Hey everyone,

I just bought a 2000 F250 XLT (4x4, leaf spring front and back) after my '95 was wrecked. Quite the upgrade for me and I'm really enjoying it. I've got a list of things I would like to do with it, and I'm hoping to cross the suspension issues off here in the next couple weeks. So I've got a couple questions for anyone who can help!

Firstly, shocks. I'm thinking of going with the Bilstein 5100's for the shocks as I've heard good stuff about them. I have a slight lift on the truck, but I'm not exactly sure how much lift it is since a previous owner did it. I'm currently running Rancho RS5267 (extended: 22.750 in; collapsed: 14.250 in) on the front and Rancho RS5273 (extended: 28.000 in; collapsed: 16.625 in) on the rear. I'm looking at the Bilstein 33-187297 (extended: 23.23 in; collapsed: 14.44 in) for the front and Bilstein 24-186025 (extended: 29.70 in; collapsed: 18.04 in) on the rear. Will these shocks work in place of the Ranchos? I don't know a lot about shocks but the extended and collapsed lengths are as close as I could get to what's on there for my year.

And second, the steering stabilizer. I looked under and I don't have one on my truck currently. It handles like my '95 did, where there's quite a bit of slip in the wheel and it wanders when you drive. Would a steering stabilizer help this? I was looking at the Bilstein 24-158848 just so all of it matches. The bracket in the center of the truck is missing too, but the one on the passenger side is there. Does anyone know where I can buy the bracket? Or will my best bet be a local junkyard?

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Not really sure about your lift, but in my experience Bilsteins are wasted on a HD truck like a super duty, especially the leaf sprung ones. On my dads fleet of trucks, and my 2004, I run Monroe Magnums because they are better then the OEM and only $25 each.

If you want a monotube, look at the KYB monomax. I put those on his E350 cherry picker and they are very nice. Only $50 each. Many call these shocks "Japanese Bilsteins"

I run Bilsteins on my dads 2009 Ranger and my 2000 XJ cherokee and they work fantastic. But they both have pretty soft light duty suspensions. I bet you could look up the KYB/ monroe specs and find ones that are the right length.




Post in the wanted section, There are guys who have used parts.I was able to get used glass and headlight adjuster hardware sent to me. Forget the Bilstein stabilizer, just get the standard Monroe. That will not solve your issue though. Jack up the front end and shake things around. Just worked on another 2004 with 182k miles. Everything had a bit of play, steering linkage, steering gear box, and ball joints. Might be due. Could even be unit bearings. Only use MOOG and Timken. Think of it this way, hell of a lot cheaper then a new truck, and you know its new.


You could try emailing this guy Scott: Stredbull18@gmail.com

He may only have Econoline stuff.