Truck shocks
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 123
Likes: 14
Truck shocks
I'm preparing to head to Alaska for 3 months at the end of May. My fiver weighs around 11k last time I weighed it, but I'll probably be up around 12k for this trip. I'll be driving just over 10,000 miles in total. My tow vehicle is a '17F350 SRW CCLB 6.7L PS. It's completely stock. Are there any recommendations for shocks? I don't have any chocking with my hitch (Andersen Ultimate) but towing and not towing sometimes those bumps in the road don't feel too good--though I will say my 350 is way more comfortable than my old gas 250 shortbed. Just trying to make sure I have a great experience on this long trip. Would welcome any other advice/recommendations beyond the shocks if you have something. Thanks.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 562
Likes: 45
I’m looking to replace my shocks too, stock Ford Rancho’s, and have narrowed it down to Bilstein 5100 or Rancho 9000’s. I’m still trying to compare them and see which is better. I read many places that Fox’s will likely be too soft for towing.
I also added some Timbren springs and they help a lot with the bumpy and uneven roads.
I also added some Timbren springs and they help a lot with the bumpy and uneven roads.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,745
Likes: 72
From: West Virginia
As rough as the Alaska Highway is, this is one time I'd think about shocks with an external reservoir.
Otherwise I'd look at shocks with the largest diameter tubes, the largest diameter piston shafts, and the most oil.
I've come to the conclusion that there is no way some guy that doesn't know my particular driving conditions can design and valve a shock to fit my needs. For this reason I like the adjustable Rancho 9000 shocks. Through trial and error I have determined the settings that give me the ride I want. Their build is also much more robust than the OEM shocks they replaced.
Otherwise I'd look at shocks with the largest diameter tubes, the largest diameter piston shafts, and the most oil.
I've come to the conclusion that there is no way some guy that doesn't know my particular driving conditions can design and valve a shock to fit my needs. For this reason I like the adjustable Rancho 9000 shocks. Through trial and error I have determined the settings that give me the ride I want. Their build is also much more robust than the OEM shocks they replaced.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
I’m looking to replace my shocks too, stock Ford Rancho’s, and have narrowed it down to Bilstein 5100 or Rancho 9000’s. I’m still trying to compare them and see which is better. I read many places that Fox’s will likely be too soft for towing.
I also added some Timbren springs and they help a lot with the bumpy and uneven roads.
I also added some Timbren springs and they help a lot with the bumpy and uneven roads.
Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,533
Likes: 930
From: Home Base Nebraska
I've been pulling trailers for a long time and I'm sold on good old fashion Monroe Gas Magnums, I have then on my truck and trailer, I also had them on my last truck when we did Alaska and was glad we had something that stiff and fast acting when going over the frost heaves and at times very rough roads.
Take your time and enjoy the trip in Alaska and Canada, the roads aren't that bad if you take it slow.
Denny
Take your time and enjoy the trip in Alaska and Canada, the roads aren't that bad if you take it slow.
Denny
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,733
Likes: 12,875
From: Wyoming
I've been pulling trailers for a long time and I'm sold on good old fashion Monroe Gas Magnums, I have then on my truck and trailer, I also had them on my last truck when we did Alaska and was glad we had something that stiff and fast acting when going over the frost heaves and at times very rough roads.
If I knew how to find real shocks to fit, instead of "RV Shocks" I would do it.
Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,533
Likes: 930
From: Home Base Nebraska
One thing I don't understand about the trailer shocks is why they provide damping in only one direction. I thought my trailer shocks were shot because of that so I bought four new ones. Same one-way damping with the new ones.
If I knew how to find real shocks to fit, instead of "RV Shocks" I would do it.
If I knew how to find real shocks to fit, instead of "RV Shocks" I would do it.
Denny
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,733
Likes: 12,875
From: Wyoming
I could be wrong but I think mine were the same part number as the old ones.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 932
Likes: 10
From: Tampa
One thing I don't understand about the trailer shocks is why they provide damping in only one direction. I thought my trailer shocks were shot because of that so I bought four new ones. Same one-way damping with the new ones.
If I knew how to find real shocks to fit, instead of "RV Shocks" I would do it.
If I knew how to find real shocks to fit, instead of "RV Shocks" I would do it.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,733
Likes: 12,875
From: Wyoming
That would work. The way they attach is the same top and bottom. But I know you're being facetious. To take that one step further, I could set up a double shock bracket and install one shock right side up and the other upside down.
If I was willing to throw good money after bad I would spec out a set of regular car/truck shocks instead of using trailer shocks.
If I was willing to throw good money after bad I would spec out a set of regular car/truck shocks instead of using trailer shocks.
