Notices
2017 - 2022 Super Duty The 2017-2022 Ford F250, F350, F450, F550 & F600 Super Duty Pickup and Chassis Cab
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Help Upgrading Shocks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 23, 2017 | 07:58 AM
  #1  
Dock/Rocker's Avatar
Dock/Rocker
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Help Upgrading Shocks

Gentlemen,

i am a recent defector from General Motors. I picked up a 2017 F250 several months ago. After almost 12,000 miles I have come to the conclusion that the Rancho shocks just suck. They sucked on my last two Z71,s and they apparently have not stopped sucking.

The truck is stock height and I most likely will not be lifting it.

Has anyone tried any aftermarket shocks yet? I have had good service out of the Bilstein 5100's over the years but that was on a 1/2 tons. I am not sure that they would transfer over well. I work in the oilfield so the truck spends most of its life running up and down the highway unloaded. That's where I want to improve the ride the most. When loaded or pullin a trailer I can live with most anything.

Anyone have advice to help a brother out?
 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2017 | 08:09 AM
  #2  
kry226's Avatar
kry226
Fleet Mechanic
Veteran: Army
5 Year Member
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,819
Likes: 544
From: Florida
I have almost 200k on 5100s (mine was 2.5" lift) and they work excellently in heavy duty applications, lifted or not. Upgrade with confidence.
 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2017 | 10:24 AM
  #3  
screwy's Avatar
screwy
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 8
From: Over Yonder, MN
Originally Posted by Dock/Rocker
Gentlemen,

i am a recent defector from General Motors. I picked up a 2017 F250 several months ago. After almost 12,000 miles I have come to the conclusion that the Rancho shocks just suck. They sucked on my last two Z71,s and they apparently have not stopped sucking.

The truck is stock height and I most likely will not be lifting it.

Has anyone tried any aftermarket shocks yet? I have had good service out of the Bilstein 5100's over the years but that was on a 1/2 tons. I am not sure that they would transfer over well. I work in the oilfield so the truck spends most of its life running up and down the highway unloaded. That's where I want to improve the ride the most. When loaded or pullin a trailer I can live with most anything.

Anyone have advice to help a brother out?
Most share your thoughts about the stock Rancho shocks, which arn't real Rancho shocks, just branded as such. I'm waiting for the Bilstein 5100's to come out as they worked well on my last 350. Others have had good luck with real Rancho shocks, like the 9000 series.
 
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2017 | 11:16 AM
  #4  
Sf jakey's Avatar
Sf jakey
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 238
Likes: 7
5100's are excellent on my 11 f350
 
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2017 | 11:39 AM
  #5  
bushpilot's Avatar
bushpilot
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 8
From: Tomball, Tx
is Bilstein going to make a 4600 Series for the 2017s?

I love the 4600's i have on my 2004 f350 - they weren't gobs of money (70 bucks each) and have a lifetime warranty.

I don't see anything listed for 2016 or 2017 F250/350 on EShocks.com or ShockWarehouse.com
 
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2017 | 02:16 PM
  #6  
System's Avatar
System
Prolocutor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,247
From: Western MA
Club FTE Gold Member
I had 5100's on my 2012 but they were a bit firm unloaded for my taste. I went with Fox 2.0's for my 2017 which should handle my towing needs like the 5100's but have a more complaint ride empty. While none of the brands has a 17 shock out yet, you can use the 2016 Fox 2.0's with an updated rear lower bushing and sleeve to match the new larger lower hardware on the 17's. I'm sure Rancho, Fox, and Bilstein will have official rears out within the next few months if you'd rather wait for plug and play. Fronts are the same...
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ogarcia434
Lightning, Harley-Davidson F-150, Roush F-150 & Saleen F-150
1
Nov 25, 2018 08:16 PM
mericanwit
2004 - 2008 F150
13
Sep 21, 2018 10:40 AM
lewis racing
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Sep 11, 2014 07:57 AM
re342
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
26
Oct 11, 2012 12:13 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:47 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE