Shocks?
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 21
I get what you are saying, but I respectfully disagree. Mine rides reasonably well, but on every bump it springs back and forth a couple of times before settling. While this is ok to some, it can get quite rough while going down some really rough roads (Highways through cities). Better shocks control this much better and it settles without the bounce. Think of how a pogo stick works,,,,, it relies on that spring to bounce you back. Now put a shock in there with the spring and you would never be able to jump the same. This is effectively the difference between good and bad shocks. Now if you are talking Fox vs Icon vs Bilestein vs Rancho vs Monroe vs etc,,,,, sure, it's personal preference and some are just name and no better than the next, but each persons preferred ride characteristics are different too. My stock shocks have 100k on them, and are definitely not as smooth as my previous truck with Bilsteins with similar miles that had the same bouncy OEM shocks when I put the Bilsteins on.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 1,423
From: CA
I get what you are saying, but I respectfully disagree. Mine rides reasonably well, but on every bump it springs back and forth a couple of times before settling. While this is ok to some, it can get quite rough while going down some really rough roads (Highways through cities). Better shocks control this much better and it settles without the bounce. Think of how a pogo stick works,,,,, it relies on that spring to bounce you back. Now put a shock in there with the spring and you would never be able to jump the same. This is effectively the difference between good and bad shocks. Now if you are talking Fox vs Icon vs Bilestein vs Rancho vs Monroe vs etc,,,,, sure, it's personal preference and some are just name and no better than the next, but each persons preferred ride characteristics are different too. My stock shocks have 100k on them, and are definitely not as smooth as my previous truck with Bilsteins with similar miles that had the same bouncy OEM shocks when I put the Bilsteins on.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 67
From: SW Cook County, Illinois
Also, everybody's butt dyno is calibrated differently!
Shocks, and tires are so hard to pin down for your personal preference.
I guess you could read reviews, until your crazy.
It would be great if the “Snake Oil” , and personal opinions could be culled out a little easier.
Shocks, and tires are so hard to pin down for your personal preference.
I guess you could read reviews, until your crazy.
It would be great if the “Snake Oil” , and personal opinions could be culled out a little easier.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
It would be pretty crazy to think that the basic factory shocks were actually the best they could be. They were built to a price point like everything else. You can certainly buy aftermarket shocks that offer better than factory performance. The monotube Bilstien and Fox are superior for heat dissipation by design. Heat is what causes shocks to fade. Rough roads will fade stock shocks in just a few miles, the better reservoir shocks will tolerate this all day. Take a Raptor for a drive, the difference is obvious. Don't let a pot stirrer dissuade you from improving your trucks ride and handling with a better set of shocks.
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 21
It's hard to do, but i'm hearing the majority of people say the stockers are pretty horrible, and I know mine are so anything is an improvement. How much of an improvement is up to the driver. Some want a rock hard ride for offroad, while others want a plush ride on the highway. I like the previous Bilsteins I had, they weren't harsh, but definitely had more control over the stockers, and likely way more than what I have now. Would they be better than a Fox or Rancho,,,, who knows, unless you have had both. I was just curious if there was something people liked better because the Bilsteins seem to be what most people like, and have had a very good reputation. I would hope though, that if I spend the money on a higher end shock that it would work better,,,,, but again,,,, better in the rocks, or better on the highway,,,,, or better towing,,, or better in the sand???
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 1,423
From: CA
It would be pretty crazy to think that the basic factory shocks were actually the best they could be. They were built to a price point like everything else. You can certainly buy aftermarket shocks that offer better than factory performance. The monotube Bilstien and Fox are superior for heat dissipation by design. Heat is what causes shocks to fade. Rough roads will fade stock shocks in just a few miles, the better reservoir shocks will tolerate this all day. Take a Raptor for a drive, the difference is obvious. Don't let a pot stirrer dissuade you from improving your trucks ride and handling with a better set of shocks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
Good question... maybe ask yourself why you referred to upgrading shocks as "snake oil"? I am not sure anybody understands your stance on that, hence the ongoing conversation.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 1,423
From: CA
Is changing brands truly an upgrade?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 253
From: NorCal
3 of the 4 OE shocks failed at 5k miles. I could of had the same shocks replaced but why put crap back on? Because they were free? Nope, I purchased new shocks and never looked back. Bilstein might not be the best shock but its a quality shock. Ive used them on all my trucks and never had an issue.
Shocks and tires are subjective, A soft ride by one is a rough ride by another.
Also my factory steering damper says its charged..pulled it off to replace it and it had very little to no charge.. it did not extent. Put a bilstein steering stabilizer and it too made a big difference.
To the OP..you will be happy with your new shocks.
Shocks and tires are subjective, A soft ride by one is a rough ride by another.
Also my factory steering damper says its charged..pulled it off to replace it and it had very little to no charge.. it did not extent. Put a bilstein steering stabilizer and it too made a big difference.
To the OP..you will be happy with your new shocks.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,138
Likes: 366
From: Burlington, ma
Man I just want the damn tires and steering to stay ON THE GROUND when going over bumps. Damn thing jumps sideways. They already did the dampener but I think I will just have to but a new one in myself and stop playing footsy with Ford service on my new truck 