Shock life exectancy
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 1
From: I'm lost somewhere in NJ -- can someone please find me?!?!?!?
Shock life exectancy
Life expectancy is about what it takes to go on a test drive, IMHO. 
I replaced mine at about 30K. They seemed OK at the time (no leaks, passed the "bounce the truck" test, etc). Once I got them off, however, I noticed that instead of extending out the way a normal shock should, they just froze in place. I had to push them in and release a few times to get them to fully articulate. Even then, it wasn't a smooth motion. Mind you, these shocks hadn't had any abuse in their lifetime.
After replacing them, I wish I had done it sooner. I went with Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks. I recommend them to anyone who asks. Others have had good results with Bilsteins, but they are a somewhat "firm" shock. You can't lose with either one, though. Don't try to save a few bucks and buy something cheeper. You'll get your money's worth with either of these.
BTW -- in case you're curious, replacing shocks on these trucks is a simple driveway job.
I replaced mine at about 30K. They seemed OK at the time (no leaks, passed the "bounce the truck" test, etc). Once I got them off, however, I noticed that instead of extending out the way a normal shock should, they just froze in place. I had to push them in and release a few times to get them to fully articulate. Even then, it wasn't a smooth motion. Mind you, these shocks hadn't had any abuse in their lifetime.
After replacing them, I wish I had done it sooner. I went with Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks. I recommend them to anyone who asks. Others have had good results with Bilsteins, but they are a somewhat "firm" shock. You can't lose with either one, though. Don't try to save a few bucks and buy something cheeper. You'll get your money's worth with either of these.
BTW -- in case you're curious, replacing shocks on these trucks is a simple driveway job.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 0
From: Broussard USA
Shock life exectancy
30 is about max. Remember the reason so many people think a new shock is SOOO much better than the old is because performance goes away so slow you neve notice it. Then when you change it is like MAN I should have had these from new.
The oil inside breaks down from shear and heat then looses viscosity. So just because you do not see a leak does not mean they are good.
The oil inside breaks down from shear and heat then looses viscosity. So just because you do not see a leak does not mean they are good.
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Carter Lake, Iowa
Shock life exectancy
I've have 58K on my stock shocks and the steering stabilizer appears to be leaking as well. Does Blistein or Edelbrock make one to go with their shocks? I like stuff to match and I don't want like to throw $$$ away on products that I don't need, but like to get the best for the dollar.
Sounds like everyone likes these two brands for replacements and the Rancho's arn't the best way to go?
Sounds like everyone likes these two brands for replacements and the Rancho's arn't the best way to go?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
Shock life exectancy
Got 78k+ here and needed new ones at 60K. Just hadn't got around to it.
Anybody got a little round tuit I can borrow?
Anybody got a little round tuit I can borrow?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 450
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From: Dallas, GA
Shock life exectancy
I've got the Rancho 9000's on my truck, and I love them. I've read alot on here about the Bilsteins and Edlebrocks, and I'm sure they are good too, but I don't understand why Rancho's get such a bad rap.
If I had a lift, I would probably go with Bilsteins, but with no lift, the Rancho's work fine. The adjustability of the 9000's really makes it nice, especially with the in cab controller. I can go from soft to firm in about 20 seconds, which helps when I'm towing my 29 foot travel trailer.
Besides, they look great and match the Rancho steering stabilizer..
Just my opinion...
If I had a lift, I would probably go with Bilsteins, but with no lift, the Rancho's work fine. The adjustability of the 9000's really makes it nice, especially with the in cab controller. I can go from soft to firm in about 20 seconds, which helps when I'm towing my 29 foot travel trailer.
Besides, they look great and match the Rancho steering stabilizer..
Just my opinion...
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 421
From: Long Island USA
Shock life exectancy
Originally posted by bddo
I've got the Rancho 9000's on my truck, and I love them. I've read alot on here about the Bilsteins and Edlebrocks, and I'm sure they are good too, but I don't understand why Rancho's get such a bad rap.
If I had a lift, I would probably go with Bilsteins, but with no lift, the Rancho's work fine. The adjustability of the 9000's really makes it nice, especially with the in cab controller. I can go from soft to firm in about 20 seconds, which helps when I'm towing my 29 foot travel trailer.
I've got the Rancho 9000's on my truck, and I love them. I've read alot on here about the Bilsteins and Edlebrocks, and I'm sure they are good too, but I don't understand why Rancho's get such a bad rap.
If I had a lift, I would probably go with Bilsteins, but with no lift, the Rancho's work fine. The adjustability of the 9000's really makes it nice, especially with the in cab controller. I can go from soft to firm in about 20 seconds, which helps when I'm towing my 29 foot travel trailer.
I put on RS9000x's at around 7K miles. The original shocks still had gas charge and moved freely (too freely). The day I test drove it with 23 miles on it, I thought "gotta change those shocks".
Put a rear Hellwig sway bar on it too, which made EVERYTHING all right...
My '74 F250 has Ranchos on it for the last 12 years. Still going ...
ak
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: Metro DC
I suppose lifespan is a relative term, as long as you can't see any visible signs of failure. However, at 35K I just replaced my '04 factory shocks with a set of Edlebrocks, and I can't believe the difference. It's like test driving a new truck.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 421
From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by mrc59
I suppose lifespan is a relative term, as long as you can't see any visible signs of failure. However, at 35K I just replaced my '04 factory shocks with a set of Edlebrocks, and I can't believe the difference. It's like test driving a new truck.