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I’m trying to replace springs and shocks all the way around on my 2005 4WD 6.0 EX. The general conscience is to go with F250 springs. I’m switching from Bilstein’s (which I absolutely don’t like) and going with Rancho RS9000 shocks. I am being told the issue I will encounter with any F250 shock is getting rear shocks that fit. It was explained rear shocks for the F250 have a different upper bushing size than the upper bushing from the OEM stock shock application. It was suggested I press the bushing out of the old shock and into the new one. It Doesn't make sense to install a worn bushing in a new shock. Not sure how to proceed. I was wondering how others have addressed this bushing problem.
I’m trying to replace springs and shocks all the way around on my 2005 4WD 6.0 EX. The general conscience is to go with F250 springs. I’m switching from Bilstein’s (which I absolutely don’t like) and going with Rancho RS9000 shocks. I am being told the issue I will encounter with any F250 shock is getting rear shocks that fit. It was explained rear shocks for the F250 have a different upper bushing size than the upper bushing from the OEM stock shock application. It was suggested I press the bushing out of the old shock and into the new one. It Doesn't make sense to install a worn bushing in a new shock. Not sure how to proceed. I was wondering how others have addressed this bushing problem.
Are you looking to get any lift from this spring swap?
The best bet would be to get the Ranchos that are made for the EX, that way you don't have to mess with swapping bushing around. The trucks use a through bolt at the top of the rear shocks, the EX uses a slide through bar that gets bolted on either side to the frame. I've been riding on my Ranchos designed for a 4" lifted EX for about eight years now.
At 68 years old I'm not looking for any lift but understand installing the F250 springs will still increase the height by 1 to 1 1/2 inches and I could live with that.
You will not have to replace the rubber bushing. Instead, you will remove the metal cross bar from the top of your old or original shocks. Then install or press it in the top of your new shocks. Then install the new shocks with the original two smaller bolts.
The ranchos for a stock ex will work fine with f250 springs, I have V code fronts and c code rears and 9000's that were on previously and they have plenty of travel left.
Thanks for the information. It's nice to know I don't need to go with a F-250 shock just because I install F-250 springs on my EX. I have ordered the Rancho RS9000's. Thanks to all for their guidance in my journey to resolve my conundrum.