Need new shocks... Advice
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Need new shocks... Advice
Stock 2001 4WD EX... Tow my jeep on a trailer mostly with it ( about 6k pounds total )
Needing some new shocks. I don't want generic shocks that say they are for the EX simply because they fit. I want shocks that are properly valved fo the Ex's weight. Not looking to spend $100 a shock, want something economical ( since I drive the truck about once a month ) but don't want crap either.
Anyway, what have you bought that you liked?
Thanks FTE.
Dan
Needing some new shocks. I don't want generic shocks that say they are for the EX simply because they fit. I want shocks that are properly valved fo the Ex's weight. Not looking to spend $100 a shock, want something economical ( since I drive the truck about once a month ) but don't want crap either.
Anyway, what have you bought that you liked?
Thanks FTE.
Dan
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 402
Likes: 1
From: Burlington, Maine
Since I'm on a tight budget, and my Ex has a dual shock kit on the front, I opted for SkyJacker Nitro 8000 Softride shocks. They should be here on Thursday, and installed this coming weekend.
However, I've read the Bilstein 5100 and Rancho RS9000 are better shocks. But, a ballpoint pen spring would probably be better than what's on my Ex right now...
However, I've read the Bilstein 5100 and Rancho RS9000 are better shocks. But, a ballpoint pen spring would probably be better than what's on my Ex right now...
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 21
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I am very pleased with my Monroe Gas Magnums. Nothing fancy but the smoothed the ride out in F250 at the recommendation of a friend. Part #'s 34686 and 34687. With a rebate from Monroe and discounts from Advance Auto, I replaced all 4 for about $100 back in 2014.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
I bought the OEM shocks form the dealer. I'm well pleased with them.
When I realized that Ford sells a different shock for the front depending on gas or diesel...but the aftermarket companies don't...the choice was obvious...
When I realized that Ford sells a different shock for the front depending on gas or diesel...but the aftermarket companies don't...the choice was obvious...
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Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
I will chime in for the Bilsteins. Have them on mine, and they are WORLDS better than the Monroe's I had on before.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,336
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From: Danbury, CT
For a stock height Ex (like mine) the Bilstein 4600 is a good choice. They are yellow and blue vs. Silver and black that you get with Bilstein 5100 (for lifted trucks). According to the internets the 4600 and 5100 are virtually the same with the 4600 designed for stock and 5100 for lifted. Valving is the same.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
For a stock height Ex (like mine) the Bilstein 4600 is a good choice. They are yellow and blue vs. Silver and black that you get with Bilstein 5100 (for lifted trucks). According to the internets the 4600 and 5100 are virtually the same with the 4600 designed for stock and 5100 for lifted. Valving is the same.
I also had the Rancho's, but my 5100's in my opinion were a much better feel.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2014
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I guess if I had to choose, I like things barely on the firm side.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Factory ride
Improved handeling
Heavy duty
Load assist
ECT
. You can research from there but keep in mind ride quality is fairly subjective so my idea of soft may your ideal shock. It's rather maddening actually.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 338
Likes: 6
For a stock height Ex (like mine) the Bilstein 4600 is a good choice. They are yellow and blue vs. Silver and black that you get with Bilstein 5100 (for lifted trucks). According to the internets the 4600 and 5100 are virtually the same with the 4600 designed for stock and 5100 for lifted. Valving is the same.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
Yes. You need the 4600s for stock height. The 5100s are too long...especially in the rear. If you bottom out a 5100 on a stock height truck, you will have a catastrophic failure of the shock.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 338
Likes: 6
Thank you very much for the reply sir.
I'll be getting the 4600's.
