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Looking to buy new shocks

7

78K5BlazerTJ

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currently in the market for new shocks. I have Rancho RS5112 front and back. They came on the vehicle when purchased.

I am probably going with Rancho RS55112 for the rear and Rancho RS999118 for the front. I was considering to go RS999118 on all four but that is a bit too expensive. I think having adjustable ride stiffness up front is more important than rear or on all four.

Suggestions, criticisms welcome.
 
I think that shock is snake oil and just a gimmick.
Get a shock that does it on the fly like the bilstien 5100s.
 
obijuank5 said:
I think that shock is snake oil and just a gimmick.
Get a shock that does it on the fly like the bilstien 5100s.
Click to expand...
I have been reading some reviews stating that adjustments on RS9000xl series are a bit difficult.

I am new to the blazer 4x4 world so any suggestions will be considered. My previous Chevy’s have been as low as possible withoit bags.
 
I had a set of the adjustable Rancho shocks years ago, and with the springs that my '70 truck had back then, I could adjust them from not good, to worse. I put on a set of Bilstiens and it improved. Not a huge improvement, but some. The Rancho shocks didn't have enough rebound damping for the springs. I had Tuff-country EZ-ride up front. Now it has custom springs and the same shocks and I am very pleased.
So I don't know how your truck is set up now, but I personally would be cautious of trying the Rancho ones because it seemed to me that the adjustment only changed the compression dampening.
So when I did custom springs on the front of my '90 Jimmy, I bought shocks from Offroad Design when I ordered the springs from them. So far , I am pleased with them.
 
What is wrong with the ones on there now?

I'm running lifetime warranty monroe that are going on at least 15 years old, still work fine. Rode like garbage even when new. More experience and time, biggest differences in ride quality came from decreased pressure offroad, and making sure the springs werent bottoming out on the bump stops.
 
Its been a long time since I posted images on a forum.
This ot what I have now, just how I bought it two weeks ago.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
dyeager535 said:
What is wrong with the ones on there now?

I'm running lifetime warranty monroe that are going on at least 15 years old, still work fine. Rode like garbage even when new. More experience and time, biggest differences in ride quality came from decreased pressure offroad, and making sure the springs werent bottoming out on the bump stops.
Click to expand...
Im trying to get an idea of what I will need when that time comes. Essentially, Its a new to me truck, so I want to put new shocks on it.
Since Ive really only owened dropped C10’s Im trying get some knowledge in regards to lifted trucks and what shocks to run.
 
Unbolt one end of the shock, and try and compress and extend it. If there is resistance, it's still working. Typical valving is 30/70 compression/rebound, but that 30% is noticeable when you try and compress. If those are "standard" shocks, not some weird valving or incorrect length, they are probably adequate. My opinion.
 
I see aftermarket lift springs up front, and I am guessing that the rear has either a shackle flip or lift springs. I am betting that you will want to get as good of a shock as you can afford. But maybe pull one end of the existing shocks and see if they are dead, or weak.
 
6872xtc said:
I see aftermarket lift springs up front, and I am guessing that the rear has either a shackle flip or lift springs. I am betting that you will want to get as good of a shock as you can afford. But maybe pull one end of the existing shocks and see if they are dead, or weak.
Click to expand...

Id like to keep it under $500 for 4 shocks and new steering shock absorber. I’m just confused as to what bilstein shock(s) to purchase.
Ive been browsing all day amd Im more confused than when I started...‍♂️‍♂️ So I made an account here for some experienced guidan
 
Looks to be a standard thick leaf lift spring in the front and a stock spring with a shackle flip in the back. I have used both 5000 and 9000 series rancho and the adjustable made no real difference. Bilsteins are the go to shock in my opinion but the real issue with ride quality is going to be the limitations of the springs. That rear spring is probably about 40 years old and the standard 4"ish front lift springs are known to ride rough, regardless of the brand. The only guys that seem to be happy with ride quality are the ones who have gone to custom springs.
 
So with the shackle flip on the back, those should be just stock rear springs. While not the softest ride, they shouldn't be the stiffest ones either.
I bought my Bilstiens for the '90 from ORD for $100 each, but of course shipping adds. But ORD can probably help you with whether or not you can expect much improvement if those RS5000 shocks are still good.
I am curious why they put a 2nd steering stabilizer on. I would check the ball joints and everything in the steering system.
 
6872xtc said:
So with the shackle flip on the back, those should be just stock rear springs. While not the softest ride, they shouldn't be the stiffest ones either.
I bought my Bilstiens for the '90 from ORD for $100 each, but of course shipping adds. But ORD can probably help you with whether or not you can expect much improvement if those RS5000 shocks are still good.
I am curious why they put a 2nd steering stabilizer on. I would check the ball joints and everything in the steering system.
Click to expand...

You should see the weld job for the second steering stabilizer...‍♂️.
I am in the process of checking steering and all that presently. Ive only had it two weeks so far. Been cleaningthe inside and replacing the bench seat with one from a Suburban. Which came out nice.

Im considering just changing the rear leaf springs anyhow, they arent much money. I wonder if I should go 4+1 on the rear leaf spring or stay with 3+1?

Saying I stay with the what I have, what bilstein part numbers would you recommend front and back?

Thanks for answering all this. Im sure its the same round of questions for every new guy that joins.‍♂️‍♂️
 
HankScorpio said:
Looks to be a standard thick leaf lift spring in the front and a stock spring with a shackle flip in the back. I have used both 5000 and 9000 series rancho and the adjustable made no real difference. Bilsteins are the go to shock in my opinion but the real issue with ride quality is going to be the limitations of the springs. That rear spring is probably about 40 years old and the standard 4"ish front lift springs are known to ride rough, regardless of the brand. The only guys that seem to be happy with ride quality are the ones who have gone to custom springs.
Click to expand...
I dont mind a bit of “rough” riding vehicle. Im probably swapping out those rear leaf springs anyhow. Possibly 4+1 or stay 3+1 not sure yet.
 
78K5BlazerTJ said:
I dont mind a bit of “rough” riding vehicle. Im probably swapping out those rear leaf springs anyhow. Possibly 4+1 or stay 3+1 not sure yet.
Click to expand...
Yeah, its just how these trucks are. They were designed in the late 60's after all. I have been driving a lifted one for over 20 years now and have just got used to the ride. Looks like you got a nice one, not all rusty.
 
If you are thinking about changing the rears, you could probably swap the shackle flip brackets side to side and get a Ferd rear spring set. The ORD brackets will swap sides and give more room for a longer spring.
@Bent77 did a set on the back of his K10, and he may know if they are too soft or low in arch for a K5.

I gotta convince @HankScorpio to stop by when he's in town and see what he thinks about how my '90 rides!
:D
 
I added a spring, so there's 4. Ran the k10 loaded down the highway when we moved. It was fine
 
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