what are the best shocks for vx [Text View]

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mantis465

10/30/2011, 09:18 AM

Monstertrucker

10/30/2011, 10:38 AM

i am in middle of restoring my vx and am going to be replacing my shocks i am not overly concerned about off-road handling 98% of my driving is on road and i want vx to handle on road as best as possible prefer a car feel to truck or jeep.... so i am wondering if any of u guys could suggest some shocks that would best suit my needs?

thanks

Whilst I have no specific experience with alternatives in this truck, if I replaced the original reservoir KYB's, I'd go with something fully adjustable so that you can tune them to your preference.

Rancho's etc. if just the dampers or coilovers with both height and springrate adjustability, plus 16/32 way damper (bound and/or rebound) settings, like D2 or Tein Superstreet's on a Supra.

The only issue might be finding parts that fit. This might help...... http://www.vehicross.info/forums/archive/index.php/t-2845.html

http://gabriel.com/our-products/car-light-truck-van/pv-detailed-specs?partnum=G63707

http://gabriel.com/our-products/car-light-truck-van/pv-search?yr=1997&make=Isuzu&model=Trooper&engine=1

Finally, a totally unbiased video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpaG-q-0aG0&feature=related

I think the anti-roll bars should be much stiffer for road use but have softer springs for comfort. Then you'll get good cornering and better ride comfort. Softer springs will increase nosedive under braking and rear squatting under acceleration though. Unless you're going to swap the springs, you'll need to use dampers like the originals to handle the hardness of the OEM springs/torsion bars. A softer damper than standard on standard springs will result in a very bouncy truck.

Scott Larson

10/30/2011, 12:16 PM

If you are restoring your VX, then you should go with oem KYB reservoirs as these are what it came with...

mantis465

10/30/2011, 01:03 PM

If you are restoring your VX, then you should go with oem KYB reservoirs as these are what it came with...

if i could find the stock shocks for an affordable price i would go that route however that does not seam likely that is why i am asking which would be best replacement for my needs

vt_maverick

10/30/2011, 02:44 PM

if i could find the stock shocks for an affordable price i would go that route however that does not seam likely that is why i am asking which would be best replacement for my needs

Have you looked into having yours rebuilt? I think someone suggested it to you here:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?p=238291&highlight=shock+rebuilt#post238291

VX KAT

10/30/2011, 03:17 PM

I was typing this post when Mav was, so sorry if there's some duplication....
Here's some more info about having the OEMs rebuilt.

LittleBeast had Bruce do his:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=15846&highlight=bruce

and so did VR4-Quest:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=8703&highlight=bruce

SlowPro48 has had Bruce rebuild many shocks:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=6018&highlight=rebuilds+shocks+bruce

Some discussion about the OEMs and the Rancho 9000XLs:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=14596&highlight=bruce

mbeach's impressions of about 4 different shocks, including firmness of each:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=112162&postcount=6

mantis465

10/30/2011, 04:48 PM

i was thinking about having them rebuilt but for 3 reasons i have decided against it for one i live in Canada and shipping them there and back is going to be costly, also i am guessing i will be waiting a while for them... and thirdly one of the nuts was seized on the top of one of the front struts and it sheered the top of the strut off trying to get it off... in am guessing that unless they replace the shaft of the shock this will make rebuilding impossible :(

WormGod

10/31/2011, 07:27 AM

I drive 90% tarmac/highway, but do the rare "playing in the dirt" whenever a construction site allows. ;) I just swapped out my crusty old Rancho RS500 shocks for Rancho RS900XLs and they are a dream so far. Fully adjustable for your applications. I keep mine FIRM. ;)

http://www.gorancho.com/shocks.php?shock=RS9000XL

Mile High VX

10/31/2011, 06:15 PM

mantis465

10/31/2011, 08:50 PM

thanks for all the advice i am currently leaning to wards the Bilstein for 2 reasons they are supposed to be a little bit stiffer than the rs9000xl, and are supposed to with stand colder temps i have herd the ranchos are proned to blow out in -30 and below.

any opinions?

VX KAT

10/31/2011, 11:01 PM

mbeach's impressions of about 4 different shocks, including firmness of each:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=112162&postcount=6

thanks for all the advice i am currently leaning to wards the Bilstein for 2 reasons they are supposed to be a little bit stiffer than the rs9000xl, and are supposed to with stand colder temps i have herd the ranchos are proned to blow out in -30 and below.

Yeah that was "mbeach" that had his Ranchos blow out at -40 degrees.

Scott Harness

11/01/2011, 06:13 AM

Yeah that was "mbeach" that had his Ranchos blow out at -40 degrees.
:p You don't need new shocks...you need to move somewhere warm!!:p

circmand

11/01/2011, 10:44 AM

if i could find the stock shocks for an affordable price i would go that route however that does not seam likely that is why i am asking which would be best replacement for my needs

If you have a budget you should list it as the may limit your choices. Also since you do not plan to 4 wheel yopu may not need the best just the best for your use. Also what kind of ride do you want? Need info to make suggestions

mantis465

11/02/2011, 01:38 AM

If you have a budget you should list it as the may limit your choices. Also since you do not plan to 4 wheel you may not need the best just the best for your use. Also what kind of ride do you want? Need info to make suggestions

the line u quoted me on was in reference to purchasing OEM shocks.. and since they are nearly $500 a shock new, that is a little more than i am willing to spend... as far as all the other options for shock that are offered for vx i am yet to find any that are more than that for an entire set. so i feel with some confidence that i can afford any of the aftermarket options... and as far as ride is consider, i am looking for a stiffer on road ride.. more car like than truck or jeep as stated in my opening paragraph

fultonix

11/02/2011, 05:30 AM

Im surprised nobody hasnt recommended the Old Man Emu Shocks.

circmand

11/02/2011, 06:06 AM

wintermute

11/02/2011, 08:12 AM

Hey Sue,
does anyone know the model number for the Bilstein replacement Mbeach is referring to in that post?

mbeach's impressions of about 4 different shocks, including firmness of each:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=112162&postcount=6

bearandbee

11/02/2011, 08:52 AM

Im in the same boat....but I don't know if mine are bad. My VX is really rough over speed bumps. But I don't know if that's just stock or if shocks are worn out.

mantis465

11/02/2011, 10:20 AM

you missed the KB Shock rebate. They are great adjustable shocks that after rebate I paid less than $200 installed at Sears. You should still look at them as they do provide 9 different settings to get the prefered ride

sounds like a great deal but do u mean KBY shocks i searched kb and only came up with KBY.. i also could not find any adjustable shocks that they made for the vx. there AGX line of shocks which are adjustable do not seem to be available for vx? could u send me a link of were to find them or part numbers..

thanks again

VX KAT

11/02/2011, 11:10 AM

sounds like a great deal but do u mean KBY shocks i searched kb and only came up with KBY.. i also could not find any adjustable shocks that they made for the vx. there AGX line of shocks which are adjustable do not seem to be available for vx? could u send me a link of were to find them or part numbers..

thanks again

I think he means Rancho.....(right Dave?)
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=20096

VX KAT

11/02/2011, 11:14 AM

Hey Sue,
does anyone know the model number for the Bilstein replacement Mbeach is referring to in that post?

Not sure, but I think it's in this thread: 5100 maybe?
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=15112&highlight=Bilsteins

Y33TREKker

11/02/2011, 11:19 AM

sounds like a great deal but do u mean KBY shocks i searched kb and only came up with KBY.. i also could not find any adjustable shocks that they made for the vx. there AGX line of shocks which are adjustable do not seem to be available for vx? could u send me a link of were to find them or part numbers..

thanks again
I'd say that shock manufacturer is supposed to read KYB , and is probably why your search didn't get many returns.

Monstertrucker

11/02/2011, 12:56 PM

Just did a search and found Randy's part numbers for Bilsteins.

I installed Bilstein B46-1738-H1's on the front, and B46-1739-H1's on the rear. They went on without any modifications. The ride is very close to stock (slightly softer).

Randy

Also found this SEMA competition but you just missed it! Click on 'view timeline' top left for the dates.

http://shockmyride.strutta.com/entry/181061#box-info

Another KYB supplier below...... (Btw, I fitted KYB Monomax dampers to my GMC Typhoon to replace worn Bilstein's. The Bilstein build quality was way better for general solidity, welds and finish but no idea how they would compare in performance from new. KYB Monomax are very good value though).

http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=10810+4294963744+1640+11921+4294965994

circmand

11/02/2011, 01:50 PM

sounds like a great deal but do u mean KBY shocks i searched kb and only came up with KBY.. i also could not find any adjustable shocks that they made for the vx. there AGX line of shocks which are adjustable do not seem to be available for vx? could u send me a link of were to find them or part numbers..

thanks again

It was the ranchos on sale I was looking at KBTs as well and got mixed up

vt_maverick

11/02/2011, 02:35 PM

Im in the same boat....but I don't know if mine are bad. My VX is really rough over speed bumps. But I don't know if that's just stock or if shocks are worn out.

Might try this: http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=20911

You can cut your bump stops in half with a regular household hacksaw. Makes a WORLD of difference. :thumbup:

xdfarrx

12/13/2011, 12:21 AM

Im running 5k series, adjustables. Have for a few years. I wish the adjustability was in the compression & rebound.

Im still considering getting my stockers rebuilt, as they are really good just need to be serviced. I was going to get them revalved softer for more compliant ride.

Next thing is the rear stops in the rear. I hate how hard they jar. Might try the stops from Summit.