After my rear flex thread, I've learned I need some shocks BAD! Narrowed it down to these:

1) KYB Monomax: $198 shipped
2) Tokiko Trekmaster: $175 shipped
3) Bilstein HD: $249 shipped
4) Bilstein 5100: $299 shipped
5) Bilstein HD front/5100 rear: $279 shipped
6) Downey: $215 shipped

I plan on doing some off roading/crawling, but also want a ride that's not too stiff. Considering prices and use. What do you guys think? Thanks

 

bilstein or downey is what i have heard of. and i have heard great things about them. downey would be my choice because of the price.

check out the guy strap22 on the forums. he puts packages together for shocks and springs for great prices. go looky :]

 

Go with the bilsteins.......remember you get what you pay for, especially with shocks

 

I've really enjoyed my Rancho 9000s

 

Which bilsteins though? I've read excellent things about them. I'm just thinking they might be overkill for my setup. Especially the 5100's.

 

No other thoughts? I found a vendor to sell me the set of 5100's for $279 shipped. Still expensive, I know, but a better price. Any thoughts?

 

They are not overkill. The only thing that would be overkill for your setup is a coil over or an air shock, because they do completely different things than what you need which is a "shock absorber." All of the ones you are looking at are just of different quality really, with some of them having maybe a little bit of a dedication to driving style and terrain, but in the end, the more money you pay, the smoother more controlled ride you get.

 

Nothing like bilsteins, donwey and ome would be my second choice. Although the top of the line rancho 9000 aint to bad either.

 

Where are you finding the 5100's shipped for that price?

-frozen... still waiting for snow.

 

Hmm... I know. Only reason, I'm really considering the Downeys are because I'm thinking of ordering other stuff from them and would like to get combined shipping.
I found them on eBay. I'm still waiting to hear from that vendor on another deal. I'll post a link to them when I hear back.

 

Sweet. Thanks!

 

yea..I run some cheap ass ranchos now (previous owner installed) they are shot..but im gonna be going with the 5100s when i get the scratch together. yea they are $$....but you can rebuild them ;-)

 

i'm running KYBs (gas-adjust) and i love my performance off road as well as the smooth ride on the road. I've hit the bump stops several times with these shocks and have put the name through the trials. To me, nothing equates the japanese, but Bilsteins have been run by my dad through the baja 1000. So, i would say it's overkill, just because mines a DD.

 

I've always said if you're not gonna run bilsteins, you might as well run stock. It's either one or the other in my mind. Although my suspension shop is big on KYB's and echo the same sentiments above about going Japanese. But it's hard to argue with the performance I've received from mine. But the stock shocks also provide a nice ride - but the stock shocks attributes are sort of opposite those that the Bilsteins provide. With shocks it's really about trade offs. It's just finding the shock that has the values you prefer or fit the application you require.

 

As you know, I vote for the bilstein 5100's. I love em. I also run a downey rear spring. I ordered both from Downey. Call them and see if they still do that.

 

Ya, I agree. I really like what I have read about the bilsteins. Another question is, if I'm planning on staying mostly stock, 1-2" lift if anything. Do I buy the HD or 5100? I see the 5100's say "raised 3-4".

 

What's this? You can rebuild them? For how much? Tell me more...please. And these are the Bilsteins...right?

 

Bilstein Hd's probably would be the best choice for your application, 5100's if you're lifting.
Bilsteins are the best by far, and if Japanese were better than TRD Toyotas wouldn't be running Bilsteins!
Also, yes Bilsteins can be sent in for factory rebuilding, not sure exact information on this but, it is on their website and in the literature when you purchase them.

 

Sorry to keep hijacking this post.... Are you OK to put in the 5100's if you are only lifting about 2"? Is there any benefit to doing this?

Cheers,
frozen

 

No problem. I am wondering the same thing. I don't really want to lift my truck more than an inch or two.