1) if I cant find the reflex, I understand the rancho rs5000 is equivalent? Thoughts?
I had the RS5000's on mine for about 2 years. Firmed up the ride nicely. Not harsh at all. However, one day I decided to do some work on the front end, lifted the truck, and found one of the front shocks had broken inside the shock body. Not sure what happened. I didn't have any suspension limiting straps, so maybe I over-extended the shock at some point.
2) I understand that most likely I will just need lower ball joints and not arms? Thoughts?
You'll need to pull the arms to replace the ball joints, so why not replace the arm instead? At least then you'll have new bushings too.
3) what are the odds of needing wheel hub and bearing? Should I just plan on doing them while we are there?
Depends on the mileage and your finances. If you think you'll be replacing the bearings in the next couple of years, and you have the money, may as well do those now.
5) what else would be smart to do while in there? Other surprises you found while attempting this???
I replaced my control arm bushings with Polyurethane bushings. Only problem was they occasionally squeaked. But the truck sure did handle nicely. Pretty easy job too. Just burn the old ones out with a propane torch then press the new ones in.
I had the RS5000's on mine for about 2 years. Firmed up the ride nicely. Not harsh at all. However, one day I decided to do some work on the front end, lifted the truck, and found one of the front shocks had broken inside the shock body. Not sure what happened. I didn't have any suspension limiting straps, so maybe I over-extended the shock at some point.
2) I understand that most likely I will just need lower ball joints and not arms? Thoughts?
You'll need to pull the arms to replace the ball joints, so why not replace the arm instead? At least then you'll have new bushings too.
3) what are the odds of needing wheel hub and bearing? Should I just plan on doing them while we are there?
Depends on the mileage and your finances. If you think you'll be replacing the bearings in the next couple of years, and you have the money, may as well do those now.
5) what else would be smart to do while in there? Other surprises you found while attempting this???
I replaced my control arm bushings with Polyurethane bushings. Only problem was they occasionally squeaked. But the truck sure did handle nicely. Pretty easy job too. Just burn the old ones out with a propane torch then press the new ones in.