Forum Discussion

Blanco1's avatar
Blanco1
Explorer
May 30, 2018

Your favorite shocks for a softer ride on your tow rig?

I'm gonna replace my rear coilover socks in attempts to softening the stiff rear suspension in my '97 Dodge 4x4 dually.

Today I just ordered those Sulastic rear shackles & figure the rears shocks go next?

I was thinking an adjustable might be nice to find what we like best in the ride quality.
I had some I my Miata a while back & really like how I could actually notice a difference in the settings.

What your experience?
Tow Vehicles
  • Me_Again's avatar
    Me_Again
    Explorer III
    May 30, 2018
    Blanco1 wrote:
    I'm gonna replace my rear coilover socks in attempts to softening the stiff rear suspension in my '97 Dodge 4x4 dually.

    Today I just ordered those Sulastic rear shackles & figure the rears shocks go next?

    I was thinking an adjustable might be nice to find what we like best in the ride quality.
    I had some I my Miata a while back & really like how I could actually notice a difference in the settings.

    What your experience?


    I already told you mine opinion on Rancho 9000's. Not sure who else makes adjustable shocks. Our 2015 RAM will get a set on the rear before we head South this fall. If the Sulastic rear shackles were a little cheaper I might get those also. I will have to see if my son can get me a discounted price. His is high up with a large exhaust system wholesaler.

    Chris
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    May 30, 2018
    Me Again wrote:
    Blanco1 wrote:
    I'm gonna replace my rear coilover socks in attempts to softening the stiff rear suspension in my '97 Dodge 4x4 dually.

    Today I just ordered those Sulastic rear shackles & figure the rears shocks go next?

    I was thinking an adjustable might be nice to find what we like best in the ride quality.
    I had some I my Miata a while back & really like how I could actually notice a difference in the settings.

    What your experience?


    I already told you mine opinion on Rancho 9000's. Not sure who else makes adjustable shocks. Our 2015 RAM will get a set on the rear before we head South this fall. If the Sulastic rear shackles were a little cheaper I might get those also. I will have to see if my son can get me a discounted price. His is high up with a large exhaust system wholesaler.

    Chris


    I also shared my opinion on the Ranch 9000's and also originally recommended the Sulastic product. Having said that, any quality on the road shock (not off road) will ride better than the coil/shocks you already have IMO.

    You need to expedite your upgrades so you can get your DW off your back and enjoy the ride.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 30, 2018
    I had Rancho's for a while but I like Bilstein's better. They soak up the sudden, jarring road irregularities better. They also have better rebound dampening which controls a heavy load on the back better and you end up with less movement of the truck.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    May 31, 2018
    Any monotube shock will ride better than the Rancho 9000's. While the Ranchos are adjustable, you always have to decide between control and stiffness. Good monotube shocks will provide more control than maxed-out Rancho 9000s, without ever adding harshness. The monotube shocks have larger valves allowing high-velocity flow, and the isolated fluid prevents foaming which causes shock fade.
  • Blanco1's avatar
    Blanco1
    Explorer
    May 31, 2018
    I do have a contact at Bilstein from my off road races days that might be a good guy to call?
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    May 31, 2018
    Frequently a "rough ride" (when loaded) is caused by bottoming out the suspension. Stiffer springs/air springs are the only solution for this.

    Soft shocks will cause your truck to roll and sway.
  • Blanco1's avatar
    Blanco1
    Explorer
    May 31, 2018
    theoldwizard1 wrote:
    Frequently a "rough ride" (when loaded) is caused by bottoming out the suspension. Stiffer springs/air springs are the only solution for this.

    Soft shocks will cause your truck to roll and sway.


    I have the opposite issue.

    My truck road great when we had a big heavy Lance 900 TC sitting in the truck bed.
    But my current issue is while its driving around with an empty bed towing my boat to the lake or our new Travel Trailer.
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    May 31, 2018
    I replaced the stock shocks on my 04 Ram with Bilstein 4600. The initial compliance with the Bilstein's is more harsh than the stock shocks. They were a good add as the ride is better overall. They may not meet your goal of softer ride. I replaced the stock tubes at 65k miles, could be they were worn out.

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