I replaced the Ranchero with the Bilstein 5100.


I don't know how long the shocks were on the truck since I bought it used but I'm guess the shocks were the originals. After taking off the Ranchero's and compressing them the shocks would not spring back.

Couldn't really tell a significant ride difference which was odd.

 

I recently debated shocks vs my use for my truck, with 127K miles on it now and the original rusting FX4 "Ranchos" it was time to replace them, plus it is leveled the front shocks do not have shock extenders on them.

I opted for the Fox 2.0 after a lot of research. I am going with the Fox 2.0 ATS steering stabilizer as well. It was not exaclty cheap for the whole setup, but I believe it will be a nice upgrade over what I have now.

 

I've always just replaced with a Monroe style shock. In 2020 I put the Monroe Reflex on the '16' dually. They work nicely with or without the 5th wheel hooked up.

 

Since you brought up the Reflex shocks, I did some digging...

https://stylethority.com/monroe-refl...ew-comparison/


Then found these discussing other brands...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...vs-magnum.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...o-9000-or.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...fox-2-0-a.html

 

Thanks for the read. I guess my experience is different from others when it comes to Reflex they seem to do what they're suppose to do to my liking. I never felt like "wow" this ride sucks even off road pulling the 5th wheel. "But" then I don't have the princess azz that feels every pebble going down the road. Probably near 20k on them now with 2/3 of the time time pulling the 5th wheel and no leakage showing yet. I should note that I even have the tires air up at 65psi all the time were as others air down to 45 so the get a car ride in a truck. Personal preference I guess.
I've tried Rancho and Bilstein on previous SD and couldn't tell the difference other than price.

My '21' F350 has 89k miles on it now its daily running weight is 8,500-8,800# and that's since taking delivery almost 2 years ago. Still original shocks, I guess my princess azz has built up a calise that just doesn't feel what so many do going down the road or off road and still have cat like reflex to handle most road conditions, but, then I'm not driving like Joie Chitwood. In the next month I'll be changing the shocks out to either the Magnums or Reflex doesn't make a difference to me by feel or past performance. Brake pads will be Napa mid grade, spark plugs will be MC. I rake up too many miles to fast to get "specialized" over priced, over advertised parts. But that's just me and I'll find another way to waste my money.

 

 

I was looking to use gas magnums on my ‘19 but couldn’t find a listing for the rear shocks. Which one did you find for the back?

 

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...345244&pt=7556

I'll probably go to Rock Auto's site... they are way cheaper than anyone else including my local car auto parts store.


And after looking in this further, it appears the Monroe Reflex shock is listed under the "Original Ride Quality" section on Rock.

But the Gas Magnums are listed under the Heavy Duty section. It appears that they are both a monotube design but the Gas Magnums are built for a heavy duty design such as our trucks where it's loaded or pulling a load.

Here's another article on the Reflex versus the Gas Magnums:

https://autoactuality.com/monroe-reflex-vs-gas-magnum/

So It appears the Reflex will ride smoother (unloaded), costs more but won't last as long the Gas Magnum, which is cheaper...


Since the Bilstein is a popular choice and was mentioned here, here's a good breakdown on the differences between the 4600s and the 5100s. I learned by watching the video on the link.

https://www.shocksurplus.com/blogs/s...or-differences

 

I see that gas magnum is listed for your 2016 but not for the 2017+ models. Ford must have changed a mounting bolt size or something in the rear. I’m surprised Monroe hasn’t caught up and listed a gas magnum for these yet. Guess I’ll keep shopping unless someone has tried the 34687 on the later trucks and found they fit.

 

The shock mount on the rear did change for the 2017+. As far as I know, the fronts are the same.

 

I see it now. The top mount is the same on the rear. The bottom changed from 12mm to 9/16” (14mm) in 2017.

 

Just found this using 2017 F350 as info...

MONROE 550066 Magnum Info
Rear; 4WD; Crew Cab Pickup; Extended Cab Pickup; Standard Cab Pickup

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=7556&jsn=503

 

Thanks, those look good. I see Monroe markets them toward commercial users.

Monroe Commercial Catalog

 

No problem... I saw those also on their Magnum part of their site... that's cool they offer them for the newer Dutys...


just called Monroe's tech line and spoke to one of their "gurus..."

They offer an OE Spectrum line which IS the factory replacement and factory like ride.

The Reflex is a little stiffer than the factory ride OE Spectrum and the Gas Magnums are stiffer yet, like a commercial application.

But what shocked me the most is he said they all, front and rear, are the twin tube design. I've seen information online to the contrary but this is coming right from them... but best of all, THEY ARE ALL MADE IN THEIR ARKANSAS FACILITY... a truly made in the USA product.

But when you do call, and to talk to the one of their guys, it's for both Rancho AND Monroe.

 

I’m fine with twin tube shocks. I don’t run Baja, race or do anything else where a monotube shock would make a difference. I do occasionally get dents in the outer shock tube and that makes no difference with a twin tube design. I don’t know how I dent them but there’s always at least one when I change them after 5 years or so of service.