| Author | Message | ||
     Matt Williams (Ltmatt007) New Member Username: Ltmatt007 Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2003 |
It is time to replace the shocks on my 99 DII. Other than Bilstien and Old Man Emu are there any others out there? I could just go with originals, cost is a factor. I don't want to drop nearly $400 on the Bilstiens. Any help would be great. | ||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 1889 Registered: 10-2001 |
sure you could find cheaper, but why skimp $40-50 and then find yourself along a trail or road with a busted shock. go with either the two you have listed and you will be happy. | ||
| Paul T. Schram (Paulschram) Senior Member Username: Paulschram Post Number: 1084 Registered: 02-2002 |
I for one wish I had tried some of the less expensive shocks before spending the big bucks on 'Steins. After all of the hype, I was expecting a life-changing experience and was very disappointed when the best shocks weren't much better than the worn out Woodheads. There are any of a number of other manufacturers who make shocks for our trucks. IIRC the Monroe's were on the order of $75/pair. Paul | ||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 1890 Registered: 10-2001 |
i am happy with my OME's at $65/piece. spending less on ProComps or something else just would not make sense. limping along a trail or highway would not make up for the $100 i saved on some weak welds. there are better areas of 4x4 equipment i would rather save a few $$ on. i.e. rack, lights, etc. | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Senior Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 1836 Registered: 02-2002 |
I had Ranchos on a Jeep, wasn't too fond of 'em... wouldn't suggest them.... they weren't bad, just overly firm. OMEs are good, but felt squishy compared to Bilsteins, IMHO... you need to ride in similar vehicles with 'em and compare them. FWIW, I've got Black Diamond XTs on our Disco... better than stock, but about the same length. Like Paul said, not life-changing, but, better than the dead ones they replaced. If you're running a lift, you'd need a bit of extension on 'em, but a stock D1 is great w/ 'em... But, I dunno if they have 'em for a D2 or not. (And, actually, when I had TRG order them for me, I got the last ones for a Disco that they had in stock; they were expecting more to come in, but, I don't know if they have yet or not). FWIW.... -L | ||
| R. B. Bailey (Rover50987) Senior Member Username: Rover50987 Post Number: 346 Registered: 07-2002 |
Good point on the lights and saving money in other places. When it comes to running equipment that makes the truck drive better, perform better, and safer - don't skimp. OME has been proven. Why would anyone but the most avid night-time-trek-sponsered-professional really need $300 off road lights - yes they are better - but for most of us... come on! I would rather spend that $300 on a lift or on vehicle protection, or better shocks and springs. | ||
| Alyssa Brown (Alyssa) New Member Username: Alyssa Post Number: 15 Registered: 01-2003 |
I put rancho 5000's on my DI, and they did make a huge difference over the worn-out woodheads at first, but they aren't absorbing too many shocks these days.  I think I'd go for the more expensive, better quality ones this time. But hey, I was in college when I bought them the first time around. | ||
| Mahn England (One_iota) New Member Username: One_iota Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2003 |
I've just had Bilstein's put on mine together with new springs (2" lift) and rear polyairs(www.polyair.com.au). The truck's handling is transformed on and off the road. The 'steins are firmer than the original. The installer advised that being gas rather than oil they would resist fading when being driven for extended periods on corrugated roads. I am yet to try this. | ||
| Perrone Ford (Perroneford) Member Username: Perroneford Post Number: 47 Registered: 02-2003 |
Pay no attention to Paul. His Bilsteins are different than everyone else's in the world. Everyone else seems to feel they are wonderful. ;) -P | ||
| Matt Williams (Ltmatt007) New Member Username: Ltmatt007 Post Number: 7 Registered: 02-2003 |
Ordering the OME from Nathan at Discount Rovers. His price was too good. Monroe does not make a shock for DII, neither does ProComp, Rancho,Black Diamond, or anything that Discount Auto parts, Autozone, Car Quest or Napa could order. So we will see how the OME work out.-Matt | ||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 1901 Registered: 10-2001 |
good choice and a good person to deal with. you will be happy with the OME's i am sure. much more so in the long haul over the 'other' brands you listed. | ||
| Mark Albrecht (Markalbrecht) Member Username: Markalbrecht Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2002 |
Although there are no shocks listed for the DII with Rancho, etc., if you look at the shock specifics (compressed length, extended length, and mounting style) you can find a shock to fit from almost any brand. That being said, OME's are nice. |
