Is there still only 1 option for front shocks?

KTMNealio · 03-05-2006, 10:14 PM

I'd love to get the DR's, trust me. I have too many hobbies though and $1100 is a new rifle, 1/6 of a new dirtbike, a smokin new computer, etc. Is there any other options for front shocks yet (hopefully adjustable ones like the DR's) that aren't so spendy? I guess if I *have* to spend the money I will..

- Nealio

pi3yeargrad · 03-05-2006, 10:19 PM

good question...I have wondered somewhat the same

Zack · 03-05-2006, 11:04 PM

i believe there are the fox shocks and they are 50$ cheaper but not adjustable. I am going to be buying the DR's eventually. They are expensive but they worth it in my opinion.
just my .02 cents

pi3yeargrad · 03-05-2006, 11:08 PM

lol...well Id like to know ANOTHER option that is lower in cost then the foxes as well...lol

hooligan · 03-06-2006, 12:00 AM

unfortunately for those on the fence about getting the DRs there isn't any other (made to work) options! you could do Fox's, SAWs, Kings but you'd need to pair them up with the Total Chaos upper a-arms cause the OEM upper a-arm will bang into the coil bucket. first off, if you did settle for the aforementioned coilovers you'd need Greg to valve them specifically for the titan too (i believe) and need to get limiting straps. the DRs were specifically designed for the titan to achieve 0-3" of lift yet keep the upper a-arms from banging into the coil bucket! after everything is said and done you'll wish you had just gotten the DRs in the first place, in the end it'll be cheaper! plus unlike the other coilovers, Donohoe provides a lifetime warranty on their coilover!! can't beat that!

one more thing... my DRs were worth every penny to me and if i had to do it all over again, i would make the jump to the DRs!!

got_titan · 03-06-2006, 10:52 AM

the new rancho 9000 triple x is available....you can get a whole kit or just the front struts and they are adjustable..i have a thread at ct labeled " just recieved ranhos new triple x sytem..looks cool" with pics if you want to go over and look....i would link but tt sucks and wont let me! i paid 450 shipped and you can level your truck with this kit. the controller can be dropped and that will save you 100 dollars...

KTMNealio · 03-06-2006, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by got_titan

the new rancho 9000 triple x is available....you can get a whole kit or just the front struts and they are adjustable..i have a thread at ct labeled " just recieved ranhos new triple x sytem..looks cool" with pics if you want to go over and look....i would link but tt sucks and wont let me! i paid 450 shipped and you can level your truck with this kit. the controller can be dropped and that will save you 100 dollars...

You will have to give us a full report on the install and how you think they perform. Also post who you bought them from. I've looked around and can't find anyone that lists those shocks yet...
- Nealio

NorCal 4x4 · 03-07-2006, 01:36 AM

PRG stated the following back in 4/05:
"What makes a shock good or not-so-good is the size of the shaft/piston/body and the reservoir. A 9000 series rancho uses a 1.625 piston dia, where a DRE shock uses a 2.25 piston, this is like comparing a honda 4cyl engine form and '83 civic to the 5.6l in your titan. The adjustablity is more of a gimmic (sure you can feel the difference, but take a bit hit, and you'll still blow right through the travel), especially the way they advertise it, here's why. The adjustment does very little to control compression damping (the valving on the piston does that) and that is what is needed to change to handle "jumps" or even big hits. The rebound will effectivly change the ride, but the funniest part is that the faster the roubound the better the ride off-road, this is the exact opposite from the marketing they sell you with the shock." - End quote.

Now if you are the type that will never truly off-road your Titan, the xxx might be enough for you, and might even last the life of your Titan.

But even so check this out. It's a link that shows the difference between a Rancho and a true race shock, (click on the left thumbnail):
http://www.titantalk.com/forums/327757-post16.html

BTW- the Donahoe Racing coil-overs, (DRE), have a lifetime warranty, and come with a much better coil-spring than the stock off-road Ranchos that many aftermarket shocks will re-use. Re-use of the coil will also run the installation costs way up since springs need to be compressed for disassembly and install vs. the DREs that are a bolt-on complete solution, that is as easy or easier than Greg's leveling kits' installation.

So with labor and just one replacement, the xxx will cost as much, and not be nearly as off-road worthy as a Donahoe's, (or the Fox coil-overs that are used for the Pro-comp, CST, Fab-tech, or Rancho lifts).

There are not that many things you can purchase that you will like more and more - as time goes on. The DRE coil-overs are one of them, IMO.

mtwap · 03-07-2006, 06:25 AM

Maybe it’s just me but dose anyone else remember when you could replace all 4 shocks for $40.00 and that was for the real good ones.

got_titan · 03-07-2006, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swarren1

PRG stated the following back in 4/05:
"What makes a shock good or not-so-good is the size of the shaft/piston/body and the reservoir. A 9000 series rancho uses a 1.625 piston dia, where a DRE shock uses a 2.25 piston, this is like comparing a honda 4cyl engine form and '83 civic to the 5.6l in your titan. The adjustablity is more of a gimmic (sure you can feel the difference, but take a bit hit, and you'll still blow right through the travel), especially the way they advertise it, here's why. The adjustment does very little to control compression damping (the valving on the piston does that) and that is what is needed to change to handle "jumps" or even big hits. The rebound will effectivly change the ride, but the funniest part is that the faster the roubound the better the ride off-road, this is the exact opposite from the marketing they sell you with the shock." - End quote.

Now if you are the type that will never truly off-road your Titan, the xxx might be enough for you, and might even last the life of your Titan.

But even so check this out. It's a link that shows the difference between a Rancho and a true race shock, (click on the left thumbnail):
http://www.titantalk.com/forums/327757-post16.html

BTW- the Donahoe Racing coil-overs, (DRE), have a lifetime warranty, and come with a much better coil-spring than the stock off-road Ranchos that many aftermarket shocks will re-use. Re-use of the coil will also run the installation costs way up since springs need to be compressed for disassembly and install vs. the DREs that are a bolt-on complete solution, that is as easy or easier than Greg's leveling kits' installation.

So with labor and just one replacement, the xxx will cost as much, and not be nearly as off-road worthy as a Donahoe's, (or the Fox coil-overs that are used for the Pro-comp, CST, Fab-tech, or Rancho lifts).

There are not that many things you can purchase that you will like more and more - as time goes on. The DRE coil-overs are one of them, IMO.

ok.....the whole rancho system costs 450 and the dre costs 1100. i can install this myself so tell me where its going to be as much as the dre?? greg himself said this could be a good cheap alternative to race shocks ....if you have not tried something doesnt mean it doesnt work or its not good.....the ranchos have a lifetime warranty also....it states that cleary on thier website...sometimes research is great but personal experience is better and you need that to judge a product!

**chunko** · 03-07-2006, 01:05 PM

No need to flame fellas. got_titan...let us know how you like your kit. Right now, the rancho kit is unproven and people are skeptical. From a design standpoint, the DRE's are better but more $. The DRE's are also an easier intall. That's the point Swarren was making. A lot of us are interested in your setup so don't get bent out of shape defending your purchase. We all love our own stuff.

CoachBoone · 03-07-2006, 01:12 PM

got_titan, I'd like to hear a report on your Ranchos when you get a chance too. The only off-roading I do is a little sand play, and when we have to get to a good camp site, but that's towing, so I'm not really an off-road playa. Just looking for a good solid shock for "light" off-roading. Good luck with your install, let us know how it goes!

KTMNealio · 03-07-2006, 01:41 PM

That's the dilemma. The Rancho's won't compare to the DRE's, but they are 1/3 the price. Will they be better than stock? That's the question. Who wouldn't want to get the DRE's and the Total Chaos upper A-Arm, but since my truck is one of many hobbies, I have to spread the money around.
- Nealio

HemiHunter · 03-08-2006, 02:56 PM

My newly installed CST\Fox coil-overs installed by Greg are adjustible and have worked fine so far.

HemiHunter · 03-08-2006, 03:07 PM

I went with the CST\Foxes after discussing it with Greg. The CST\Foxes have a heavier spring which I wanted because I'm 4-wheel drive.