Shock Recommendations?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 134
With this being said what other shocks are on the market for our trucks that are more money and better quality ?
I just installed a set of 5100s on my 08' F-350 and can't see any better shock for this truck. Responsive, perform great with the plow and salter and great quality build.
'Matt
I just installed a set of 5100s on my 08' F-350 and can't see any better shock for this truck. Responsive, perform great with the plow and salter and great quality build.
'Matt
The best thing you can do is continue researching different brands. As soon as I saw your thread posted, I knew you would receive the usual advice to go with Bilstein 5100 or Rancho 9000s. These are two of the least expensive model shocks out there. They may work "ok", but that is all relative to how you use it and how you drive plus what you are trying to accomplish.
I see it time and time again where a poster says they don't see a need to spend more money on shocks yet that same guy will spend $500 or more for an exhaust, running boards, mud terrain tires, stereo or something else that doesn't enhance or improve the drive ability or safety of their truck.
IMHO, shocks are just as important as brakes. Good ones prolong the life of your tires as well as keeping them on the ground so the brakes can do their job.
The biggest thing you need to take from this is that opinions are like rear ends, everyone has one. Don't let forum posters make the decision for you.
I see it time and time again where a poster says they don't see a need to spend more money on shocks yet that same guy will spend $500 or more for an exhaust, running boards, mud terrain tires, stereo or something else that doesn't enhance or improve the drive ability or safety of their truck.
IMHO, shocks are just as important as brakes. Good ones prolong the life of your tires as well as keeping them on the ground so the brakes can do their job.
The biggest thing you need to take from this is that opinions are like rear ends, everyone has one. Don't let forum posters make the decision for you.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 5
From: Shreveport, LA
These are the ones I bought. I didn't want to spend a whole lot of money and didn't care about the adjustment. It's a one ton, I don't expect it to ride like a car. Plus it's not my daily.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,554
Likes: 6
From: Mesick
With this being said what other shocks are on the market for our trucks that are more money and better quality ?
I just installed a set of 5100s on my 08' F-350 and can't see any better shock for this truck. Responsive, perform great with the plow and salter and great quality build.
'Matt
I just installed a set of 5100s on my 08' F-350 and can't see any better shock for this truck. Responsive, perform great with the plow and salter and great quality build.
'Matt
Before the Carli shocks, I had off the shelf Fox 2.0s. There's a noticeable difference in how they react versus the normal 2.0s. They have an aluminum body with stainless steel shafts and are 100% rebuildable.
When I have the chance, I will be upgrading again. Probably a couple years down the road, but they will be valved for off road performance. Better articulation, composure and the ability to traverse rough sections of trail without slowing down or bouncing sideways like a stock truck would. I'm not sure if I will be going with Fox reservoir shocks or King shocks.
Like I said previously, it depends on how you're going to use it.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
They like to deny warranty claims. They won't even sell you or point you toward a place to buy new bushings for their shocks. Several people figured that one out the hard way.
Just make sure if you buy bilsteins just to use them on mall crawlers only. Don't hit the speed bumps too hard either.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...k-failure.html
Just make sure if you buy bilsteins just to use them on mall crawlers only. Don't hit the speed bumps too hard either.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...k-failure.html
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13,335
Likes: 6,110
Fox shocks has my attention. Torr, any more info you can provide regarding your experience with Fox, or your research/knowledge of the same, would be appreciated by all.
If Fox was good enough for Ford's $90,000 brand defining trophy halo truck (the new 2017 Raptor), despite all the business that Ford already does with Tenneco, then Fox is likely capable of producing a shock not only for ATVs, bicycles, and specialty off road racing trucks... but also for regular on road driving, where most Raptors will roam.
If Fox was good enough for Ford's $90,000 brand defining trophy halo truck (the new 2017 Raptor), despite all the business that Ford already does with Tenneco, then Fox is likely capable of producing a shock not only for ATVs, bicycles, and specialty off road racing trucks... but also for regular on road driving, where most Raptors will roam.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,554
Likes: 6
From: Mesick
Let me see what I can round up for you. Any shock will be better when it's properly valved for your application. The problem arises when there's no options other than off the shelf stock that is valved to perform "good" on the whole lineup rather than specific weights, cab configuration and usage. I have found custom valved Bilstein shocks before.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 932
Likes: 10
From: Tampa
I've already purchased a set of Bilstein 5100's for my 16'. This time around
my plans are to keep this new truck for awhile. In the past I've put Bilstein
Shocks on every new truck I've bought and have never experienced a problem with them.
But .. I typically keep my trucks for only 2-3 yrs.
From what I've read, I'll give the Rancho 9000's a try.
I haven't had the Bilsteins very long. So I believe I can easily return them,
they're still in there unopened boxes.
Whens the next promotion on the 9000's ?
my plans are to keep this new truck for awhile. In the past I've put Bilstein
Shocks on every new truck I've bought and have never experienced a problem with them.
But .. I typically keep my trucks for only 2-3 yrs.
From what I've read, I'll give the Rancho 9000's a try.
I haven't had the Bilsteins very long. So I believe I can easily return them,
they're still in there unopened boxes.
Whens the next promotion on the 9000's ?
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 930
Likes: 6
March 1st is just around the corner.
That seems like a good day to look at Rancho shocks.
That seems like a good day to look at Rancho shocks.
I've already purchased a set of Bilstein 5100's for my 16'. This time around
my plans are to keep this new truck for awhile. In the past I've put Bilstein
Shocks on every new truck I've bought. And have never experienced with them.
But .. I typically keep my trucks for only 2-3 yrs.
From what I've read, I'll give the Rancho 9000's a try.
I haven't had the Bilsteins very long. So I believe can easily return them,
they're still in there unopened boxes.
Whens the next promotion on the 9000's ?
my plans are to keep this new truck for awhile. In the past I've put Bilstein
Shocks on every new truck I've bought. And have never experienced with them.
But .. I typically keep my trucks for only 2-3 yrs.
From what I've read, I'll give the Rancho 9000's a try.
I haven't had the Bilsteins very long. So I believe can easily return them,
they're still in there unopened boxes.
Whens the next promotion on the 9000's ?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 5
From: Shreveport, LA
They control the ride better, there's not as much bounce. I knew the factory shocks were worn out. I didn't have a hard time getting them out. I did have a hard time getting the new ones in, trying to muscle them on my back. The rear of the truck has always ridden better with a little load in it. Like hauling firewood or similar. I actually haven't towed anything since I've put these on.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 106
From: Southern KS
Unfortunately I do. Bad experience. I will never buy them again.
To be honest, the Monroe Reflex I replaced them with have a noticeably better ride to them. As long as Oreilly's is in business they will truly be a lifetime shock too.
To be honest, the Monroe Reflex I replaced them with have a noticeably better ride to them. As long as Oreilly's is in business they will truly be a lifetime shock too.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 0
From: Yakistan, WA
Its nice to see how involved Rancho is on this thread.
They are a nice product............
But, I will say that I will be sticking with the Gabriel Ultra's that I currently have on my truck. They are fantastic and don't break the bank. All 4 shocks or under $90 w/ free shipping and no tax. The ride difference is awesome, and the wife likes to ride in the truck now.
Also, good enough for me to talk my Father In Law to getting. I am goin to be installing his Gabriel Ultra's on March 25th.
- Preston