Just looking to get some feedback on what different people are running on their trucks. I am looking at getting the Rancho 5000 shocks and steering stabilizer. Will have 3" lift springs in the front when i get everything all back together. So give the brand/type of shock you are running, and state any pros/cons about your set-up. This may help others who are looking to replace their shocks.

 

Nothing special just whatever brand NAPA sells, they get me by for now but when I upgrade to a better lift I'd like to go with some Bilstiens.

 

I have Bilstien 5125's and know many people who have them on all sorts of toyotas. I heard Rancho's run a little harder, but I have no personal experience with them.

 

The 24 year old stock ones. Tokico if I had to guess.

 

I run Rancho 9000XL adjustable shocks. I had the 5000's on but I like the fact I can adjust my ride with the 9000's. The 5000 worked okay.

 

Yeah buddy got the rancho 5000s, good, but stiffer than stock.

 

Yea I just ordered a set of 5000's w/ a stabilizer

 

I run the Rancho 9000 adjustables. I had the bilstein 5125's and they were to stiff. Much better ride with the rancho's

 

Are the adjustable ranchos really worth it if I am looking to go super soft at times? I like to cruise around the ranch with some people in the back and my rough country setup is just way too stiff. Any info on adjustable shocks for first gen's would be great!

Thanks in advance.

 

rancho 9000XL adjustable shocks!
Id personally like to get 5125's myself. Never been a big fan of Rancho's.

 

ARB shocks

 

Monroe sensatracs. good for a dd.

 

I've always run the Bilsteins (whichever ones are really cheap). Haven't experimented on my truck to see how much they effect the ride. I just figure without doing a leaf spring swap, my truck just rides the way it rides...

On my 86 with IFS, the Bilsteins were awesome. My 83 just rides like a tank no matter what

 

Shocks I've run on my '81

rs5000's- Kidney busters, stiffer than hell!

Rough countrys- Okay, softer than 5000's

Bilstien 5125's front and 5150's rear.
Just right! Good handeling/road manners and great when it gets rough! Just make sure you get the softer valving unless you have a really heavy winch/bumper.

 

Old Man Emu

 

Lucky guy!

Someday...

 

Im running $18 autozone shocks longer than stock to allow more travel... but hopefully can afford bilstiens someday

 

I am also running Monroe Sensa-Tracs on my '80 Toyota Pickup with approximately 4" of lift. It rides as good as expected considering the springs. I'm getting ready to change out the front springs to Allpro extreme flex with F250 shock mounts, and the rears to 63" Chevy springs. I'll be installing Bilsteins at that point... More or less for the flex. It all boils down to what your going to do with your truck. If you are just driving it on the road, get Monroe's (a lot cheaper!), and if your offroading it, go with Bilsteins.

 

do you know the part number of the monroe's you used for your lift, I am doing a 4" lift and having trouble figuring out the part number for the fronts on a solid axle. part numbers would be perfect but Ill take any advice, thanks.

 

it seems the longest monroe shock of the front variety is 22.5" long extended and 13.5 or so compressed, which wont be extended enough for the 4" lift it sounds like, so I got some pro comps for the fronts for a 4" lift which are 25 extended 15 or so compressed.