Best Ride Shocks?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 56
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Missouri
Best Ride Shocks?
2012 F350 Supercab 4x4 6.7 diesel on 12.50x35x18. 90k miles and still has factory Rancho shocks. Need to put new tires on it this fall, want to change shocks at same time. Truck has a 2" leveling kit in the front.
My wife pretty much refuses to ride in it because of how rough it rides. I understand it's a 1 ton truck - but figured I'd ask the experts here what shocks would make it ride smoother when empty. Ideas please??
My wife pretty much refuses to ride in it because of how rough it rides. I understand it's a 1 ton truck - but figured I'd ask the experts here what shocks would make it ride smoother when empty. Ideas please??
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 500
Likes: 38
From: Pacific Northwest
Bilstein 5100's & they are designed for up to a small leveling kit.
Won't break the bank & they are quality shocks. Way above the Ranchos.
Will make the ride "Better" but as you've stated its a 1 ton truck.
You should feel me 03 with leaf springs empty. People get very used to have a butter ride in modern cars.
Won't break the bank & they are quality shocks. Way above the Ranchos.
Will make the ride "Better" but as you've stated its a 1 ton truck.
You should feel me 03 with leaf springs empty. People get very used to have a butter ride in modern cars.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 350
Likes: 99
From: Huntsville
I agree, Bilstein makes a quality shock. I have them on both my vintage Mustangs, and I have 5100's on my '15 F250. I replaced the OEM shocks at 175K miles because the ride was absolutely horrible, and my wife too absolutely hated riding in the truck. IMO, the new Bilstein's did very little to "comfort" the ride. I read many posts stating the 5100's were intended for trucks used mostly for towing...which I do.
Shocks dampen accelerations induced from the road. However, the actual ride quality is mostly governed by how the truck is sprung, with F350's being sprung stiffer than F250's. So, I don't think your overall ride quality is going to increase exponentially to the point where your wife is going to be ecstatic about it...at least mine wasn't. I have often wondered if the 4600's would have been a better choice since they are valved a little softer and my truck is bagged on the rear anyway.
Shocks dampen accelerations induced from the road. However, the actual ride quality is mostly governed by how the truck is sprung, with F350's being sprung stiffer than F250's. So, I don't think your overall ride quality is going to increase exponentially to the point where your wife is going to be ecstatic about it...at least mine wasn't. I have often wondered if the 4600's would have been a better choice since they are valved a little softer and my truck is bagged on the rear anyway.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 304
Likes: 192
From: Northern California
Just recently swapped out my OEM shocks with KYB Monomax on my 103,000 mile/stock suspension '03 F250 4x4. I was expecting a harsher ride, but it's more controlled and comfortable now. My Old OEM's had very little damping on compression, but still a decent amount on rebound. KYB's Monomax have a lot more compression and rebound and it ended up translating into a more controlled ride. Overall, happy with the results both unloaded and towing.
Regardless of what shock you put on there, it will be better(and noticeable) than the 90K mile shocks you have now, but there will be no miracles with a 1 ton.
Side note: Had my tires rotated last year and the shop put 80lbs in the tires. Driving it home it beat me to death. Put my normal 50lbs at all 4 corners (for unloaded/light towing) and much more compliant.
Regardless of what shock you put on there, it will be better(and noticeable) than the 90K mile shocks you have now, but there will be no miracles with a 1 ton.
Side note: Had my tires rotated last year and the shop put 80lbs in the tires. Driving it home it beat me to death. Put my normal 50lbs at all 4 corners (for unloaded/light towing) and much more compliant.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 898
Likes: 256
From: San Diego, CA
Yes, I run the Fox 2.0's at all four corners and the ride is great. I swapped from the Bilstein's and they are slightly smoother on road and quite a bit better offroad. My opinion is yes, they are worth the extra $$.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 2
How are the Bilstien 5100's for carrying heavy loads in the bed? I have a slide-in camper and the adjustable Rancho 9K's, but corrosion and age have rendered the ***** on the shocks non-adjustable. I'm just wondering if there's anything as good for carrying a 3,000 pound camper. Thanks!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,389
Likes: 23
From: Central Texas
I would rather have a good shock than an adjustable shock of lesser quality such as Rancho. A good shock responds to quicker suspension movements with more damping. That itself will deal with a heavier load. These lift kit guys clearly don't have their own shock lab out back. They're just relabeling something from Chynah.
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