..........

 

"Hellwig" makes excellent sway bars that far exceed the ratings of the OEM sway bars. Some would argue that they are great for any truck and others would argue that you do not need them unless hauling weight like a camper. For myself, I prefer the stiff handling feel of a sports car so I add F/R "Hellwig" to my F250/F350 in the past.

IMO Rancho 5000 would not be a choice as they are super stiff and in my experience did not last on my trucks, the 9000 is a much better option for the price point. I prefer Fox 2.0 with reservoirs but that is a significantly different price point.

 

..........

 

You could also consider the fox 2.0 without the reservoirs. They are a worthy upgrade far exceeding the rancho 9000 and half the price of the fox reservoir models.

 

My bad on the shocks - I see the word Rancho and just hurl on the floor.

 

So true! Unfortunately enough people "settle" and then talk about what they bought (go figure, justifying their purchase? Nah, doesn't happen) as the only and best option.

 

..........

 

..........

 

My 2003 came with Rancho branded shocks, not impressed.
Procomp adjustables were nice until they leaked, then they stopped making them.
My 2000 V10 I placed 9000 on it, no matter what I did the ride was sharp.
Moved Bilsteins 9100 reservoirs, long travel and an amazing ride but amazingly expensive.
Another truck, Bilsteins HD (blue and yellow), ok good and still nicer ride than my 9000.
Last F250 was Fox 2.0 reservoirs and those beat everything listed above.

 

..........

 

I placed Fox reservoirs with adjusters on front and without adjusters on rear - empty or loaded they work great and I can adjust the front to keep the nose from diving up/down - it was very expensive solution but well worth the funds for the solid and comfortable ride. My F250 6.0L 4x4 with "hellwig" f/r and Fox F/R handled like a sports car, firm and stuck to the ground without jarring my teeth or kidneys.

Saving funds now to place the similar Fox solution on my F450 which will clear out kidney stones on the softest carpet highways.

 

How much of an improvement were they? I'm having trouble picking one but don't feel the need to spend a lot for the reservoirs

 

..........

 

Depends on what you want to do with your truck. Are the upgrades just for looks? ... improved unloaded ride? ... towing (need details)? ... or hauling (need details)? Like I said, it depends.

 

Air bags = Firestone.

Run the air fill fitting to the front of the truck, on the bumper or under the hood - this way you can nose into a service station to inflate the air bags. No real need for an onboard air pump unless you really want one.