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Shocks shocks shocks

taylorblake831

Well-Known Member
Messages
323
Location
western washington
I know there are other threads out there on this and I looked but none really answering my question.. So what is the best shock for the money with out getting to pricey

I have a few things done
Pro comp keys
1" day star
35s

I want something that would be good for this set up ,maybe even get some shock extenders ? Idk

And why do you cut the bump stops?
More travel/flex?

Is there a coil over conv kit we can buy?

Best bang for my buck???
 

Newc93

Member
Messages
15
Location
Knoxville, TN
The real question is what kind of driving are you going to be doing a majority of the time? This will help decide what type of setup you should get. I am a huge fan of the Bilstein 5100's, simply for the money I don't think you can find a better shock that can handle road/moderate offroad driving. If you switch to coil overs expect the handling to change more than any other shock. Some people don't like the offered coil overs for daily driving because they are too soft and cause more body roll. I have never heard of any one cutting the bump stops for added travel/flex, maybe just get a different bump stop. I wouldn't buy shock extenders because you already have a body lift and pro comp keys. I am not an expert, but I feel that the adding the shock extenders would put to much force on the stock suspension. I would buy the Bilstein 5160 reservoir. A quick search has 4wheelparts pricing them at $213.99 and we all know that 4wheelparts over prices everything and with a little research you should be able to find a decent deal on them. Finally do not buy any Rancho shocks. I have had terrible experiences with them in the past with my FJ.
 

Chook

Well-Known Member
Messages
706
Location
Brisbane (Australia)
First off......... Avoid

Coil over
Rancho Shocks
Fox Piggyback on the front (rear work Ok though)

A good choice (Bang for $) if you go offroad are either:
ARB Old Man Emu
Bilstein 5160 reservoir

If you don't go offroad then the standard Bilsteins

With your keys make sure you don't go too high (23.5") & make sure to get 0.5" longer bumpstops on the front (stops front diving under brakes)
 
Last edited:

RamRod

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,914
Location
AB, Canada
You don't want shorter bump stops, the PO of my truck did that and it would cause the nose to dive each time you brake.

If you look up the bumpstop on a GM parts diagram you will see its listed as a "sping" due to its design. Its not a solid chunk of rubber, its got an air pocket which is the part that acts like a spring.

I run the bilstien 5160's for a 4-6" lift Chev 1500 and find the spring rate is perfect for the V8 and winch up front. If you have the I5 it might be a tad too harsh of a ride.
 

Panzer07

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,548
Location
Ontario, CA
I just ordered some bilstein 7100's to replace the rancho shocks...it seems that for the buck bilsteins are your best bet... 5160's with the reservoir would be my pick for the non lifted H3 and even for the rancho lifted one...and 7100's series if you want a specific valve in the shock...as well they would only work in the back, and if you are to run then in the front the. You'll need to modify the front mounting mount as I'm about to do.
Main reason I went with 7100's series all around is because for me are the best one for the money the 5160's are about 60-80 bucks more. Then they aren't valved to your request and aren't rebuildable.
Never the less they are good shock and a lot of guys here run then without problem...anyways let me know if you with any of the bilstein shock product I can share the secret and steps to get them cheap lol.


Torres
 

Graham2990

Well-Known Member
Messages
132
Location
TN
Anybody have experience with the skyjackers? Looking at the nitro series, noticed they have a $35 cash rebate going on now too and I'm seeing them for about $45 each online.
 

RamRod

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,914
Location
AB, Canada
Anybody have experience with the skyjackers? Looking at the nitro series, noticed they have a $35 cash rebate going on now too and I'm seeing them for about $45 each online.

They are made by Monroe I believe, never used them myself


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poweraidon

Well-Known Member
Messages
830
Location
georgia
What do yall think about fox 2.0 performance shocks? I'm probably gonna get those


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MTUH3

Well-Known Member
Messages
315
Location
Plymouth, MI
one advantage of going to Fox or King, the shocks can be rebuilt or revalved to suit your needs. The bilsteins are usually not. I have been trying to work with another company over to develop shocks for the H3, but I have not had the time to pull my truck apart again.

There is not coilover kit for the front, and if you find one I would be skeptical. If you are really looking to increase performance, call the guys a Samco. They developed a new upper shock mount to maximize travel, but that requires extensive work. Relocating Battery, Air box, modify / cut upper shock mounts, weld and install new shock tower mounts.

Bilstein, Fox, King... everything else is a waste of money IMO.

Best back for your buck? Bistein. Affordable and good upgrade. King or Fox get more pricey.

One thing I have learned over the last 3 years when it comes to off-road. OEM brakes are a lot better than people give them credit for, and you definitely get what you pay for in shocks.
 

SuperBuickGuy

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,403
Location
Woodinville, WA
I like my skyjacker shocks.... for lifted chevy pickup, full length, doesn't limit travel.... and cost $30.00 each... or I'll sell some Rancho 9000s that limit travel, and really don't ride any better.
 

taylorblake831

Well-Known Member
Messages
323
Location
western washington
I like my skyjacker shocks.... for lifted chevy pickup, full length, doesn't limit travel.... and cost $30.00 each... or I'll sell some Rancho 9000s that limit travel, and really don't ride any better.

I saw that the n8000 for silverados have about 3" more travel but the upper mount on the shock is an eyelet instead of the bar pin mount we need for the hummer what model Chevy did you order them for or did you mod your mount to fit?
 

Graham2990

Well-Known Member
Messages
132
Location
TN
I used the N8003 Skyjackers. Did a vehicle search on Skyjacker site and they are listed for applications with 0-2" of lift.

Really helped take some of the nose dive out of the front after the torsion bar crank.
 

taylorblake831

Well-Known Member
Messages
323
Location
western washington
I like my skyjacker shocks.... for lifted chevy pickup, full length, doesn't limit travel.... and cost $30.00 each... or I'll sell some Rancho 9000s that limit travel, and really don't ride any better.

How much would you be willing to sell them for and what kind shape are they in/how many miles on them



-TEXAS FOREVER-
 

taylorblake831

Well-Known Member
Messages
323
Location
western washington
Ok so I got a quote on a set of four bilstein 5100s for $350 after tax and shipping, is that a good enough deal to jump on or should I go with the skyjacker N8003 front and the N8029 rear for $200


-TEXAS FOREVER-
 

digglesworth

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,789
Location
illinois
I'll have a set of 5100s I'm taking off my truck in a month or so for the Rancho lift. Less than 20k miles on em. I'll post em up in the swap meet section when I get em off. Extended bump stops too.
 
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