Well, with 5k miles on the truck, the factory "Rancho" rear shocks are already shot, leaking like crazy. I'm looking for replacements that will support a decent tow weight, my 5er is around 12.5k loaded with around 2200lb pin weight. I have load lifter 5000's installed. I was looking at the fox 2.0's, but think I'm gonna have to much bounce from the softer shock. Any recommendations?

 

Shocks don't support the load. They just dampen the movement of the axle.

Like I said in one (or both) of the other threads going on in the 2017 forum, you can't go wrong with Bilstein shocks. I spent big bucks on my SAW shocks which may be similar to Fox. Then I swapped in Bilstein and couldn't tell much difference. I still have the SAW shocks on because by golly if I'm going to spend that much money on shocks I'm going to get my money's worth.

 

Either Bilstein 4600 or 5100s...They made a world of difference in my truck..

 

Those factory shocks should still be under warranty so let the dealer replace them. Why spend money when you don't have to????????

 

I went with the Rancho 9000 shocks. They have a larger diameter tube (more oil) and larger diameter rod. They have a nine position adjustment **** so that you can try different settings until you get the ride you like.

 

The difference they make in the ride while towing and not towing definitely makes it worth it. If I had known how much, I would not have waited as long as I did. It's too bad they don't offer upgraded shocks as an option.

 

I would make the argument that ANY hd aftermarket shock is an improvement over the stockers. I like the adjustability of the RSX9000's and that's why I have them. Even basic Monroe gas magnums would be a sizable step up in towing and hauling performance.

 

The factory shocks are still under warranty, but the same issue will happen again. I do not want to have to make trips to the dealer every month or two for blown shocks, I value my time to be worth more than that. Id rather be out of pocket $400-500 one time than be at the dealer 4-6 times a year for 2-3 hours each time for replacement shocks. I went through this on my 2011 as well, and after having a third set installed, I realized I was wasting my time with them.

 

On my past 2 F-250's I went with the Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. I've heard good things about the Bilstein's but I really liked the ability adjust the ride/stiffness, especially when towing the RV. The only complaint I have about them is that the adjust ***** get really stiff throughout the year. On one set I had to unscrew the ***** and grease them. Not a big deal, more of a hassle. Other than that, when all 4 are set below 4 or 5 the truck would ride like a Lincoln Towncar.

 

I'm going with Fox 2.0 this time around. Nothing wrong with Bilstein but they were a bit firm when unloaded for my taste so trying something different. I like the adjustable Rancho 9000's but up here where they salt all winter, they wouldn't be adjustable for long....

 

I live on top of a salt mine so the road crews use the salt like it's free. I spray the shocks down with stinky Fluid Film once a year and they still look and adjust like new.

 

I'm sure it's possible to keep the shock body problem free. Not so sure about the clicker adjuster? Maybe but I'm fine with set it and forget it non adjustable. I am a fan of fluid film for sure though. Stuff keeps all kinds of underpinnings looking purdy...

 

The Fluid Film works great for the adjustment *****. Also keeps my StableLoad pins clean and the wedges moving freely. Not a trace of rust!

 

Good to know for sure. Thanks. If I went with an adjustable I still wouldn't ever bother to adjust them so I don't know what I was worried about...LOL. Another reason I'm going 2.0...

 

Fluid Film smells so bad it repels the neighbors cats that were walking on my hood until I started using it! Apparently it works well for many different applications.