Are the $100 shocks that much better than the $32 shocks?

[deltarat]

Meant a shorter 7100.

 

[TwoDalesDad]

When I had my F350 worked on I asked for expensive shocks to be installed. We did a schackle flip to the front...giving it 3" of lift. THE REAR WE INSTALLED NEW SKY SCHACKLE HANGERS GIVING IT 4-5" LIFT. THEN WE ADDED BFG 35" TIRES....WOW...THE TRUCK IS AWSOME...EXCEPT...AT THE LAST MINUTE ..THE MECHANIC INSTALLED ...RANCHO5000 ...WHAT A MISTAKE!!!BEFORE I PULLED ONTO THE STREET I COULD FEEL THE CRAPPY RIDE....YOU SEE THIS TRUCK ..WEIGHS A FEW THOUSAND POUNDS...HEAVY FRAME DANA70 AXELS POWER STROKE ENGINE....WHEN I INSTALL BILSTEINS....THE ...NEW MECHANIC....WILL GET IT RIGHT!

 

[needabronco]

Most shocks are made by Monroe, including Rancho. Bilstein and Fox make their own shocks. I've blown up more Rancho shocks than I care to count also. I snapped several shafts, tore mounts out, ripped the valves out the top, and the ride flat out sucked...

After switching to Bilstein shocks, I've never had a problem other than the occasional leaking seal.

With a diesel Bronco I'd weigh all 4 corners of your rig, and call Lee at www.raceshock.com and talk to him about what shock you'll need. Bilsteins can be bought in specific valving, and if bought from Lee (or any other competent dealer) they can be revalved fairly simply if your not satisfied with the ride. I bought 2 of my 7100's and had 2 used shocks rebuilt by him and couldn't be happier his service or with the ride of my Bronco. I've recieved compliments from many other Bronco owners on the quality of the ride.

 

[dieselbronco]

Thanks every one. I think i will start with some cheapys in the back and maybe some nice stuff up front

 

[360 4V]

"Most shocks are made by Monroe, including Rancho. Bilstein and Fox make their own shocks."

Could you elaborate for me please. Most socks are made by Monroe- including.... who make their own shocks.

Would I save money by buying Monroe shock absorbers rather than Rancho?

 

[broncnaz]

Biggest issue with going with cheaper shocks is they are usually made to fit a wide varity of vehicles so there valving may not be quite right for what we usally do. The higher dollar shocks are usaully setup for your application doesnt mean you will pick the right ones as you can still have high dollar shocks that ride as bad as any low dollar shock.
Its been awhile since I ran monroes but I was always fairly happy with them. I havent run ranchos so i cant comment on if there was any differance.
while you can save money going with them over say rancho's your not really saving much as compareable monroes and ranchos will cost about the same. Also consider that just because monroe makes them doesnt mean they are the same rancho may require different valving than what monroe uses. monroe is just the company that makes them.

 

[360 4V]

How accurate is my premise:
I will buy shock absorbers by valving and length first and by price second.

 

[browngr5]

Test drove with the new 5100's on the front and I do notice a better ride. I like the way they absorb the bumps without bucking back. I just ordered a set for the rear.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Test drove with the new 5100's on the front and I do notice a better ride. I like the way they absorb the bumps without bucking back. I just ordered a set for the rear.

What are the shocks you are comparing these to and how old were they?

 

[needabronco]

Rancho shocks are made my Monroe to the best of my knowledge. They are NOT the same shocks as cheap ass $19 shocks, they are made to Rancho spec's. Quality wise, I was never impressed with Rancho's but I'd put Monroes on my wife's (if I had one) car without hesitation. On a rig I plan to abuse and drive personally, I'd buy Bilstiens without question.

 

[landshark99]

For an offroad or multi-use rig i would buy a higher quality shock that I could rebuild or readjust.

Essentially you are almost buying shocks for life when you buy one of the mid level - high level shocks such as the Bilstein 7100's or one of the newer 5150's (dont know much about them but hear good things).

If they wear out, rebuild em. If you are not happy with the ride because you add or remove something from your rig you can re-valve them.

It's just my opinion but i went through 2 sets of el cheapo shocks (rancho and procomp) on my fullsize bronco and was never happy with the quality of the ride or feel on or off road. I moved to Bilstein 5100's then 7100's when I did my SAS a few years later and love em. The ride quality is a night and day difference and later when i added the 7100's i was able to dial them in as I drove the truck by adding more nitrogen to stiffen the ride and then I re-valved them to help with the weight when I added stuff to the rig.

My current 76 build will have 5100's on it when I'm ready and its going to be a street queen.

anyway just my opinion, there are other shocks out there that are equally great but I dont have any experience with them to really comment on it.

And iam sure there are cheaper shocks for various other applications that would be just fine.

 

[browngr5]

What are the shocks you are comparing these to and how old were they?

I replaced a 1yr old set of $30ea Monroe-Matic Plus 32284 shocks. I don't know what the specs are on them but It felt too stiff. My new Bilstein 5100's feel smooth, It must be the dampening that makes them ride so much better.