The Banks headers come with new metric grade WT 10.9 bolts, they are equal to (or slightly better depending on the source) grade 8 bolts.

I think part of the stock stud breakage issue has to do with the fact that they are studs with a couple of transitions points in their middle sections that could be weak spots that invite failure under repeated stresses. Bolts don't have these areas of concern.


In this case you have to go for the upgrade in material and tensile strength, to upgrade the size would require a lot of over drilling and tapping in hard to access places.

 

Got my Ranchoo 7000 shocks installed on the front of my truck today. The KYB's up there were too short which I realized when I took them off during the manifold saga. Also learned a good lesson putting those back on after the manifolds on how hard it is to compress shocks while feeding a bolt.

So used an extra exhaust ubolt clamp, zipped a bolt to it and bolted it under the bottom shock mount. Wanted to make sure I used something I could bolt down tight but also something I could get off after if it was stuck under the shock. The two piece clamp (in the second pic) worked like a charm. Lined it up, cut the strap and it slid right into place.

Much improved on the rough ride after a quick test drive.

 

I agree. Every one of mine that broke, did so in that middle area, either just out of the head or just below it.

 

Just saying Ford made them too small.

 

Sometimes I wonder if I should replace my reflex shocks. The ride is rough, but it came with this truck and I don't know what the ride is supposed to be like...

 

Mine had barely an inch to expand when I took them off, they were definitely too short. Surprised they survived this long, probably because it's spent more time on jack stands than on the road.

 

I'm thinking the same. Mine rides very rough. I'm thinking about Rancho 9000s while there is a rebate.

 

It's still probably will ride rough, nature of he beast...…

 

When I hit bad pavement, it resonates pretty badly thru the truck.
Would this indicate bad shocks?
Steering is ok, there is no wandering.
This is on a 2wd, stock height.

 

Nevermind. I read this wrong.

 

It should only bounce one time when you hit a bump and it shouldn't throw you all over when you hit a left and then right dip, take it off road.

 

The one sided dip was my issue, would jar the entire truck. Still rides like a truck thats for sure, but don't feel like I need a 3 point harness anymore for those back roads. I think the shocks I took off are fine, they just weren't long enough. Another lesson learned.

 

Glad you got it fixed, those sway bars will throw you around a lot on the back roads also.

 

I agree 100%, it was to simply save money. Quality USED to be job #1

 

You frequently throw your assumptions around as fact.