Time to replace my shocks / steering stabilizers?

[cameronsaddress]

Hey guys,
I am sure that my shocks and steering stabilizers need to be replaced (they look like they were on Fred Flintstone's K5). Couple of questions:

Is this a big deal to do myself?

Will any shock work? I was looking at these:
Shocks: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RAN-RS5265/
Stabilizers: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RAN-RS5407/ (do I need a dual kit or just purchase two?)

What kind on improvements should I see (feel) after replacing these?

Thanks!

 

[ashman]

one thing, just because the shocks look bad, doesn't mean they are bad. not saying yours are good, but unless you are getting excess bouncing already, you probably won't notice any improvement with daily driving.

afa the stabilizers go, most of the time (imo) they are put on to try to cover for other more serious steering/suspension problems. unless you have massive tires and beating the hell out of it offroad, you should be able to just remove them. unless you don't want to fix whatever problem they are hiding.
I run 35's on mine and once I replaced all of the bearings in my front end I no longer needed any stabilizers.

 

[blazinzuk]

Shocks only control the oscillation of the spring. Like above they can look worn out and be fine.

Now don't confuse that with bouncing down the road. Dual shocks on your truck are overkill IMHO, or masking another problem. If you springs are stiff, you could just be bouncing down the road because the suspension cannot react quickly enough to road irregularity.

Ranch 5000 pro comp 9000, skyjacker nitro, tuff country whatevers are all about the same. Along with about 40 other shocks

If you want to replace and go better than a popular choice is bilstein. I have lately been having good success with KYBs

 

[scottishdave]

I too was concerned about the stabilizer hiding any steering issues so when i did the suspension on my 72' I went without it and have no issues. No wobble, shakes or anything. Alignment needs adjusted a tad, but she drives nice.

I run 4" Tuff Country springs and Bilstien 5125's up front. Also replaced all the tie-rod and Drag-link ends (which from a previous picture of yours, you might want to look into changing those) Re-packed the wheel bearings.

Like Greg72 will commonly state, Tie-rod and Drag link ends are a great begginer project. Something good to go along with doing those body mounts that you want to replace.

 

[cameronsaddress]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the input. I am looking into replacing my tie rod ends and drag link this weekend.

Are my tie rod ends suppose to move this much?
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/...5677933206515603889/5680535814108029858?hl=en

 

[Z71paramedic]

That's fine, but to check the tie rods/ball joints you need to jack up the wheel and grab at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock and shake the tire back and forth (tie rods) and 12 and 6 to check ball joints. The ball joints may also move if you lift straight up on the tire. Any movement in these ways is bad and needs fixed. It's easiest to have a friend watch to see what's moving if there is any play.