Non-gas charged shocks.

[Tacoclaw]

Alright, I've been reading some old posts about people unbolting one of their rear shocks, to improve the ride on their trucks. My old man had a set of shocks installed on his truck before I bought it, and I'm pretty sure they're some sort of practical joke shock where the rod is just welded straight to the other eye. The front isn't so bad, but the rear ride is completely uncalled for.

So, I'm thinking. My truck's springs don't seem to need any help holding the truck up, so do you all think I may find a better ride in some old-school hydraulic shocks? I really have no interest in unhooking my shock, and even less interest hauling around 1500lbs of crap to weigh it down.

I've found a set of rear hydraulic shocks, just looking for a reason to buy them.

[slow_90firebird]

Me and fred_m1010 both just ordered sets of bilsteins for our trucks, mine should ship out next week not sure when he is getting his...

As for the rear shocks, downgrading to lousy old technology, is not gonna make your truck ride better. Unless your idea of a better ride is like an old buick that keeps bouncing for a while after you hit a bump. Those cars had hydraulic shocks too, the kind with the lever on the upper control arm, and they have a fill plug to top off the oil in them... cool idea but it just doesent compare to the newer technology.

One thing to remember, is that if your ride is too "stiff", changing shocks wont help it. The firmness is dependent on the leaf springs stiffness. The shocks only dampen vibrations and bouncing. If you have 1ton springs maybe you could stand to take a leaf or 2 out. Or swap to 250 springs.

My truck actually rides ok in the rear (well like any newer 3/4 ton). The front is what kills me, the springs are super stiff and also worn. And when I hit a bump on the highway the front end rocks 2-3 times after. Hoping the bilsteins will help with that a little.

[bmoeller]

Bilstien shocks tend to be a bit stiff themselves. But, if you have any body roll or excessive spring travel/bounce, they will help.

[Tacoclaw]

There's no body roll or anything to speak of, and definitely no bouncing, after the initial bump that is.

I'm just thinking that my springs do a good enough job breaking my spine, and am wondering if ditching these charged shocks will help smooth out the initial hit of the bump.

I'm not thinking back to refillable shock times or anything, just the factory-style un-charged shocks these trucks came factory with.

[slow_90firebird]

Bilstien shocks tend to be a bit stiff themselves. But, if you have any body roll or excessive spring travel/bounce, they will help.

Ive given up un the rough ride right now untill I can get new front leafs. I just want the bouncy bounce gone when i hit a bump on the highway. I guess wel see when they get here.

[bmoeller]

Bilstien shocks tend to be a bit stiff themselves. But, if you have any body roll or excessive spring travel/bounce, they will help.

Ive given up un the rough ride right now untill I can get new front leafs. I just want the bouncy bounce gone when i hit a bump on the highway. I guess wel see when they get here.

Ya, they should get rid of that bounce. I had their blue/yellow "OEM" shocks on my '97. Really liked them.