Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: West Texas
Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
ok guys...I've done a search and haven't come up with a whole lot so I am hoping you could help. I even looked in the suspension/shock/tire/etc thread, but couldn't find anything.
question is:
1)would changing the shocks on my 2000 psd CrewCab 2x4 auto be something I could do easily in my drive way on the weekend?
2)Where could I find out instructions for changing them?
3)Are any special tools required?
4) which would be the best for a nice smooth ride (brand)and about how much do they run?
my ride is pretty stiff right now and kinda rough. I don't off road and don't haul too often.
thanks for the help!
question is:
1)would changing the shocks on my 2000 psd CrewCab 2x4 auto be something I could do easily in my drive way on the weekend?
2)Where could I find out instructions for changing them?
3)Are any special tools required?
4) which would be the best for a nice smooth ride (brand)and about how much do they run?
my ride is pretty stiff right now and kinda rough. I don't off road and don't haul too often.
thanks for the help!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 275
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From: Anderson, SC
Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
question is:
1)would changing the shocks on my 2000 psd CrewCab 2x4 auto be something I could do easily in my drive way on the weekend?
2)Where could I find out instructions for changing them?
3)Are any special tools required?
4) which would be the best for a nice smooth ride (brand)and about how much do they run?
IMO after reading your questions, it may be better to pay a little extra and get someone to install them for you. It's a simple job so installation should not cost much.
To answer your questions:
1: Yes you could change them. It's not really difficult.
2: You should be able to find generic info on the www.
3: No special tool are REQUIRED, but an impact wrench and some beefy jacks would speed the process alot.
4: You'll have to answer this. Most off-road shocks have aggressive valving. Read some descriptions to see which ones will fit your needs. Go to 4wheelparts.com. They have good descriptions on different brands.
1)would changing the shocks on my 2000 psd CrewCab 2x4 auto be something I could do easily in my drive way on the weekend?
2)Where could I find out instructions for changing them?
3)Are any special tools required?
4) which would be the best for a nice smooth ride (brand)and about how much do they run?
IMO after reading your questions, it may be better to pay a little extra and get someone to install them for you. It's a simple job so installation should not cost much.
To answer your questions:
1: Yes you could change them. It's not really difficult.
2: You should be able to find generic info on the www.
3: No special tool are REQUIRED, but an impact wrench and some beefy jacks would speed the process alot.
4: You'll have to answer this. Most off-road shocks have aggressive valving. Read some descriptions to see which ones will fit your needs. Go to 4wheelparts.com. They have good descriptions on different brands.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 274
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From: Taunton, MA
Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
check out the bilstien 5100's. everyone that get's them, says there great. I heard they completly change the way the truck rides, for the better. I'm thinking of changing mine too.
They go for about $70 each
Swapping them out is very easy, should only take even a novice around a hour or two.
Nelson
They go for about $70 each
Swapping them out is very easy, should only take even a novice around a hour or two.
Nelson
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 281
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From: Port Orchard, WA
Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
I'd recommend you spray some wd40 or rust solvent to loosen the nuts before you begin. SO, spray, eat lunch then just unbolt and remove. Very easy. Just make sure you do not over tighten the nuts. Bushings should be squeezed tight enough to get a buldge the same diameter as the washers that hold them in place. Nelson is correct, takes an hour (or more) if you don;t have the right tools or the nuts are jammed solid...
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
I changed all four shocks in my driveway in roughly 30 minutes. No jacks, no special tools, nothing. Just a ratchet, a couple of sockets and a couple of boxed end wrenches. It's a no brainer if you've handled tools before.
The Bilstien 5100's do ride nice, and you can get 'em at Autozone for cheaper than any website I've run across, plus no shipping charges and a lifetime warranty.
The Bilstien 5100's do ride nice, and you can get 'em at Autozone for cheaper than any website I've run across, plus no shipping charges and a lifetime warranty.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 588
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From: AZ.
Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
I've got Rancho 5000's on a Jeep J-!0 and it has rode like a hay wagon since new......I'm glad to hear of the Bilstiens recommendation..... I'll get a set this week ... Thanks..
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 83
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Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
Hey cookie, I looked those 5100's up in various places, and they apparently come in 0-2" lift size and (I think) 4-6" lift size. My first question is how would I measure the lift in my truck ? It's pretty high, but I think normal for the PSD's. The shocks I saw also appear to be yellow. Do they come in black ? Thanks.
Mike
Mike
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 772
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From: Salem USA
Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
No problem doing it in a weekend, if I take my time it might take an hour. No jacks, just a ratchet ( or air-ratchet ).
I had the Edelbrock IAS and have now put on the Rancho 9000X's, the Edelbrocks were good for all around ride, a little soft when towing. I really like adjustable rancho's, I can soften them up and then crank them up for towing.
What type of driving/towing do you do and how often?
I had the Edelbrock IAS and have now put on the Rancho 9000X's, the Edelbrocks were good for all around ride, a little soft when towing. I really like adjustable rancho's, I can soften them up and then crank them up for towing.
What type of driving/towing do you do and how often?
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 772
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From: Salem USA
Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
Got a set of almost new IAS shocks I should make someone a good deal on, but I'm guessing they are probably a different part numbers for the 2x4.
I would think that either the Bilstiens or IAS's would work for you if you don't do a lot of hauling.
I would think that either the Bilstiens or IAS's would work for you if you don't do a lot of hauling.
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
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Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
I've only had my 2001 F250 SD for a 2 months and about 3500 miles (had about 45K when I bought it) and the Ranchos that were in the truck are coming out today and new Bilsteins (www.bilsteinshocks.com) are going in. I have had great luck with Bilsteins in the past and and expect that my first set of their truck shocks will serve me well. The 5-way adjustable Ranchos that were on the truck went I purchased it were not too bad, but one of the adjusters was not working well at all, and generally the sloppy feel of the adjusters on each of the other 3 shocks reduced my confidence in the whole setup. The new shocks will get a good test this weekend when I tow my 24' enclosed car trailer.
BTW, this is the first diesel truck I've owned (and second Ford since my '90 SHO) and it has been great. I'll never tow with a gas vehicle again.
BTW, this is the first diesel truck I've owned (and second Ford since my '90 SHO) and it has been great. I'll never tow with a gas vehicle again.
Last edited by SDSmith; Sep 22, 2003 at 12:47 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 772
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From: Salem USA
Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
I've got the in-the-cab adjuster, which is infinately more adjustable than the manual ones. For my varying loads these 9 position adjustables work great. The B's are the only ones of the more popular brands that I haven't tried.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 90
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From: Canterbury - A beautifu but overpriced rural setting in central NH
Changing shocks~~ A weekend project?
Thanks for the tip on spraying the nuts before hand to let it penetrate. Once upon a time, I might have been smart enough to do that all by myself without being told, but the meds for my back pain has turned my brain to mush. I have a set of Bilstein front shocks and Rancho 9000 rears on their way for my 350 dually. I run it either empty, or overloaded with a 4200 pound camper, so the adjustable feature led the stocking Bilstein dealer to special order the Ranchos for my back end. I'm hoping to have the shocks, 6 new wheels and tires and a new steering stabilizer all mounted up in an afternoon.