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What shocks do you all like? I've got an early '77 F250 4x4, stock 7700lb springs, swinging military 36s. Thinking of just going with the Yellow Monroes (HD) from the auto parts store. Looking more for a compliant ride, not too harsh so that I can hustle down a dirt road a little bit if I want. OK maybe that doesn't happen on a 250 highboy . Pic for attention
Followup - has anyone with a 73-77 F250 adapted Bilstein 5100s for your truck? No direct fitment on them available but would have to sort out which shock to run
Them ole yeller Monroe's are a staple of affordability. They don't last many years, but they ride well enough until they die. I've had a set on my dual shock '79 front end for about three years, and they're still good.
Followup - has anyone with a 73-77 F250 adapted Bilstein 5100s for your truck? No direct fitment on them available but would have to sort out which shock to run
If my Dent had single front shocks, I would have gone with Bilstein 5100's. I put a set on my 3/4 ton Dodge after I put a leveling kit on the front end. That truck has a lot of weight on the front end...5.9 Cummins, heavy bumper, Warn M15 winch. The Bilstein's handle it well.
Based on what rockauto lists, I'd say Ranchos, then the Monroes, but those look like the only options. Even though you're on stock springs, with those heavy 36s you'll probably need a little more dampening than a stock spec shock. Your best bet would be to modify the truck for top and bottom eye mount shocks. It'll open up a lot more shock options, but you'll need to do some measuring to figure out what's gonna work. All the upper shock mounts from a later model f250, even the super dutys, should be able to be bolted on fairly easily, I know the fronts are a direct swap I'm not sure on the rear but it can't be that difficult. Then you'd just need to weld some mounts on the front axle, or get the adapter that bolts in the stud hole, but you lose some shock length with those so I don't recommend them.
If you want to run dirt roads at speed, I'd suggest something higher end like a bilstein/fox/etc. reservoir shock. Like ranger140892, I had Bilsteins on a diesel dodge, but I had the 7100 reservoir shocks and they smoothed out everything. Not cheap by any means, but we'll worth it IMO. My '79 will be getting them once I get the new springs mounted and take some measurements.
I may look into replacing the mounts at some point. For now, I was looking for a quick fix but have to say you make a great point on needing a bit more damping with the weight...
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