How much difference do good shocks make?

[Mastiff]

For trail riding, are Bilstein's (or better) a noticeable improvement? I don't care about going fast, but I want to have the most pleasant time possible cruising down rocky/washboard roads to get to the trail. I got the ORD springs, but still have junky old Doetch Tech shocks (they were the thing 15-20 years ago when I got them. ). Springs are not worn in yet, but the ride is still harsh. I'm trying to decide what to do for shocks.

 

[NorCal_Chris]

They make a massive difference. I would never run a cheapo shock again

 

[sponsoredbydad]

Anything with a remote resi will be so sweet you won't even recognize your truck. Answer to ? TONS

 

[shady]

im hoping this is true.... always wondered myself.... so I picked up a set of 5100's for my 05. hopefully putting them on tonight actually

 

[ccarley]

Bilstein's are 100% worth it. Everyone else who has them that I know loves them!

 

[Mastiff]

Cool. Hard part now is figuring out what size to get.

 

[ccarley]

What vehicle are they going on? I'm guessing the K5 from the ORD springs you mention. ORD does have recommendations on their site for what to use. From what I've read, the ORD front springs have somewhere near 14 inches of travel, if the shock will allow for it. You can probably use the Ford upper shock mount, which I think ORD has as well, or if you have the "quad shock" option like my Suburban, I was able to fit Bilstein 7100 12" travel short body (remote reservoir) shocks on those "upper" mounts.

I will strongly recommend against the 255/70 valving if you do go that route. It's too light. Go with 275/78 at least, which I think you will find isn't bad.

I've worked with Kevin Foote at allshocks.com in the past; he's pretty helpful. [email protected]

Good luck,
Clay

 

[shady]

WOW.... got mine in and changed and its a whole different truck.... im sold on the bilsteins. I need the rears now.. and some for my burb.... I wonder if they make em for the rav4

really is a night and day difference. my buddy who has a 2013 version of my truck says that it rides better than his. we took it out on the wash bed rutted out gravels around here.... had to test it you know

 

[Mastiff]

What vehicle are they going on? I'm guessing the K5 from the ORD springs you mention. ORD does have recommendations on their site for what to use. From what I've read, the ORD front springs have somewhere near 14 inches of travel, if the shock will allow for it. You can probably use the Ford upper shock mount, which I think ORD has as well, or if you have the "quad shock" option like my Suburban, I was able to fit Bilstein 7100 12" travel short body (remote reservoir) shocks on those "upper" mounts.

Yeah, I've got the quad mount too. Looks to me like I could get 10" in there if I want to have 6" of uptravel. I have about 22" separation at ride height, so 16-26" type shocks is about it. That's more uptravel than droop, which is kinda lame with the ORDs that can droop so far. I'm thinking about the Ford towers, but not sure how much more length I should plan for with that. That would mount at an angle, which complicates the shock selection a little.

In the rear I have 23" of separation at ride height. I think I could get into a 12" there.

I looked briefly at the remote res shocks. Looks like they get more travel out of the same length shock.

 

[ccarley]

I can measure my 7100's tonight; but yes, more travel out of the same length shock with the reservoir.

Looks like this is the best image I've got of the setup:

Clay

 

[Blue85]

I can tell you that Bilstein 5100/5150 make for a better time on the road and on the trail. I haven't tried anything else except cheap shocks (twin tubes), which I will never go back to. We're talking about a softer ride, plus more control AND less body roll - all in the same shock.

You can get Ford towers for like $30, so it's silly to drop $400 on shocks and get short ones. Figure out how to get the 12" or 14" travel up there. Even if you don't have mad travel right now, you may get it later.

 

[Deuling]

Don't buy raptor shocks for the front. Stupid piggyback resivours. Still haven't figured out mounting them "easily"

Some fancy hoops is all I can figure.