My 2007 F-250 Lariat FX4 has original shocks...w/ 245,000 miles! It drives and handles like a friggin battle tank! What Bilstein shocks will help it ride like a lincoln towncar? I am not towing...just commuting!

 

I did Bilstein HDs, the blue and yellow ones. Stiffer than stock which is what I wanted.

Rancho 5000 or 9000Xl adjustable shocks are popular.

 

I went with the red 5000's along time ago, large noticeable difference between the stock ones.

 

I have motorcraft on it now..they are rusted and old. Will the ride be much smoother with Bilsteins? Not looking for the stiff towing ride.

 

I'm on my second set of Monroe Reflex shocks and they ride great however I don't drive off road.

 

Front




Back. Looks like its all dried up and has some rubbing.




Rusted...




These are defitely newer than the back shocks. The truck is an FX4 so they have been switched out at some point.

 

Seems most have been pleased with any brand other than Motorcraft or discount store brands. Stick with Bilstein, KYB, Rancho or Reflex and you should be fine.

I've had KYBs on several different vehicles and always felt a huge upgrade over stock. Currently have KYB/Michelin Defender combination on the super duty. It's firm and controlled, yet cushioned, but not "jolty". I like the overall ride in my super duty better than my wife's Expy that has the same shock/tire combo. So, don't overlook your tires either. I think the best shocks in the world are worthless if your tires aren't premium too. Just a thought.

 

With my truck having the Camper Package "X-Springs", the first thing I noticed when replacing shocks was that the front end had some give as the shocks actually compressed a tad over bumps.
With the OEM shocks I took a beating in the cab, there was no 'give' it was like the shocks were made out of wood.

 

I liked the Bilstein 5100s I have on, but at 71K they're getting tired. I plan on getting Rancho 9000 adjustables from O'reilly with a lifetime warranty.

 

Typically, with those shocks being "done", any other new shock will be a major improvement.

I sometimes believe we over think things, and instead of me buying the higher end on shocks, I saved my money and went with the Gabriel Ultra's. I really enjoy them, and even the wife likes how well the truck rides now.

I went with these because I read good reviews. I was able to save some money, so that I will be able to have the monies to put somewhere else if and when I need to do a repair on the truck that requires "A-1" quality parts.

But that's just me, and I have 3 teenagers (18, 16, 13 year old) that suck up the rest of me and my wife's paychecks, so I try to save where I can.

But I never skimp out on parts when it come to the engine bay.