My truck rides like crapola.. So I'm gonna get new shocks, cause I seriously need them, Also my steering stabalizer is busted and leaks oil all over half the time... So I needa new one of those also, I was wondering if I would really notice ANY difference at all between getting Pro-Comp ES3000 shocks and steering stabilizer, or Monroe Sensa-Tracs shocks with a factory replacement stabilizer, Anyone have any opinions? I'm just trying to get the best bang for my buck, I want a soft ride, and good handling characteristics.. Also does anyone know how well the pro-comp steering stabilizer replacement kit works? I've heard people complain it doesn't work well.. FYI this is for my '86..

 

Monroe makes Procomp and Rancho, most of the products will be similar. I got some Rancho RS5000 and love them

 

Oh.. Yeah I'll prolly go with Pro comp, I'd like some more input though!

 

Bump cause I need some damn input!

 

I love bilstiens, and OMEs, those are the sweetness ??? but i'm not sure if they come in stock ride height, but i'd imagine they would. OMEs aren't to expensive, but they are pretty sweet.

 

I bought some pro comp 9000's when I did my Chevy leaf swap. THat thing road like a bail wagon. I have heard the 3000's are softer, but I cant say for sure. I'll will probably switch my self.

 

I have experience with the bilsteins in the front and doetsch techs in the rear. For the price, IMO the doetsch techs are a better quality shock. Big shafts, large body. heavy duty pieces. for the rears, my mv12's were like 50 bucks. They make some other gas shocks that seam pretty nice. when my fronts go out, (??????) I want to try the Doetsch tech Prerunner Shock. Has a built in bumpstop on the 11/16" shaft.

 

I went with the Monroe Sensa-Tracs from NAPA although I haven't done the steering stabilizer yet it does ride a hell of a lot better. The shocks that came off were probably the originals and had no resistance to hand compression at all. Heck when I compressed one and layed it on the concrete it was still compressed a half hour later when I picked it up to throw it away. The Monroe's were a little pricey but the ride is outstanding and well worth it in my opinion.

 

What's anyones opinions on Ranchos? Just found out my shocks are 25 years old(!) don't think i have to explain that right there. rides like shat and guessing it won't be any better off road. haen't taken it anywhee yet. its a stock 83. sorry for the thread jack

 

Is that 83 still mostly stock?

I'm a firm believer in going back with OEM replacements on stock vehicles or even vehicles with just a few mild mods. Once you start getting into the air alittle and looking for large amounts of flex you'll need to pursue some aftermarket stuff like the Rancho's. When I do my SAS (although I have been telling myself for months not to do it) I'll be digging through the aftermarket options as well.

 

I had the Prerunners and they were just too stiff for mild off roading. The MV12's are very soft(so they say) compared to the Prerunners. I may try them in the rear. Went with Bilstein HD in the front which are a lot better.

The bump stops on the prerunners are just soft rubber and mainly for looks. Your stock shock mounts can not take the force of the shock bottoming out.

 

I have rancho 5k's on the front, and a cheapie monroe steering stabilizer.

still have to get around to doing the rear.

I like the rancho 5k's. They're just a little stiffer than stock, but were a signifigant improvement over the old worn out front shocks.

The steering stabilizer was an even better investment. I drive on a lot of...low quality..roads here in maine. Its about 15 miles of potholes from school to the next town, and the steering stabilizer has made it so I no longer need to fight the wheel

 

Are those pro comp 3000's softer shocks then the 9000's?

 

Old Man Emu for everything.

 

x2 They ride great!

 

I have had OME's installed on my 92 4runner for 12 hours now, so far so good Felt way better on the way to work today. I will give a better report after more drive time.

 

I can get some cheap monroe's for 15$ that are gas charged? Think they'd be any good?

 

yeah I have the mv 12's on the back of mine and they are great. really soaks up the bumps. I have the HD Bilstein's in the front for a good combo. My buddy is going to get the same for his pickup as the back end of his truck bounces a lot. HAving the really soft shocks in the back allows the truck to plant when you romp on the gas. really helps when you are jumping into traffic. I have actually got the back to squat so hard that I lifted the front left tire making a left turn!

 

Yeah, my 83 is stock. I am thinking I'll keep it that way for a while anyway(except a locker in the back). Ended up getting tires, just some cheap Big Os so I think shocks are a legit next step. What should I look for in a shock? softer=better stiffer=is worse? What makes the OMEs good?

 

By the way Alex, good to see someone gets my humor