Abraham Contreras

Hey everyone I don't know much about shocks at all and was hoping I can get some advice. I have an 83 pickup 4x4 and it looks to me like it still has original shocks on it they are so stiff and rough and I want to change them out. I was told I can go with the bilsteins or the ranchos but was wondering what else I can go with? Or do I not have that many options? Can I put universal shocks on my truck and If I go with universal shocks which size do I go with or stroke as it's called?

I found these fox shocks on a website would these work and if so what size do I know to get?



I also plan on replacing my steering stabilizer so some advice on what to go for that would help to thanks everyone and merry Christmas.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

Since you said it was possibly the original shocks, which I do believe is still on it as I have seen that many times, I am guessing you have no aftermarket lift. If that is the case, you can get several different brands from your local parts store. Myself, I use part store shocks for the kind of driving I do. They could recommend the correct size as long as you are running in stock height.

If you have some sort of lift, then you are going to need to get the correct length of shock to allow for expansion and compression. Not sure how to get the correct measurements for that.

scuba

Crazy what you can find out with a couple google searches.

These list as a stock application for your truck. By the numbers, you need a 6" travel shock.
Probably won't find a high quality aftermarket 6" travel shock, so an 8" travel would be your next option. If you go with an 8" travel shock, you'll have to use some sort of bumpstops to keep the shock from bottoming out and committing suicide.
EVS sells shock stops that ride on the shaft and keep the shocks from bottoming out.

http://www.ajusa.com/Bilstein-24-184...er-ab046b.html

HighLux

you dont need fancy shocks. Anything will be better than original shocks.

The two you mentioned are offroad shocks....not something one adds for comfort or better ride.

Abraham Contreras

Thanks for the advice everyone I guess I should of mentioned that I do want the shocks for more off-roading which is why I don't want to go with the cheapest ones. Which is why I was looking at the fox or whatever else may work and my truck seems a little high but I'm not sure if that's just how they came stock. Here's a picture of the shocks I have on now

scuba

PSSHHH, "fancy" shocks will improve ride quality on all types of surfaces ranging from asphalt to high speed dirt/ gravel roads and even low speed crawling (though, while crawling their effect is less noticeable).
Bilsteins 5100 series are at the lower price range for higher quality shocks. Bilstein also manufactures more performance orientated shock series like the 7100's.
Absolutely nothing wrong with putting expensive shocks on a mildly modified truck.

Well, we can't exactly tell what your equipment is from just looking at it.
Best thing to do is pull the shock out and measure compressed and extended lengths when the shock is off. That way you'll make sure you get exactly what you need.

HighLux

dont know what you learned in Alabama....but unlearn it. Since when have you heard Rancho's or Bilstein 5100's riding smooth? Every single person complains they are stiff and rough. Pretty much what OP was complaining about in the first line of his post.

I

scuba

When did I say rancho's ride smooth?
I didn't even utter their name.
A properly valved bilsteins will help enhance the ride quality of any vehicle.

BigBluePile

iTrader: (3)

Need to measure your vehicle at ride height, compressed and at full droop. Plus the current shock dimensions to find out what you need. Ranchos are great shocks, I've used the 9000 series for years with success. Rancho 5000s are going to ride super stiff.

HighLux

snobdds

Ready, Fire, Aim...

scuba

What is your beef? I simply gave the guy advice. I said bilsteins are a good shock. Nothing wrong with him going with foxes. Told him how to figure out what shocks he needed and said something to OP that happened to contradict your statement. Would you feel better if I said "I believe" in front of my statements giving advice? Get off your high horse and cut the crap mr stocker.

BigBluePile

iTrader: (3)

Boom.

Abraham Contreras

Thanks for the help everyone I appreciate it