Am here most nights,but don't log in or say too much,but am on 3 other forums,(RV.net,5th wheel,Maverick,40 Ford Hot Rod)and always just come to here, the V-10 forum,because I have an '06 SD LWB V-10,6 spd stick ,4.10 rear truck and pull a 11,000lb+ 5ver,someone over there (RV.net) just asked what are the best shocks for a SD hauling a large load and when empty,thought I'd ask you guys,as everyone over here has SDs only,Thanks

 

I have the Zone Nitro's and so far have been pleased with them. I don't tow or haul, but way better than stock.

 

Large load and empty? Sounds like adjustable's are what you need. the RS9000XL's are very popular. Good reviews and lifetime warranty. Good Luck

 

I found this thread check it out. I think I am going to give these a try in a little while.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-the-6-0l.html

 

Thanks for the link,lot of good reading,over at RV.net the Bilstiens seem to be the choice,of course price might effect choice to I guess,Thanks Jack

 

I am removing the Bilstiens on my Excursion and installing "adjustable" RS9000XL's. The Bilstiens got their name in the sports car industry and are just to stiff for SuperDutys (IMO). With the lifetime warranty on the Rancho's I will never have to buy another set.

 

Bilstein shocks on my last van and on my current... I'm very happy with them and I do tow 7500lb TT frequently.

 

I like adjustable, so it's Rancho RS9000XL's for me. My current set, even on 7 do not seem as "stiff" as the 9000x's I used to have, but still a HUGE improvement over stock.

And adjustable is just the icing on the cake. I can't imagine this truck without adjustable shocks. But that's just me

 

Am I missing something here? you can buy the 9000xl's for less than $50 per shock. So for $200 you can have adjustable Ranchos? seems like a no brainer to me. I would presume it's gonna cost atleast 150 for cheaper no adjsutables, whats another $50.

 

I lied, the cheapest I could find them were $85 a peice shipped. so 340 per set.

 

My dad had the 9000 adjustables and they didn't last long. There was really nothing special about them and there ability to soak up bumps was nothing special. I'm happy with my Monroe Reflex shocks they soak up the bumps onroad, offroad and towing and they have valving that adjusts on the fly. No going under truck turning cheesy plastic *****.

 

Another vote for the RS9000XL's. I tried the Bill's and they were very good running light, not enough control with 14k hauler. I have had the 9000's on several rigs now and have had nothing but good luck so far. Only bad part is getting under the rig to adjust them.

 

I was just trying to compare the Rancho warranty with the Monroe Reflex warranty.... they are BOTH made by Tenneco and both are Limited Lifetime Warranty. Interesting. If you are on a budget then I have heard good things about the Reflex shocks. Most modern shocks advertise a variable valve of some sort that adjusts to the loading.

If you can justify the expense of the adjustable shock then go with the RS9000XL's. I got mine with a $100 visa rebate this last summer, which is an annual deal that they offer.

If you can't justify spending that much on shocks then go for nonadjustable reflex or Bilstiens.

 

Last summer I bought a set of Rancho's 5000's for my truck, I ran them for 500 miles before putting the originals back on. They were way to stiff I could feel every little bump. I'm trying to sell the rancho's then I think I will try the Manroe Reflex. My truck see's little off road, or could you say on road is like driving off road? I have driven down gravel roads smoother than the streets in my town.

 

Rancho must have changed the 5000's from a few years ago. I bought 2 sets. One for the 1/2 Sub and one for my 2500. They were waaaayy too soft, especially on the 2500. Like you I only ran them a few miles but for the opposite reason.

We have had the Reflex on the Sub, but once again they were too soft. But that rig is too soft sprung anyway. It's an '03 with the coils in back. Went to the next heavier Monroe and they are much better. Have some control without being harsh at all. Can't remember what they are called right now.