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I am looking for recommendations for shocks. I don't know if the current shocks are stock or not. Truck has 117K miles. Truck is used as casual driver with frequent 5th wheel towing. Truck does NOT have a lift/leveling kit.
My understanding is that the rancho's are terrible, that's what I currently have. front back
Those looks like the stock FX4 package "Rancho" shocks. They aren't even real Rancho's, they are Ford parts that are painted to look like Rancho's.
I recommend the Bilstein 5100's. Very reasonably priced. I ended up getting the whole kit from Amazon for <$350 if I recall. MUCH better ride than the stock ones (mine had 110k on them and a few were blown out).
From what I could tell the 5100 and 4600s are the same, except for the coloring. I preferred the silver/black of the 5100 to the blue/yellow of the 4600.
I think the 5100 is more common with a level kit. Its the entry level shock that fits that application. So I would check that. If you have snow plow springs and they advertise the 5100 from 0-2” lift then I would consider them.
4600s have always served me well on stock trucks. They are a HD shock.
Rancho RS5000x are on a truck I have as well, it came with them so dont know the miles. I think they ride a little better than the 4600 Bilsteins.
Looks to my uneducated eye that the 5100 front comes in a 2" lift as opposed to a 0" lift like the 4600 fronts?
Does that even matter?
I edited my post as you typed yours.
I would run them if you have snow plow springs. From what I remember the couple times I ran 5100 is they are pretty firm. 4600s are firm too. Both not in a bad way though.
4600s are different from 5100s. You can google it.
If towing is frequent then the 4600 is the way to go.
Have been impressed with the Rancho 5000x on a truck I recently bought. Mainly driving around, not much for towing heavy.
Also now is the time to do any leveling or f350 rear blocks if you want to. Check your steering stabilizer, trackbar bushings, steering misc, body mounts, etc.
