A Must Do IMO
Rather Be Floatin
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 0
From: Marble Falls, Tx.
i wouldnt touch anything rancho. just me tho. as for towing, shocks arent carrying the load, the springs are. shocks just smooth out the ride. but whenever i would tow with my 08 6.4, the ride was great. and i had the 4x4 stock shocks. empty tho, there were times i thought my truck was coming apart, felt like i was re-entering the atmosphere or something
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 7
From: Land of the Free
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: California
I haven't had a chance to tow with the new shocks yet. Boat is winterized right now and next trailer trip will be with a 30 ft Toy hauler but not until July. Till then I will just enjoy the new smoothed out ride.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
LOVE my Bilstien 5100
I towed my 5th wheel toyhauler in the sig line with the 5100s and was amazed at the lack bounce going over a big dip. The rig feels so much nicer going down the road with the new shocks, but primarily helps with bouncing out of big dips. Got mine at Shockwarehouse Bilstein - KYB - Rancho - Monroe - Edelbrock Automotive Truck Shocks and Struts - Shockwarehouse.com
Get them! Mike
Get them! Mike
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Definitely making a change. My kidneys are tired of getting pounded on some of these Cali freeways. I just want to make the right choice.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 7
From: Land of the Free
Did you see a noticeable difference on the 118? Hate the hop I get there on my daily drive from Simi and that was my primary reason for thinking about getting adjustable shocks.
Definitely making a change. My kidneys are tired of getting pounded on some of these Cali freeways. I just want to make the right choice.
Definitely making a change. My kidneys are tired of getting pounded on some of these Cali freeways. I just want to make the right choice.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Does anyo e that put on the bilstein 's have any real world experience towing with them, especially a large 5th wheel? I'm torn between them and the rancho 9000's too. I don't worry about the little 13ft whaler I tow, but the 40ft 5'er at 15,000 lbs and 3000 LB hitch weight is the question. Although the stock shocks aren't too bad with that kind of weight, the bilstein 's have to be better!
As for towing, ( GN 4 horse and GN 20K dove tail trailer) you can't really notice that much of a difference as the overload springs(or air bags) will be carrying most of the weight. The big difference is when you are empty....much smoother and more stable.
Cummins....I run 55 psi in the rear when I am empty and that makes a big difference. Trick is to find a dealer to lower the TPMS alert number.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
Likes: 18
From: Gilbert
I don't think you can go wrong with either shock. I opted for the Rancho's this time around because the 5100's finish on my 2000 finish looked terrible after a couple winters here in Pittsburgh. I went Rancho this time for the versatility (not that I'm towing much, but there when I need it). The Rancho's finish isn't much better, I already see rust on them after only a few months, but wanted to try something different this time around.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 110
Marine57_4. Dually owners. Those that tow heavy 16k plus 5ers.
Unless you have a chassis cab model (you can get a pickup bed but it is all special order) a 2011 and 2012 F450 is a wide front to axle F350.
I have pin weight at 3900# on 16999 5er.
I did not get Bilstein 5100's but rather the standard yellow/blue 4300 Bilsteins.
What a great improvement empty and towing.
I think shockwarehouse has good prices, but I got the fit info I needed ( a 2011 450 is really a 350 with wide front axle, a 4.30 differential, and slightly larger brakes. Bottom line shocks for 350 are same for 450 unless chassis cab with 19.5 inch tires.
I paid $64.75 each with free shipping and no MI Sales tax from Don's Sports Vehicles Sales (eshocks.com).
Dually rears. 24-185981 4x4 don't know for only rear wheel drive
Fronts are 24-186674 ditto
Unless you have a chassis cab model (you can get a pickup bed but it is all special order) a 2011 and 2012 F450 is a wide front to axle F350.
I have pin weight at 3900# on 16999 5er.
I did not get Bilstein 5100's but rather the standard yellow/blue 4300 Bilsteins.
What a great improvement empty and towing.
I think shockwarehouse has good prices, but I got the fit info I needed ( a 2011 450 is really a 350 with wide front axle, a 4.30 differential, and slightly larger brakes. Bottom line shocks for 350 are same for 450 unless chassis cab with 19.5 inch tires.
I paid $64.75 each with free shipping and no MI Sales tax from Don's Sports Vehicles Sales (eshocks.com).
Dually rears. 24-185981 4x4 don't know for only rear wheel drive
Fronts are 24-186674 ditto
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 11
From: Central NJ
My only hesitation has been concern over stiffening the ride. There are plenty of folks out there that say it should "ride like a truck", but being my daily driver I'd like a little smooth comfort when I'm not towing. Been considering some of the adjustable shocks vs the 5100's but still unsure which way to go. The only thing I know for sure is that I need to upgrade, especially for the steering wobble.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 7
From: Land of the Free
) and that you did the dual rancho steering stabs as well...
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Stafford Virginia
I put the 5100's on early on my truck's life. I have the snow plow springs. I think they make a significant difference in ride quality. I did not purchase the steering stabilizer as I did not see any reason why or what help it would provide. I think the stock stabilizer is good to go. I could be wrong but I'll wait to go all Bilstein when the need arises.