[ross23]

hello fellow clubxterra.org members.

im a long time lurker and new member. i just need help on deciding what shocks to get. i have a 2000 xterra se 4x4 136000 miles with stock shocks still. the ride feels uncomfortable, feeling every little bump on the road. im looking to make the ride smoother and keep in mind that i mainly use it for street driving. ive been reading a lot on the forum about bilstein 5100, rancho rs5000 and nismo shocks but they seem mainly for offroading. i appreciate any help thanks.

 

[ross23]

i forget to mention that i do not have any lift nor plan to get one

 

[AaronsX]

Same amount of miles as my 2000 with stock shocks...I feel your pain!

It's a personal preference between bilstein and ranchoo I think

I've never had either so I can't say.

 

[iwashmycar]

I am in the exact same boat as well with my 03. This one will never see offroad, so I am probably going to go with some cheapy ones from Rock Auto or the like, but wanted to subscribe for any additional input.
Ill probably just order some of those SENSEN ones and throw them on... or maybe even some of the Monroe ones.

It was reaffirmed how bad I need to replace them yesterday going over some of those tall, but high speed bumps... You could just hear the creaking....nothing left.

 

[Ricel]

Bilsteins arent specifically for offroad. When you read that, thiseposts are talking about the longer versions.

A stock heigh bilstein will give you a much better ride than a rock auto stock. Look on AC (4x4parts.com) and look into the normal bilsteins. Or look up the PN for the stock shocks on bilsteins websit.

I love mine and am mostly a highway commuter with wheeling maybe once every two months.

 

[gt601]

Bilstien all the way. If you put a cheap shock on you will most likely replace them in a couple of years. Bilstiens will last for the life of the truck. They have a nice firm ride and great control.

Paul

 

[ross23]

thanks for the input guys. im now just deciding between the nismo shocks and bilsteins. what bilsteins type would i need though, the 5100's or another number?

 

[timb.]

go to autozone and buy gabriel ultras....they are cheap and have a lifetime warranty (bring old shock in and they replace-not rocket science). bilsteins are best....but who has 300 bucks every couple of years .

 

[iwashmycar]

I went and got a set of the Sensen ones from Rock Auto. Ordered yesterday morning and arrived here this morning! They look good, and should definitely help the ride. I'll post up the results once I get them fitted. If the weather holds I may get to them sometime tomorrow!

 

[ShiftingSkys]

The bilstiens are more than enough if your just street cruisin, go with the bilstiens, you wont regret it.

 

[TJTJ]

The Bilstein 5100's are the way to go, but they don't have them for the fronts, the Bilstein HD are essentially the same shock on the inside though, and are a bit cheaper (Painted body instead of metal, etc).

Get the ones for the stock height X if you like a softer ride, get the ones for the 3" lift kit if you want a lot more control than stock (The lift ones are valved stiffer to help control the added COG, etc)

The lift ones fit a stock X too, so either works as far as fitment...its just a valving vs future options consideration.

 

[1911fan]

I've been looking at KYB Gas-a-Just's and Bilsteins. I found the KYB's for $46 and the Bil's for $68. From what I can tell the KYB's are very close to the Bilsteins and very adequate for street driving. Would any of you disagree with that? I know nothing about shocks.

 

[iwashmycar]

KYB has always been good for road shocks. My only experience was on my old Mustang... I had no complaints there!

 

[timb.]

2x4s are on sale at home depot for $2.87.....doubles as a bumper too. thats shocks and a bumper for under $10. done.

 

[sledneck7]

Bilsteins arent specifically for offroad. When you read that, thiseposts are talking about the longer versions.

A stock heigh bilstein will give you a much better ride than a rock auto stock. Look on AC (4x4parts.com) and look into the normal bilsteins. Or look up the PN for the stock shocks on bilsteins websit.

I love mine and am mostly a highway commuter with wheeling maybe once every two months.

My driving is 90% + on the street, but I also drive a fair amount on mountain roads that tend to be rough and bumpy. Should I go with the Blistein's made for the 3" lift or just go with their regular stock size? And is it the same size on all 4 or are fronts different? Thanks for the help!

 

[muadeeb]

The only reason to go with a 3" lift shock on a stock height vehicle is you intend to lift during the life of the shock. With a stock height vehicle, stock length is perfect whether you wheel it, or stick to the asphalt.

 

[sledneck7]

The only reason to go with a 3" lift shock on a stock height vehicle is you intend to lift during the life of the shock. With a stock height vehicle, stock length is perfect whether you wheel it, or stick to the asphalt.

OK, but I'd seen how the ones intended for 3" lift were 20% stiffer, so that's why I would/should do it. I see front and rear are different. Are the ones below correct to bolt right on?

https://www.4x4parts.com/nissan/xterra-heavy-duty-bilstein-rear-shock-p-1925.html

https://www.4x4parts.com/nissan/xterra-heavy-duty-bilstein-front-shock-p-1924.html