After Reading all The Shock Threads....
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
After Reading all The Shock Threads....
..I think I'm gonna get a set of replacement Motorcraft shocks.
First, I thought Bilsteins were the way to go...one of two models. Then, I read by many that they made the ride harsh or too firm.
Rancho 9000s....some love 'em..others talk about premature failure. I know that I likely won't be going underneath to adjust or change anything once they're installed.
Monroes....lots of failures listed on the forums.
Now I know that people with a complaint will go on line right away to complain...and that the shock companies would be out of business if the failure rate was as high as people would lead you to believe with their posts.
I wasn't unhappy with the ride or handling of my Ex...and except for towing an enclosed trailer...it's used much like a car. Off-road for my Ex means driving on a field.
So...despite spending far too much time searching for info...and yes I read the many threads here...I'll try once more for any new, updated info you folks may have.
First, I thought Bilsteins were the way to go...one of two models. Then, I read by many that they made the ride harsh or too firm.
Rancho 9000s....some love 'em..others talk about premature failure. I know that I likely won't be going underneath to adjust or change anything once they're installed.
Monroes....lots of failures listed on the forums.
Now I know that people with a complaint will go on line right away to complain...and that the shock companies would be out of business if the failure rate was as high as people would lead you to believe with their posts.
I wasn't unhappy with the ride or handling of my Ex...and except for towing an enclosed trailer...it's used much like a car. Off-road for my Ex means driving on a field.
So...despite spending far too much time searching for info...and yes I read the many threads here...I'll try once more for any new, updated info you folks may have.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 1
From: Central Tx.
..I think I'm gonna get a set of replacement Motorcraft shocks.
First, I thought Bilsteins were the way to go...one of two models. Then, I read by many that they made the ride harsh or too firm.
Rancho 9000s....some love 'em..others talk about premature failure. I know that I likely won't be going underneath to adjust or change anything once they're installed.
Monroes....lots of failures listed on the forums.
Now I know that people with a complaint will go on line right away to complain...and that the shock companies would be out of business if the failure rate was as high as people would lead you to believe with their posts.
I wasn't unhappy with the ride or handling of my Ex...and except for towing an enclosed trailer...it's used much like a car. Off-road for my Ex means driving on a field.
So...despite spending far too much time searching for info...and yes I read the many threads here...I'll try once more for any new, updated info you folks may have.
First, I thought Bilsteins were the way to go...one of two models. Then, I read by many that they made the ride harsh or too firm.
Rancho 9000s....some love 'em..others talk about premature failure. I know that I likely won't be going underneath to adjust or change anything once they're installed.
Monroes....lots of failures listed on the forums.
Now I know that people with a complaint will go on line right away to complain...and that the shock companies would be out of business if the failure rate was as high as people would lead you to believe with their posts.
I wasn't unhappy with the ride or handling of my Ex...and except for towing an enclosed trailer...it's used much like a car. Off-road for my Ex means driving on a field.
So...despite spending far too much time searching for info...and yes I read the many threads here...I'll try once more for any new, updated info you folks may have.
Updated info ?? Are you wanting me to tell you what shocks you should get ?? As you already know the FTE EX Forum shock Du Dour is the Bilstein 5100. I run Skyjacker M95s & love them. I have them on 2 different Xs. However I can not stand a truck that handles like a marshmallow. They handle the body roll of the 8,000 LB X very well & are inexpensive for what the are W LTime Warr.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 2
From: Flat Rock, MI
Bilsteins are a high pressure shock (Rancho 9000 is a low pressure shock), they will firm up the ride. I used to run Rancho 9000's with V code springs and in order to get the ride good, I had to dial them down to roughly 3. The ride was good, they controlled well on single input events but they were terrible over long sections of broken pavement...and given the right bump, I would hit my jounce bumpers (with brand new Ford V codes). I switched to Bilstein 5100s, ride is firmer but not harsh, they control well over the same broken pavement and I don't hit the jounce bumpers anymore. I did go with 5100s in the rear but they are too long for my set up and I feel the low speed valving is too stiff for my combo. I think if your truck is stock and IF you want Bilsteins, go with the 4600s. I still have my Ranchos and may run them in the rear since the low speed of the Ranchos is better for my application (V codes and SRW Cs).
You're welcome to try my front Ranchos if you like.
Hope that helps.
You're welcome to try my front Ranchos if you like.
Hope that helps.
..I think I'm gonna get a set of replacement Motorcraft shocks.
First, I thought Bilsteins were the way to go...one of two models. Then, I read by many that they made the ride harsh or too firm.
Rancho 9000s....some love 'em..others talk about premature failure. I know that I likely won't be going underneath to adjust or change anything once they're installed.
Monroes....lots of failures listed on the forums.
Now I know that people with a complaint will go on line right away to complain...and that the shock companies would be out of business if the failure rate was as high as people would lead you to believe with their posts.
I wasn't unhappy with the ride or handling of my Ex...and except for towing an enclosed trailer...it's used much like a car. Off-road for my Ex means driving on a field.
So...despite spending far too much time searching for info...and yes I read the many threads here...I'll try once more for any new, updated info you folks may have.
First, I thought Bilsteins were the way to go...one of two models. Then, I read by many that they made the ride harsh or too firm.
Rancho 9000s....some love 'em..others talk about premature failure. I know that I likely won't be going underneath to adjust or change anything once they're installed.
Monroes....lots of failures listed on the forums.
Now I know that people with a complaint will go on line right away to complain...and that the shock companies would be out of business if the failure rate was as high as people would lead you to believe with their posts.
I wasn't unhappy with the ride or handling of my Ex...and except for towing an enclosed trailer...it's used much like a car. Off-road for my Ex means driving on a field.
So...despite spending far too much time searching for info...and yes I read the many threads here...I'll try once more for any new, updated info you folks may have.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
Maybe I am missing something, but it seems like Ford sells a different from shock depending upon the truck being diesel or gas. At least in my on-line checking, this does not appear to be the case with the aftermarket...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 2
From: Flat Rock, MI
Usually the different combinations (engine, cab style, whatever) do have different springs/shocks....then the flood gates open in the aftermarket and a lot of times, "one fits all". Ford may offer different shocks or they could cross ref into just part number...I haven't looked.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
remember that the Ex was targeted to soccer moms so ford was keen on ride quality. aftermarket typically is more focused on improving handeling but most people are not going to notice a slight difference in the valving that would be on aftermarket shocks valved to exact weights so they only offer 1 setup for both diesel or gas weights that is itself likely setup right in the middle.
stock excursion ride pretty darn nice but handeling is sacrificed for that ride.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: North Texas
I have had my 9000XL's on for a year now. I too read the same things the OP did about all the various shocks and found the same general info. I too didn't think I would get under my Ex much to tune the shocks, but liked knowing I could. The first trailer I hooked up changed that and I quickly pulled over and firmed them up. Then the first drive after unhooking had me back under there turning them down. I don't find the ride to be choppy at all with them using ATS X front springs and C/XL rear springs. So I like them and hope they last. Its kind of like tires, you have to pick from several and can read both great and terrible for any of them. Good luck in your choice!
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