new shocks?

[hammer down bronco]

looking to replace my worn shocks, i wanna spend less then 40 bucks a piece but i want the best ride and the right size, so if any one has any brand/size suggestions that would be great also should i put 4 upfront like it has now? or does it only need 2?

 

[wileec]

2 will work. Rearward of the axle. For that kind of money I went with the Pro Comp 9000s. So far I am happy with them and for that money they are much easier to have to replace.

 

[S_bolt19]

A word to the wise, you get what you pay for in terms of shocks. The more you spend, the better your ride will be.

 

[wileec]

I agree to a point, but new shocks will alway be a big plus. I went from Rancho 9ks which I spent a lot of money, (sort of) on but because the cost so much I did not replace them as soon as I should have. I managed to damage both rear shocks on rocks, after that I am content with newshocks every couple of years for 40 a piece. Vs damaging $80 dollar shocks and having to relplace them as often.

 

[AdamDude04]

I just put new shocks on my 89.. I went with the Monroe Reflex shocks. They are $50 a pop at Checkers Auto..

I went camping last month..and going down the 6% grades at 65/70mph the bronco just wanted to go straight around turns. And I was weighted down with all my camp gear.

Well I just got back last night from a week of camping. I am VERY happy with my reflex shocks. On the back dirt roads doing 35-40mph I did some swerving and the truck handled very well. A little slide but that was because of the loose dirt road. Comming down the 6% grades in the Rocky Mountains, I was able to do 70 around some turns that the last shocks I had just let the truck go straight.

I noticed the shocks have a play point in them. They allow body roll to a slight point, then lock in and keep the truck stable. This allows for a compfortable ride as the shocks can work over bumps an what not, which provides for me, a great smooth ride. And with a lifetime warranty (as long as you own the vehicle), I will replace em in two years with the same set.

I would suggest doing this if money is an issue.. replace the back two shocks, then two shocks upfront. Next month when money allows, buy the last two shocks. This way you can get a good ride in the mean time, then finish up in a month. If you keep the truck for another 6-20 years then just keep your recipt.. they don't track how many miles you traveled so just say the shocks are worn early and a new set is given to you over the counter!

 

[wileec]

It is not that mine wear out but I have a tendency to bash them with big rocks. Abuse is normally not covered in warranty.

 

[AdamDude04]

It is not that mine wear out but I have a tendency to bash them with big rocks. Abuse is normally not covered in warranty.

Eh just gotta be close to your autopart supplier. The checkers auto I go to, I'm consistant with them and price shop before using them. If I find a cheaper price anywhere else they'll price match. If it's an online price, they'll either match it, or get real close to it. I've returned a few items before, no questions asked.

But how the heck do you hit rocks with your shocks??? :lol:

 

[wileec]

It could have somethinng to do with situations like this- notice the big a$$ rock at the rear axle.



This year I hope I solved that issue by doing this-



Notice there is nothing beloy the axle now, hope the slows down the shock damage.

 

[hammer down bronco]

nice! im guessing you have a locker? also im thinking about trying to lift my truck 2-3 inches before replaceing my shocks, but maybe i should make another post for the lift part

 

[AdamDude04]

haha well you could still get by with the front shocks! I forgot the rear shocks are kinda put out there huh..

How did you raise the bolt point on the rear ones? My buddy is talking about throwing a 9" rear under mine and if so, I wouldn't mind toying around with your idea..

One thing I thought about though is the shcoks are both forward facing. I noticed on new trucks/suv that the driver shock is forward facing and the passanger shock is rear facing. Wonder how this helps with ride comfort betwheen the two setups as I may try to change mine around..

 

[wileec]

I just cut off the mounting brackets and welded a new set up higher on the axle.

The 9" would be a good swap if your 8.8 is shot. I blew up the 9" in my 81, little pieces of pinion gear everywhere and I could only just identify the ring, so I am not as thrilled with the 9 as most seem to be.

New trucks are set up for that geometery not sure how it would be to redesign that much.

BTW a big yes on the locker. I have not had a lot of chance to put it to the test, all of the trips since I put it in last year has had major carnage/problems that have cut them short. Hopefully soon.

 

[AdamDude04]

Yeah I'm not sure on the 9 either. I think it will vary per application. My truck sees very rare offroad trips and is a daily driver in the urban area (Aurora/Denver). But hey, if he wants to do it, why not. As long as it turns that's all I care for.

Lockers are probably the best thing you could have offroad. After using em on the Jeep...ahhh made me ummm :blush:

 

[hammer down bronco]

what locker and size would you suggest for my stock axle bronco? ive been thinking about these for a while but i never new much about them

 

[wileec]

I have heard lots of good things about the Aussi locker much cheaper than the Detroit that I have. If you have a little more money I would suggest Air Lockers (ARB). This would give you the best of open diff on the road and locked when you need it on the trail. I wish I could have done it this way as then I could still run open on the easier trails.

 

[AdamDude04]

I have heard lots of good things about the Aussi locker much cheaper than the Detroit that I have. If you have a little more money I would suggest Air Lockers (ARB). This would give you the best of open diff on the road and locked when you need it on the trail. I wish I could have done it this way as then I could still run open on the easier trails.

Where abouts you trail at in CO?

Also, I don't know too much about Air lockers.. don't you need a compressor onboard for those to function? My buddy said you can modify an A/C compressor to function as an air compressor. I guess if you're good and can get the right belt size, you could add a second A/C compressor. Don't know if I'd want to give up my A/C though lol

 

[miesk5]

yo;

Dave squeezed in a York and still kept his AC compressor;; altho he has an 80 F sries and 460; but he did it!

Here is one pic; if it isn't allowed to be shown here see it at the site

or use the ARM Compr. along w/da ARB Locker

http://www.arbusa.com/Products/Compressors/19.aspx

an Excerpt;

"Please click here to view technical specifications.

CKSA12 - This compact vehicle mounted Air Locker Air Activation System has been specifically designed to provide on-board air for activating ARB Air Locker locking differentials. A smaller unit, it comes with a mounting bracket that allows versatile positioning and is sealed for moisture and dust resistance with quality components used for reliable compressed air and extra long life.

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& CKMA12 - Permanently mounted, this compressor is installed into your truck and includes a full wiring loom with Air Locker solenoid plug in contacts, mounting hardware with reinforcing bracket and quality compressor isolating switch. This compressor can be used to activate Air Lockers, and can perform other functions such as inflating camping gear with an optional inflation kit sold separately."

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Here is a wiring diagram by Raf;