Posted this under "Suspension" but thought I would try here too. I have an '05 Scab XLT 4x4 5.4L with 17,800 mi. Still have the factory shocks on but I think the rears are starting to go. How can I tell for sure if they are wearing out? There is no leakage but they can be depressed easily between my hands. Fronts are still good, checked them when I installed the AS 2" level kit. Second question, I know it would be best to replace all 4 at once but is there a draw back to replacing only the rears? I do load the truck occasionally, normally 500 - 700 lbs but have been up to 1500 lbs.
Thanks for your help.

 

I doubt at 17,000 miles that your shocks are worn already, you should see at least 2x to 3xs that, but I have always upgraded to after market shocks.
Usually worn shocks will get bouncey or feel like you are riding in a boat.
Rancho makes a QuickLift front shock set up for you truck and great adjustable rears too. You will pay for these, but these are worth it.
You occasional 500-700 pounds is no problem. Don't worry about it.

http://www.gorancho.com/products/sho...l/rs9000xl.php

 

i wonder how you "checked" the front shocks when installing the AutoSpring kit... it doesnt require taking the strut apart. but, you should get more mileage from the stockers.

 

What I did was apply pressure when I had the the whole unit out. In my opinion there was substantial resistance with slow recovery. Then again I'm not an expert, that's why I'm asking.

 

do the bounce test. get on the bumper and bounce up/down as hard as you can. get her bouncing really good and then just hold still (but stay on the truck)

the truck should stop bouncing by the 2nd bounce. if she doesn't, you need new shocks.

btw, replacing a pair at a time is just fine. I recommend Monroe shocks. they make a good product and I've always had good luck with them. most parts stores carry them also. they may not say Monroe, but if you look at the packaging, there is usually a Monroe mark somewhere. Rancho shocks are overpriced for what you get. You're mainly just buying a name nowadays