Well, since it seems OK to discuss anything V10 related in this area I have a question. Since the V10 is a bit heavier than the 5.4 and lighter than the diesel powered trucks, what is recommended as far as aftermarket shocks go? I have a 2001 F250 CCSB Lariat with 55K and original shocks. I was thinking that with 55K on them and being a 16 year old truck, replacing them may be a good idea. What shock would provide me with the best performance and/or will I even notice a difference? I don't tow much at all. The truck is pretty much just a daily driver over the winter months and occasionally in the summer. The Harley gets a work out when it's warmer!!

Oh, I just picked this truck up so I'm still learning. Switched from driving Chevys because I found what I thought was a great deal on this one. Since picking it up I've replaced the PCV, cleaned the MAF, changed rear differential fluid, new BFGs on all four corners, new fuel filter, new air filter, installed an Ultragauge and replaced the factory stereo with a Kenwood so I could get Bluetooth back (really missed it after my last truck ). Anything else that would make sense at this point or just drive it?

Thanks fellas!

 

The stock shocks are garbage I'd be willing to bet that they are shot with 55k. You will notice a difference no matter what you replace them with. That being said there isn't a shock that is valved for the v10 off the shelf anyway I guess you could get someone to build you some. The 2 most popular choices on here are the Bilstein 5100's and the Rancho rs9000's. I'm going to replace my shocks too I'm not a fan of the ones that came with my lift. I've been flip flopping back and forth this week I want the Bilsteins. By the way Cheif I don't know if you saw it or not but the part # for that thermostat I gave you my auto correct changed it I posted the right one but in case you didn't see it its rt-1195

 

I have Monroe Reflex shocks on mine. They are due for replacement though. They do really smooth out the ride when they are new but you notice the dampening does fade as you put a bit miles on them. They are not that expensive though and they do have their lifetime warrrenty. When I get back from vacation I'm going to put on another set and send the form in for the refund.

There have been several cases here on FTE of people having failures and/or problems with their bilstein shocks and bilsteain NOT holding good for it. No way I'll buy something from a company that doesn't stand behind their product.

 

I just took bilsteins off mine and replaced with monroe reflex. Immediate difference and the ride is better than i remember from day one. The bilsteins were good the first year or so but steadily got worse. Not worth the money if you ask me.

The bilsteins were about 8 years old and probably 50k miles. Tried the warranty thing and there are so many hoops to jump thru I said screw it. The monroe's from orielly's have a lifetime warranty and it will be a piece of cake to exchange them.

I got the orielly's manager to sell them for 48 bucks each. He tries to price match and I still could've got them cheaper online but the return factor made my decision easy.

 

Mike - yes I did see the part number for the thermostat. Thank you!

I think I'll check into the Monroe Refex. I like the idea of a lifetime warranty and if they're easy to replace, swapping them for new every so often would be great.

 

Bought Monroe Reflex for front and back and will try to get them installed tomorrow or possibly Monday. Hopefully it goes smooth. Got them at O'reilly with the buy 3 get the forth for free deal (mail in rebate). Total it will cost me less than $200. I'm OK with that I think. Fingers crossed that I don't have issues installing them...

 

I did all 4 of mine in an hour or so. It's really pretty easy.

Just make sure to really snug the nuts on the front ones down good. When tight you shouldn't be able to twist the shock with your hand whatsoever.

 

Ha! Must not be any full size van guys here. It's an hour per shock to do the fronts. And the rears are only a bit easier.

 

Brand new, my 2001's shocks were complete crap. I immediately put Rancho 9000's on it (adjustable) and never looked back until I blew one 10 years later. Replaced with the new 9000x's, and they're still going strong - what kills them here is the salt in the winter.

Suggestions:

Adjustable: Rancho

Non-adjustable: I hear plenty of people like the Monroes. I've used them in other vehicles in the past, and wasn't happy about the dampening, but then they aren't exactly "sport" truck shocks anyway

Never used Bilstein so I can't comment on those.

 

Just change out 6 of the Rancho 9000 on my truck, 5 of the 6 were totally useless (I could move them in and out with two finger) and the truck would just jolt us inside anytime we hit a bump. It has dual shocks in front, came that way when i bought it. I opted to go a little cheaper and decided against replacing with Rancho 9000 again; used the SkyJacker Nitro 8000 series based on a few reviews from the boards.

It rides way nicer now and my wife even said something. Don't get me wrong, it is no Cadillac, but way smoother than before.

 

Out of curiosity, any idea how many miles it had?

 

No clue, the truck itself is at 156k, but don't know the history from a modification point.

 

I don't get why the tire store guys say as long as your aftermarket shocks aren't leaking they are fine. If that were the case, wouldn't that also be the case for OE shocks? And why would the mfg put, as some say, cheap shocks on expensive new cars?

It seems to me the OE shocks have to work reasonably well at least throughout the warranty period. But then again, some of my "seems to me" 's have been wrong in the past...

 

Just finish installing the two front shocks for tonight. The driver side in particular was a PITA because I had to run around and collect the right tools and I had to grind a bit of the metal sheathing inside the lower mount down a bit to get it to slide into the lower bracket. Also just getting it off was a bear. Man, were the bolts rusted!!! Anyway, the front is done and I'm the proud owner of an electric impact drill and a set of SAE and metric impact sockets. They'll come in handy again I'm sure. Most likely tomorrow when I tackle the rear shocks. Wish me luck!!

 

Probably because if they are not leaking they pass inspection.(in most states) I take my moms vehicle to get inspected for her and hers failed the other year because of a leaking front strut. I know darn well those struts were not in the greatest shape at 12 years old with 150k on them, but they passed all those years.

Anyone whom is paying attention can usually tell that their shocks are not as good as they were. Regardless if they are leaking or not.