I'm considering replacing my shocks on my 2007 4wd Screw. I've got 140K on it now and have noticed that when the rear is loaded it sits quite a bit lower than it used to. I carry about 4-500 pounds of cargo in the back at all times. Does anyone have any suggestions for shock replacements. I am considering going back with OEM. My vehicle is a highway cruiser and I'm not looking to sacrifice ride quality with the change of the shocks. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

If you have 140k on the original shocks it is definitely time to replace them. However that is not going to fix the squatting when loaded. You need new leaf springs for that. the shocks stop the bouncing, they have nothing to do with load capacity.

 

Dano is right. Shocks are just absorbers whereas springs carry all of the weight. Not sure what your budget is but the adjustable Rancho 9000xl is a great choice. They have 9 preload settings per shock so that you can adjust for your needs.
Bilstein Monroe and KYB are also good choices.

 

If you want an OEM style replacement Gabriel is a good brand to go with. I have several coworkers that have put them on their trucks or SUV's and all have had good results.

 

Shock Recommendations IMHO:

1) Koni- Excellent for racing applications- overpriced for street applications
2) Tokico, QA1 & Bilstein- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running very stiff tires on the street (such as Bridgstone that are 100% steel belted or tires with profiles shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra give that you need for both comfort & stability
3) KYB- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running a softer tires on the street (such as BFG that are a mix of steel & nylon belted or tires with profiles not shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra stiffness that you need for both comfort & stability. The Exel-G’s (formerly GR-2) are the equivalent to the Edelbrock IAS automatic adjusting units. Overall, stiffness between the Gas-a-just and the GR2’s are the same, the difference is the GR-2's valving which stiffens things up from a oem setting to that of the Gas-a-just units.. Best shock for the $/best price typically found at Performance Suspension Technologies (PST) and typically about 1/3 less than Bilstein.
4) Gabriel- A very nice good quality HD OEM replacement type unit.

 

I would do a new set of springs or go to a brake/spring shop and have them replace the cracked broken one ?

 

That's a great point. I should have thought of that also. It's not that it squats that bad, maybe just near level front to rear but its that feeling in the seat of your pants when its loaded (no jokes here please). It just really feels mushy with a moderate load. Do the Rancho shocks sacrifice ride quality? Maybe you can't have everything but I don't want it to ride like a non loaded F250. That's why I bought the 150. Any thoughts?

 

I have used the skyjacker hydro series as a stock replacement before and they were great. Not just for lifted trucks and can be had for about 50 bucks a piece generally

 

OK, many want the leveled truck and sacrifice a little tail squat when a 750 lb load is applied. I have 2" leveled mine up front and with the Warn Winch and Guard system along with the tool box, 2 grand children, a dog and its carry cage, me and lil woman + all the supplies needed for a week stay it is level, evenly loaded. A consistant 1000 lb. loaded truck. U could add a brush guard to protect some from deer impacts and level it out. LOL

 

Rancho 9000XL gave me much improved ride on my 2002, must admit that I'm sold on the Ranchos. When it's time for my 07, I'm sticking with 9000. Trust me, the factory ride is important, the Rancho makes it better as it absorbs the potholes, uneven pavements, and high speed curving (I'm no racer, but you can feel the difference). Got 50K on my clock, and it's still too soon to replace my OEM shocks, can't wait for it though.

 

If you always carry a load, cant beat airbags....keeps the headlights from blinding oncoming drivers and you can dial in the ride you want....loaded or unloaded. Shocks wont help with sag.

 

I have the Bilsein 5100 struts and shocks on mine, very nice ride. Absorbs bumps nicely, very little nose dive on hard braking, doesn't roll as easy on corners. Put the fronts on the middle setting a picked up an inch and a half in height. My wife says my truck doesn' drive like a truck anymore.