Upgrading my suspension

[MrTruck805]

Hi all,

Upgrading my old and beat up Ranchos has been long overdue. The truck is an 89 full size jimmy with 35s. Dana 44 front and 12 bolt rear. Gets used for daily driving, as a work truck, and wheeling in the desert and mountains.

I’m uploading a pic of the setup in my rear. Not sure of the point of that horizontal shock.... an attempt to prevent axle wrap? Is it beneficial to have shocks pointing to the front and back on both sides? 6 shocks in the back seems a bit excessive.

In regards to brand, I know the bilstein 5100s have been well regarded here. My friends with wranglers speak highly of the Fox 2.0s. Any good option from King? Hopefully the stock valving is adequate regardless of which brand I choose. The truck hasn’t been a money pit at all recently, so I don’t mind spending a few extra bucks if it’s worth it.

Thanks for any input, I’d love to hear from anyone who is happy with their shocks and what they have in the front and back.

 

[paratrooper307]

I can't say I've seen a setup quite like that. I don't see any need for 3 shocks per side either. Given on what you say you'd be using the truck for, the stock setup of offset shocks on the front and rear of the axle should be plenty adequate, and if you are worried about axle wrap, fix it right with a setup from a place like ORD or DIY4X. I'm far from a suspension expert, but that setup just seems like a bit much.

 

[obijuank5]

Lose all that mess and single bil 5100s in the oem locations is plenty good.

 

[ryoken]

the 80's called, they want their shocks back..

as mentioned, single 5100 will treat you, and your wallet, much better...

 

[MrTruck805]

Oh I forgot to mention that I inherited that setup from the PO. I can’t have anyone thinking that that’s my brainchild

Buying 4 bilstein 5100s (2 in front, 2 in back) and calling it a day is my best option?

 

[sweetk30]

Oh I forgot to mention that I inherited that setup from the PO. I can’t have anyone thinking that that’s my brainchild

Buying 4 bilstein 5100s (2 in front, 2 in back) and calling it a day is my best option?

check and see if the ord units are valved specific for our trucks . i know they do a lot of r/d time on the stuff they sell to us .

but even std 5100 units would be major step up .

 

[ryoken]

figured as much.. yup, quality single at each corner....

 

[6872xtc]

I can't believe how there is no fondness for the kicker shocks!!!!!


I never knew anyone who ever had that set-up... But I remember when they came out....

I like my Bilstein shocks.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Your one tire has just as much shocks as my truck does around.....

 

[MrTruck805]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I ended up getting the bilstein 5125s from ORD. I’ll put one at each wheel and get away from that 1980s setup

I’ll actually be able to report back with some real data.... My Dad was very interested in improving the suspension of his Sprinter Camper Van, and so I helped him develop an accelerometer with x,y,z axis’ which records data at I think either 1 or 2 millisecond resolution (1,000 or 500 measurements per second). It’s very effective at showing any differences in what your suspension is doing when you’re tinkering with it.

 

[sweetk30]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I ended up getting the bilstein 5125s from ORD. I’ll put one at each wheel and get away from that 1980s setup

I’ll actually be able to report back with some real data.... My Dad was very interested in improving the suspension of his Sprinter Camper Van, and so I helped him develop an accelerometer with x,y,z axis’ which records data at I think either 1 or 2 millisecond resolution (1,000 or 500 measurements per second). It’s very effective at showing any differences in what your suspension is doing when you’re tinkering with it.

this is going to be COOL

 

[campfire]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I ended up getting the bilstein 5125s from ORD. I’ll put one at each wheel and get away from that 1980s setup

I’ll actually be able to report back with some real data.... My Dad was very interested in improving the suspension of his Sprinter Camper Van, and so I helped him develop an accelerometer with x,y,z axis’ which records data at I think either 1 or 2 millisecond resolution (1,000 or 500 measurements per second). It’s very effective at showing any differences in what your suspension is doing when you’re tinkering with it.