Need shock replacement advice
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Copperas Cove, Texas
Need shock replacement advice
I have a 2003 6.0 L F250 4WD Superduty with 66K miles. The Rancho shocks are kaput. I have researched numerous brands and cannot decide on the best ones to get. I use my truck to pull a 35 foot RV and a 12 foot trailer sometimes but also use it as our family vehicle since we have kids and it provides tons of interior room. I do go off road sometimes too but nothing high performance or serious.
I don't know if I need $100 top of lines shocks or middle of the road. Do I need mono tubes?
I don't know if I need $100 top of lines shocks or middle of the road. Do I need mono tubes?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 28
From: Portal, AZ
I use the Rancho RS9000, fully adjustable that's why I like them.
Others use Bilstins not sure of number, but people seem pretty satisfied with both brands set ups.
I have considered Airbags to level it out when loaded, but not until I get the front level kit. with the 350 there is a lot of room for "sag" (intentionally) so I don't worry about much right now.
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Others use Bilstins not sure of number, but people seem pretty satisfied with both brands set ups.
I have considered Airbags to level it out when loaded, but not until I get the front level kit. with the 350 there is a lot of room for "sag" (intentionally) so I don't worry about much right now.
******** charset="UTF-8" src="chrome://hdv/content/hdv.js" type="application/javascript">*********>
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,235
Likes: 753
From: Houston, Texas
I too would go with the Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. That's what I plan on doing whenever I get the cash together. The PO never changed the shocks and I'm still rocking the OEM shocks. 
You can get them at O'reilly auto along with a lifetime warranty.
You can get them at O'reilly auto along with a lifetime warranty.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
I have the Rancho 9000s. I love them and the adjuster really does make a difference.
I wouldn't go with the Bilstein's for the following reason.
.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...k-failure.html
.
I wouldn't go with the Bilstein's for the following reason.
.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...k-failure.html
.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,723
Likes: 5
From: Roseburg, OR
I have the Rancho 9000s. I love them and the adjuster really does make a difference.
I wouldn't go with the Bilstein's for the following reason.
.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...k-failure.html
.
I wouldn't go with the Bilstein's for the following reason.
.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...k-failure.html
.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 930
Likes: 6
On my 2003 F-250 I ran stock for about 100K, once I went to a lift I went to 9000's night and day difference. Right now they are too firm, need to drop them down a bit. CrazyCrawler if you are patient we offer a rebate twice a year, usually in spring/summer and fall.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,235
Likes: 753
From: Houston, Texas
I look forward to it in the Spring hopefully, my '05 Excursion still has the factory shocks
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 24
From: Double Oak, TX
I replaced our original Rancho shocks at 63K with Monroe Reflex shocks. They were a good price (I think I got them on Amazon) and they are still going strong 30K later. They provide a good ride and control. Your mixed usage is similar to mine.
If your shocks are gone, your steering stabilizer is not far behind. I replaced ours with a Monroe life time guarantee from O-Reilly and it developed a leak after a couple of years. Returned to O-Reilly and they replaced it. As posted above, Monroe/Rancho has periodic rebates.
If your shocks are gone, your steering stabilizer is not far behind. I replaced ours with a Monroe life time guarantee from O-Reilly and it developed a leak after a couple of years. Returned to O-Reilly and they replaced it. As posted above, Monroe/Rancho has periodic rebates.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Copperas Cove, Texas
How much longer on the rebate? That's awesome. I looked on auto anything. Com and they were offering the 9000s for $87 each.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Copperas Cove, Texas
I got another thread about my failing brakes. Any advice there?
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Copperas Cove, Texas
2003 6.0 L F250 Superduty 4WD
I applied the brakes and I slowed at first but as soon as I let my foot up slightly to reapply, the brake pedal went to floor. The truck did stop but I only had about an inch of pedal travel left. I have no leaks and there was no issue with brakes since owning truck for three months. Master cylinder or power booster? I don't want to go to a garage and spend tons of money. Any ideas in ya'll's experience?
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
I chose the Bilstein 4600 for my F350. The Rancho RS9000's are nice but expensive and I didn't want to adjust anything after my Truck Camper was unloaded/loaded. Along with air bags the truck handles a lot better then stock, did great going through the switchbacks on the 78 heading to Ocotillo Wells. I believe the 4600 are 46mm pistons with a monotube design. they were a pain to install (compressing them was a pain) but overall happy with purchase. if I can recall on tirerack.com they were about $70 a shock.
I have a 2003 6.0 L F250 4WD Superduty with 66K miles. The Rancho shocks are kaput. I have researched numerous brands and cannot decide on the best ones to get. I use my truck to pull a 35 foot RV and a 12 foot trailer sometimes but also use it as our family vehicle since we have kids and it provides tons of interior room. I do go off road sometimes too but nothing high performance or serious.
I don't know if I need $100 top of lines shocks or middle of the road. Do I need mono tubes?
I don't know if I need $100 top of lines shocks or middle of the road. Do I need mono tubes?
