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Apr 19, 2003 | 09:51 PM

rog22

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New User

Joined: Apr 2003

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new shocks

I need to replace my factory shocks on my 96 F150 4x4 with new ones and I need some for towing a 25' Jayco (4500lbs). I have thought about Monroe Gas Magnums but thought some of you might know a good shock to use for a good ride and tow ride also. And has anyone used the half leaf rear spring helpers I think they add about 500lbs to you load max? I think at 53,000 my shock are a little bouncey for me I don't know what Fords factoy shocks are rated to last to.:

Apr 19, 2003 | 11:51 PM

steve83

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Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,987

Likes: 7

From: Memphis, TN

new shocks

I really like CarQuest's Bruiser Gas XDs. At $25ea for LLT, they're about as good as you need. I tow MUCH heavier stuff with my truck (as you can see in my signature link) and they do great, especially after I added quad fronts. The PNs are 50620 for the front 2 & 50622 for the rear 2. If you have quad fronts, the 2 ahead of the axle are 50623. (You should, of course, check those numbers at the counter. I know the numbers are right, but the applications might be mixed.)

Apr 20, 2003 | 07:33 AM

Diesel_Dummy _

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 305

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new shocks

you want the best shock
monroe REFLEX
or
rancho RSX

you won't be disapointed

Apr 20, 2003 | 01:51 PM

Bikerider900

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 76

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From: Planet Earth

new shocks

Bought an '88 F150 4WD LB. It rode like a two horse cart when I got it and it pulled to the right badly. I replaced the 'Sport Kings' on it with BFG AT K/O's (accept NO substitute!) which settled the ride out a little bit and solved the drift problem considerably (still needs an alignment for a slight drift to the right). I know it should ride a little rougher due to it being a longer wheel base but what shoick/spring combo shoudl I consider to keep myself from bouncing in the cab over road ruts and such?

I'll be putting shocks on pretty soon, so I'd like some real world experience as I do my online research..

Thanks!

Apr 20, 2003 | 02:10 PM

Bob Ayers

Postmaster

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 4,417

Likes: 3

From: Durham, NC

new shocks

For ride and handling, I would go for Bilsteins!!!

Apr 20, 2003 | 05:45 PM

steve83

Post Fiend

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,987

Likes: 7

From: Memphis, TN

new shocks

Quote:

Originally posted by Bikerider900
I know it should ride a little rougher due to it being a longer wheel base...

A longer wheelbase gives a smoother ride than a short. The chassis doesn't pitch as much, and the extra weight equals more inertia to hold it steady.

If it's close to stock height and you don't carry much cargo, the stock springs are already the best for a smooth ride. Just get some good shocks and (most importantly) a good alignment. I bought a set of Firestone tires, paid for ALL the options, and got a lifetime alignment, so now it's all THEIR problem.

In ~5 months, I've had it aligned 3 times, had one tire patched, and another replaced.

Apr 21, 2003 | 07:38 PM

mrak

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Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 206

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new shocks

I am very happy with the reflex's I have in front. They do perform like they are advertised. You can actually hear the valve opening and closing when it goes over bumps if you have the window down. I have gas magnums in the back for heavy loads. They work well under load, but are a little hard (bounces over bumps) if the bed is completely empty, especially if the tailgate is off.

The truck corners like my old vw when it's empty with this combo... the reflex shock really puts a stop to any body roll