Shock Replacement
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New User
Joined: Sep 2020
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Shock Replacement
I have a 2004 F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab Lariat FX4 6.8L with the original Rancho shocks. It is time to replace them and was wondering what my best option would be. Should I replace them with Ranchos, or upgrade to a different shock? A smooth ride is the most important consideration, although I occasionally tow a camper or utility trailer.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
I have had Bilstein 5100's for a while now. 50k miles on the front, had to replace a upper bushing at one point. Used a Energy Suspension from a local off road shop, in the rear I had Pro Comp ES9000 and swapped them for 5100's finally. The 5100's are nice and firm with a Zinc coating.
I would either go 5100's again or entertain the Rancho 7000's as they should be a similar shock.
I would either go 5100's again or entertain the Rancho 7000's as they should be a similar shock.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16,263
Likes: 402
From: Odessa, Delaware
The original Ranchos on my truck were the cheapest Ford could find during assembly and were junk by 50K miles. I went with adjustable Ranchos RS9000. Although I do find myself not using the adjustment feature as much as I thought I would but they are still great shocks!
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I am now trying to decide between the Rancho RS9000XL or the Bilstein 5100. Anyone know how the ride compares? I would like a smooth ride, at least as far as a 3/4 pickup can be considered smooth. Pros and cons of each? Cheapest place to buy either?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 187
Likes: 4
I have a 2004 F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab Lariat FX4 6.8L with the original Rancho shocks. It is time to replace them and was wondering what my best option would be. Should I replace them with Ranchos, or upgrade to a different shock? A smooth ride is the most important consideration, although I occasionally tow a camper or utility trailer.
Kind of depends on your budget. the Bilstein 5100 are a decent upgrade for the money, but not the best upgrade you can buy. I have the carli back country kit with the resi 2.0 fox shocks and the ride is great and very controlled, I swapped in the 5100s while i had my shocks rebuilt and hated driving my truck on anything other than asphalt...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 122
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From: NY
Don't waist your time. I bought Bilstines hated them. In a week I returned them. Bought Rancho xL 9000. Never look back. How can you not like these shocks. You tune them to what you like. For empty and towing. Like having 9 shocks to choose from each day.
Ps Scott
Ps Scott
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 277
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From: Houston
I agree with Pastor Scott on the nicest shocks available are the Rancho 9000.On my big heavy F-350 they rode like a dream. Dialed in just where I wanted. Absolutely loved them.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 6
From: Massachusetts
I’ve had the rancho 9000 xl shocks for 2 months and couldn’t be happier. I have the fronts set at 3 and backs at 2 with 500 lbs in the back and it rides great. The adjustment on these is nice.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 472
Likes: 153
From: Southeast Wisconsin
I have the Bilstein 5100's on my '17 XLT Sport F-150 and the ride is far more "controlled" than the OEM shocks when cornering hard and towing. The ride is "smoother" as well in most situations. Never tried Rancho, but the German shocks are worth every penny. I would have to try these Rancho's to see if they are "seat of the pants" better than Bilstein. Hard to believe they would be any better. Zero complaints with Bilstein.
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