chriswit1

Can anyone out there please let me know what the best option would be for shocks....looking for a soft ride, comfortable...Ive heard the bilstein are tight and hit hard on bumps.....I have 120k on original and my truck rides like shi%...I was going to trade it in but I love to much, had it since new....00' So I am going to restore it as best I can. I just had it painted and replaced all of the lights, grills etc...looks great, rides like hell. I got all of the bushings and ball joints...etc. L. axle too. Now I need some good shocks....
Also, I want to lower the truck 1.5" with the Eibach springs in the rear and the Torsion bars up front. But I need some input on the right shocks to buy. Also, I am on a tight budget....and there are aftermarket 20" rims with semi low-pro tires.....
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Chris

Darkmann

Since budget is tight and you want soft ride, I'd get rid of the 20s first (i.e. if you still have the original rims) - it'll ride better - and forget about lowering. If that's not possible, look at Monroes. I believe Sachs makes some also for the ML. The 'Steins are definitely way too stiff for you. Be careful because the OEM shock/spring is a matched pair. Make sure whatever springs you chose will not allow the spring to bottom out over moderate bumps.

chriswit1

Thanks for the reply...I have decided to scratch the idea of lowering and I ordered 27 55 r20 at tires that should give the truck a better ride, they are 32" General Grabbers. Would the monroe/sachs shocks still be a good choice if not lowered....please advise....Thanks

Darkmann

They still would be. I like the hard ride so I can't really talk much about the softer options. There are many here and at benzworld (benzworld dot com) who have transitioned to the Monroes/Sachs/softer systems. Do a search. My choice is 'Steins, H&R and no LoPro tires, all around - that's darn stiff. But then I drive the truck rarely, mostly between MD and GA/LA area, 98% highway, so the harshness isn't an issue for me!