Swapping out shocks
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
Swapping out shocks
Looking forward to my new to me truck. It’s an 02 250 7.3 in good shape, used to haul a 5th wheel trailer. I’m expecting the shocks will need replacing and I’m wondering if stock OEs from new trucks will fit. I could go to the aftermarket for ones but I’m thinking many guys are getting new trucks modded out so the stock shocks are probably up for sale, heavily discounted.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
Makes sense, thanks Dave
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 164
From: Southwest Ohio
I am a Bilstein guy, 100%. However, I understand that to some people a price difference of $25+ can be painful, which is why I feel that Rock Auto is a great place to buy shocks as they have many to choose from at different price points.
— Dave
— Dave
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: north of Minneapolis, MN
More Turbo
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 578
Likes: 146
From: Salisbury, MD
Depends what you want to do with it, Napa Fleet shocks work and take a load well. I personally like my Rancho 9000's as they are adjustable, have them all around and they worked great on the 250.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 70
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Good point. For me the truck will carry bulky stuff from Home Depot and such. My driveway is 1200’ gravel and the roads around here are mostly paved, with lots of potholes. I have a 29’ Laredo 5th wheel trailer on my campsite and think I might want to hook it up from time to time. Towards autumn I expect to be called on to haul my friends 30’ cruiser across country. That trip will pretty well pay for the truck. So there’s lots of options. Mostly though I appreciate a comfortable ride. I just sold a 06 Porsche Boxster and the F250 is replacement for the 01 GM Savana I’ve had since new, it’s really tired and need to go away.
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 344
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Many on the forum regard OEM shocks as terrible. For stock pickups, popular upgrades are Bilstein 4600 or the adjustable Rancho RS9000XL's. Personally, I've got a set of Rancho RS9000XL's in my shopping cart. I like being able to set the rebound lighter when empty, then firmer again when loaded.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
I like the KYB MonoMax And @pirate4x4_camo seems to like them over the Bilstien as well.
Just to clarify, the MonoMax is well suited for vehicles with stock size ( weight ) tires and stock ride height, They are similar quality to the Bilsteins but 1/2 the price.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 661
From: South AR
If you can stomach it bilsteins are fabulous. I just put the 5100s on my 2000 f350 and WOW. I looked at tons of other options and settled on those. A mechanic friend of mine are used to run and maintain a fleet of 7.3’s (several dozen) turned me onto them and said that they were the way to go. The 4600s I have heard aren’t bad either.
I picked them up on Amazon for the best price.
I picked them up on Amazon for the best price.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 661
From: South AR
Which ones did you have? I guess My experience could’ve been because mine were so rough to start with new shocks of any kind could’ve made a difference. I’ll concede that as potential. If there are better options out there for less go for it. I know what has worked for me only.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
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From: San Diego, CA
When my stock shocks aged out I went with Rancho RS9000XL shocks. Not the cheapest out there but I was very happy with them.
My truck was a daily driver so it was nice to have that adjustability for commuting (unloaded), loaded, and weekend off-roading.
My truck was a daily driver so it was nice to have that adjustability for commuting (unloaded), loaded, and weekend off-roading.