Best SOFT ride shock?

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undermind

undermind

10 Year
Joined
May 27, 2012
Threads
21
Messages
69
Location
Boise, ID
It seems that any question relating to shocks results in an answer relating to Bilstein 5100 series shocks. I've got some heavy duty Rancho shocks the PO had on there which are super stiff. Just looking for the softest shock available for a smooth ride.

Thanks!

And BTW, Yes I know where the search button is. I've been reading about this off and on for several weeks.
 
undermind said:
It seems that any question relating to shocks results in an answer relating to Bilstein 5100 series shocks. I've got some heavy duty Rancho shocks the PO had on there which are super stiff. Just looking for the softest shock available for a smooth ride.

Thanks!

And BTW, Yes I know where the search button is. I've been reading about this off and on for several weeks.
Click to expand...

Springs play the biggest part in the softness of the ride vs. the shocks.
 
Major Nelson said:
Springs play the biggest part in the softness of the ride vs. the shocks.
Click to expand...
Yes. I have come to this conclusion as well through reading I've done and conversation with suspension shop mechanics. The springs ARE something I'm addressing with my FJ as well. I also realize there are several other components all contributing to smoothness in ride. But for the purpose of THIS thread, I'm curious about shocks.
 
why not the Bilsteins :confused:

I found them a great improvement on my truck - I have no reason to consider anything else

plus, of course, they are good, they were made no 50 kilometers from my hometown :hillbilly: :flipoff2:
 
You need to address the spings first as the shocks should be valved accordingly. My current setup is 3" over stock Burbank spings with KYB shocks. With only 3 leafs in each spring pack it rides like a truck but the shocks are able to keep it from bottoming even when it sees air. Stiff springs means stiffer valving, softer springs mean softer valving. Different weight in the vehicle can also throw off the shocks.

I too am in the process of changing out the spring for a better ride. I'm leaning more toward the adjustable Rancho shock because the weight, at least over the rear goes from nothing to fully loaded and a none adjustable shock doesn't always fit the bill.
 
The shocks by themselves will only get you so far. While a good set of gas shocks will help, as mentioned above it's usually the springs combined with a good set of properly valved shocks that really make the difference. If you put a set of squishy shocks on top of inherently bouncy 40 springs you'll end up with a truck that handles poorly and returns only a moderate difference in ride quality.

I've messed with a lot of different combos trying to get these things to ride well. The Bilstein 5100's did a decent job on my 40, but in the end it wasn't enough. We built a set of lengthened progressive springs, flipped the hangers around in the back and it was a huge difference, I topped it off with a set of Icon Vehicle Dynamics shocks that I had valved fairly stiffly. My 40 rides like my less creative friend's JK, but it's a Toyota so it's not stupid :) It's a pleasure on LA freeways and I no longer feel like I'm still vibrating when I get out of the truck after a long drive. The handling is so-so but without sway bars it's the best I can expect. With the shocks as they are the control is better than it has been and the truck is very predictable. This set up works so well we're going to develop a full kit based on what we learned.
 
just replaced my OME shocks with Bilsteins. Could not be happier, definitely a softer ride. Still running the same springs (dakar).
 
With stock springs on my 74 I never changed the shocks in 34 years with or without them i couldnt tell if the shocks were there or not. My son wanted cool looking ahocks so we installed Ranchos. Had it not Been for him I would have left them off. The springs are just too stiff. Would be interested in more info about your redesign of the springs.
 
Atlas Suspension said:
The shocks by themselves will only get you so far. While a good set of gas shocks will help, as mentioned above it's usually the springs combined with a good set of properly valved shocks that really make the difference. If you put a set of squishy shocks on top of inherently bouncy 40 springs you'll end up with a truck that handles poorly and returns only a moderate difference in ride quality.

I've messed with a lot of different combos trying to get these things to ride well. The Bilstein 5100's did a decent job on my 40, but in the end it wasn't enough. We built a set of lengthened progressive springs, flipped the hangers around in the back and it was a huge difference, I topped it off with a set of Icon Vehicle Dynamics shocks that I had valved fairly stiffly. My 40 rides like my less creative friend's JK, but it's a Toyota so it's not stupid :) It's a pleasure on LA freeways and I no longer feel like I'm still vibrating when I get out of the truck after a long drive. The handling is so-so but without sway bars it's the best I can expect. With the shocks as they are the control is better than it has been and the truck is very predictable. This set up works so well we're going to develop a full kit based on what we learned.
Click to expand...
Interesting. How do you just buy some Icon Vehicle Dynamics springs? Doesn't seem to be on their website..
edit: whoops, found it!
 
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I run rancho9000s on the rear with the dial turned all the way down. The are nice and soft but I must agree with cruiserjunkie, the difference between the highest and lowest setting isn't massive.
 
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