Hey Guys-
Getting ready to tighten up my rear end with the Downey HD Coils. They (Downey) sells deutch tech shocks. I know that a some on the forum run with Rancho and Bilstein. Anyone know the price comparison, warranty,or ride comparison? Any suggestions would be great. Personal Preference??
Thnks in advance!!

 

Bilstein would be my choice. Rancho shocks seem to be a stiff ride and don't last as long. I'm pretty sure that you will have to pay more for the Bilstein's but it's worth it. I have also been told that Bilstein has a lifetime warranty... You might check on that one. Xtreme offroad sells them and will know the exact size you will need. Or wait for the Sway Away rear shocks to come out pretty soon...

 

I personally went with the Bilsteins with my Downeys. I've had 3 sets of shocks on my truck with the Downey HD Coils installed, and the Bilsteins are by far the best. I started out with KYB Gas-A-Just shocks (They suck, you'll be bouncing all over the place, they're way too stiff), then I bought a set of Rancho 9000 Adjustable Shocks (I Didn't like them at all, no matter what setting they were at they didn't seem to offer any cushioning both offroad and on. But I know a couple people on this board have them and like them, but I'm just going by personal experience I certainly don't miss the front and back end dropping down hard after going over a speed bump at 5mph :mad: ) So then I ditched the Ranchos and bought a set of Bilsteins. The difference that these make is like night and day, it's amazing. They're stiff, but they don't bounce you around everywhere (unlike the KYBs) and they handle great on the road.
Or you could always go with a set of Edelbrocks like Corey and I think a couple others have. They love them, but they're about $10-$20 more than Bilsteins.

Just my opinion

*EDIT* Forgot to mention that CV is right about the Bilsteins having a lifetime warranty. If they fail or anything I think that you just have to send it to Bilstein (or bring it to them if you live close enough to one of their places, I have one about 15 miles from me) and they'll fix it, or replace it. So that's another thing to consider Also I'm not 100% sure how Bilstein's warranty works though, because I haven't had a problem with mine.

-Braden

 

I went with the Doesch Tech's, I've had them about three months. No off road yet, but I'm not real happy with them. They ride pretty smooth, but If you go over a bump or dip they seem to drop pretty quick. For example, it was said early, if you go over a speed bump they drop like a bag of rocks. I'm selling them for $50 or best offer. Your more than welcome to buy them and try them. I upgraded to Edelbrocks, they should be in today. I'll post my opinion soon.

 

The DT's are the softest. Mushy ride

The Rancho/Edelbrock in the middle. Although Rancho's will fade when they heat up.

Bilstein being the firmest and the shock I wuld choose if I were you. Downey makes coils on the realtively soft side, in comparison to OME.

Bilstein would be my poison of choise without a doubt.

 

OME HD shocks would be very similar to the Edelbrock/Rancho 9000/5000.

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

 

I'm partial to the Bils because that's what I am running.. Have you read through the Suspension Roundup page yet?

 

Well I posted a new thread on my opinion of the Edelbrocks, but I'll post it here too. I put them on last night, and I can't believe the difference. It's amazingly better than the DT's. I don't know how the Billies ride, but I can't see them being any better than this. Good luck with your decision.
Just an FYI...I bought these a PP for $59 and shock with their 15% discount they're running now.

 

Thanks to all!! I give an update when I make up my mind and get them installed!!

 

Had mine on now since October of '99, and they work great.

I tried some Gabrial Gas Adjust under the Les Schwab tire brand name of Mountain Ryder, and they were to mushy, and did not control the rig in heavy winds on the freeway.

I hardly notice the wind now with the 'Brocks on the rig.

They are one of the more expensive shocks out there, but they are worth it IMHO.