Shocks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 89
From: TN
I have an '04, the last year of the leaf sprung front. I replaced the Rancho's with Bilstein 5100's and it does ride stiff. But I only use the truck to tow the camper with a golf cart in the bed so I needed the extra shock absorption capacity. If I daily drove it, I would probably get the Bilstein 4600 or Monroe's
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,450
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
Yes the 3.5" block is factory for the F350 and a common upgrade for the F250 trucks.
I had stock, then bilstein and then skyjacker nitro shocks on my 2004 f350. Two months ago I installed skyjacker HYDRO shocks and they are by far the best shocks I've had on this truck! Handling is the same as the more expensive nitro shocks but the ride is much smoother and softer if that's even possible on a super duty LOLOL. But honestly the hydro shocks are by far the best I've had so far
I had stock, then bilstein and then skyjacker nitro shocks on my 2004 f350. Two months ago I installed skyjacker HYDRO shocks and they are by far the best shocks I've had on this truck! Handling is the same as the more expensive nitro shocks but the ride is much smoother and softer if that's even possible on a super duty LOLOL. But honestly the hydro shocks are by far the best I've had so far
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 27
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs
Yes the 3.5" block is factory for the F350 and a common upgrade for the F250 trucks.
I had stock, then bilstein and then skyjacker nitro shocks on my 2004 f350. Two months ago I installed skyjacker HYDRO shocks and they are by far the best shocks I've had on this truck! Handling is the same as the more expensive nitro shocks but the ride is much smoother and softer if that's even possible on a super duty LOLOL. But honestly the hydro shocks are by far the best I've had so far
I had stock, then bilstein and then skyjacker nitro shocks on my 2004 f350. Two months ago I installed skyjacker HYDRO shocks and they are by far the best shocks I've had on this truck! Handling is the same as the more expensive nitro shocks but the ride is much smoother and softer if that's even possible on a super duty LOLOL. But honestly the hydro shocks are by far the best I've had so far
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
The only issue of the preload spacer lifts is that they alter the spring rate progression as it compresses, you get more resistance earlier in the travel than the stock setup.
The solution for a plush compliant front suspension travel in these heavy trucks is replacing the spring and shock together. Taller springs with a shock specifically designed and valved for that vehicle and shock spring completey enhance these trucks handling.
I would take a hard look at the Icon products. They turned my truck into a plush offroad beast. No affiliation with Icon, just very happy with my own purchase experience and performance difference. Look for reviews on here from other posters. They are an excellent, cost effective upgrade.
Good luck!
The solution for a plush compliant front suspension travel in these heavy trucks is replacing the spring and shock together. Taller springs with a shock specifically designed and valved for that vehicle and shock spring completey enhance these trucks handling.
I would take a hard look at the Icon products. They turned my truck into a plush offroad beast. No affiliation with Icon, just very happy with my own purchase experience and performance difference. Look for reviews on here from other posters. They are an excellent, cost effective upgrade.
Good luck!
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