Steering Stabilizer and shocks

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May 9, 2012 | 08:39 AM

KES08

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Mountain Pass

Joined: Feb 2012

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From: Ohio

Steering Stabilizer and shocks

I have a 2008 F-250 CC FX4 that I'm getting ready to replace the Rancho shocks with the Bilstien HD's. My question is what steering stabilizer do you all recommend? I have seen some websites list a Bilstien 5100 series stabilizer... Is this still available?

Are the 5100 shocks worth the extra compared to the HD's? Any advice would be appreciated

May 9, 2012 | 09:17 AM

Tylus

MMNC (SS)(Ret)

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 11,607

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From: SE Georgia

steering stabilizer is just a fancy name for shock

get whatever floats your boat. The stabilizer has no effect on ride quality. it's just there to dampen tire oscillations side/side.

that being said, my Fabtech "shocks" work great.

May 9, 2012 | 09:45 AM

dkf

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Pa

I got a Monroe steering stabilizer. I figure its only a matter of time until I hit something with it and have to replace it anyway. The steering stabilizer does have application specific valving however. You can't just slap a standard shock in place of a steering stabilizer and call it good. For shocks I use Monroe Reflex, can't beat them for the price especially when they have a rebate.

May 9, 2012 | 09:52 AM

Tylus

MMNC (SS)(Ret)

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 11,607

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From: SE Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkf

Too true. a normal shock will kill your power steering pump

May 9, 2012 | 10:25 AM

phantomphixer

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Southwest Desert, AZ

I used Rough Country steering Stabilizer.

May 9, 2012 | 12:14 PM

wiingnut

Posting Guru

Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Monroe, MI

I just ordered Rancho RS9000xl shocks all the way around and the Rancho RS5000 steering stabilizer. I haven't used them yet, everything is on it's way. Before I bought these I was considering the Bilstein shocks and stabilizer. I spoke to a few people who were very happy with the Rancho's as they were with the Bilsteins. Ultimately the final decision was done because Rancho's had $100 rebate.

May 9, 2012 | 01:06 PM

Sailor Roy

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: Sep 2011

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From: Great Falls, Montana

I have recently installed the Rancho 9000XL's on my F-350. Love 'em.
I do like the ability to adjust them. Soooo much so, I ordered the Wireless MyRide Remote Control. Have not installed it yet.

May 9, 2012 | 03:09 PM

KES08

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 164

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by droldsmorland

I am wondering the same thing. Are the Rancho 9000xl a smoother ride than the stock FX4 shocks? I've heard they are but would like to hear from people that actually have them.

May 9, 2012 | 03:47 PM

#10

dkf

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Pa

The stock FX4 shocks are junk. Just replaced the second set of the FX4 shocks from Ford on my dads truck.(didn't even get 50k miles out of the last set before they started leaking and squeaking. I got the Monroe Reflexs and put them on for him. Makes quite a difference especially with the trailer on. They don't stiffen the ride any they just soak up the bumps. I've had the Reflexs on my truck for going on a year now. The last set I got for my dads truck was $164 shipped from Rock Auto and then I sent off a mail in rebate for them and got $40 back. So $124 for 4 shocks is pretty good I'd say.

May 9, 2012 | 04:23 PM

#11

2000silverbullet

Lead Driver

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 5,326

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From: Gilbert

I thought the FX4 shocks were too soft, they made the truck feel too squishy in any situation (dips, turns, etc.). They tended to let the tires chatter too much over rough roads, etc, the truck just wasn't planted to the ground like it should've been. I'm surprised some are saying they're too harsh, then again, my 2000 was the worst/hardest ride ever, so going from that back to my '11 when it was stock was an eye opener for me. I almost missed the feeling of having a "truck".

Replaced the '11 FX4 shocks with 9000XL's a couple months back, definite improvement. I also did an aftermarket steering stab, more noticeable improvement was felt there than with the shock replacement. The factory stuff just sucks...

May 9, 2012 | 04:29 PM

#12

Lubbockguy1979

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2009

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From: Lubbock

I'm in the same boat. I've got 90k on mine. In the past I like the sensa trac series compared to the relfex based dimply on the ride which was better of the two brands. I had the sensa trac on my 91 excab z71 and my mom had a 94 excab z71. They were a huge improvement over the stock gm bilstiens....

Main thing is how is the ride with the new shocks as far as harshness with bumps and such. Is the ride softened any or drasitcally? The stock fx4 shocks are still working on my truck and I do prefer the firm ride but a little better ride would be appreciated by my wife

May 9, 2012 | 06:38 PM

#13

Sailor Roy

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: Sep 2011

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From: Great Falls, Montana

My F-350 rides smother and feels more in control with the 9000XL's.
I put them on at 8500 miles. Have 9K now. I'm happy. I do plan on a better steering stablizer soon.

May 10, 2012 | 09:28 PM

#14

KES08

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 164

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From: Ohio

Thanks for the help so far guys. I think I'm going with the Rancho steering stabilizer. Another question now... I'm putting the Firestone ride rite bags on the back so I might just replace the front shocks and not worry about the back ones yet, what do you guys think?