people who have had more experience with them.

 

The rears took about 3 weeks and a call to customer service (it says 7-10 days to be delivered).

The fronts, I ordered on 4/25 and still haven't seen them. I called their customer service and they said Bilstein only sent them 1 shock and they were waiting on the other and would call me back. That was over a week ago.

 

Everyone I know loves Bilstein, I've heard Rancho's can run a little stiff. But you're driving a truck from the early 80's.

I would agree that these older trucks run a little rough on stock susp. but its no biggie to me, been driving stock helix for almost 10 years

 

WOW! You weren't kidding. I found I can order them through Auto Zone for pretty close to the same price. I wonder if it'd take that long through them. Then again, I seem to remember hearing that they were raising their price on the 5100s & they were taking longer to ship.

I expected the ride to be a little rough & my shocks are pretty rusty so thinking about changing. Just asking for suggestions from people who've owned their trucks longer than me. Thanks for everyone's input! BTW, anybody had ay experience with Pro Comp shocks? Just another one I've been tossing around.

 

Might as well change them, but don't expect much improvement in ride. I haven't been in a lot of these trucks, but mine rides like a tank. It's the leaf springs, not the shocks, causing this. I put Bilsteins in mine.

 

Would new springs "soften" the ride any?

 

New leaf springs? I'll bet new bushings would soften the ride better than new leafs. Only modified leafs would improve the ride. Like taking a leaf or two out (not sure anyone recommends this...), or moving the rears up front and putting Chevys or Fords in the back. But I don't know that these trucks really rode much better when they left the dealership.

You've got a long bed, too! Which because of the longer wheelbase likely rides a lot smoother than my truck.