replacement shocks-recommendations?
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replacement shocks-recommendations?
Just bought a new to me 96 F250 4X4 XLT. Seems like a real nice truck so far. The shocks are rusted and it rides a bit rough so I figured I'd ask the experts in here for some recommendations for new shocks. I don't tow or haul alot, no off road if I can help it, just want a nice smooth shock.
Thanks
Bob
Thanks
Bob
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2012
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I installed some Skyjacker's 7000 Hydro's on mine and it was a nice improvement over the factory shocks. Bilsteins would be even better, but they are much more expensive.
But I will tell you that even though the new shocks improved the ride, it still rides rough, it's just the way these olds trucks are.
But I will tell you that even though the new shocks improved the ride, it still rides rough, it's just the way these olds trucks are.
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Thanks Fastback. I realize it's not gonna ride like a caddy, just want to smooth it out a bit. I've run Bilsteins several times before and really like the ride they give. Haven't tried the Skyjackers though.
Thanks again
Bob
Thanks again
Bob
Senior User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 466
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From: Dallas, TX
+1 on the skyjackers. They were moderately priced and I have them on my dad's old f350 currently and I felt an improvement over stock (new stock I am not sure).
Never go wrong with Bilstiens had them on my old Z71 (I should never admit I owned a Chevy in high school).
Never go wrong with Bilstiens had them on my old Z71 (I should never admit I owned a Chevy in high school).
Senior User
Joined: May 2015
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From: Dallas, TX
I just rolled with the cheap rough country shocks that came with the lift kit on my bronco but that thing will be seeing mainly off-road so a little diff situation. The sloppier the better in that scenario IMO.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
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From: Franklin, IN
I've always felt that the lower end shocks all rode about the same, especially in an old truck. I'd either spend the money and get a quality shock or buy the cheapest ones you can find online.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Laramie, WY
I'd agree with this, but have to add in that when I tried the cheap shocks, they were leaking fluid in 4 months. Ride quality fell sharply after that. My truck had an easy summer that year, not like it was pounding trails. The Bilstein shocks have been on for 3 years now, and have been worked over pretty hard. They still ride excellent.
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm gonna just stick with some Bilsteins. I've always liked them and after it's all said and done they're only gonna be about a hundred bucks more than the Skyjackers. Gonna order some up this weekend.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2016
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I'd agree with this, but have to add in that when I tried the cheap shocks, they were leaking fluid in 4 months. Ride quality fell sharply after that. My truck had an easy summer that year, not like it was pounding trails. The Bilstein shocks have been on for 3 years now, and have been worked over pretty hard. They still ride excellent.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
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I put Motorcraft on my trucks from RockAuto. Looks like they are less than $40ea + shipping for your truck. If you want to spend the extra money on Bilsteins that is obviously your call. I've never had them so I don't know if it is worth it on an older leafy spring truck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Laramie, WY
I don't think you'll regret that. I'm not sure these days but eshocks.com had good pricing & shipping a few years ago for HD4600 shocks. Under $300 for the set.
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