First off, I want to let everyone know how awesome this site is (as if you didn't know it)... I have learned so much and saved a ton of money by reading post on here.

Here are my questions:

1. I have 55,000 miles on my 2000 F250, V10, 4x4, CC, (will be posting pics soon). I need to change the stock shocks, and I've been looking at the Rancho 9000's or the RSX's. I very rarely go off road (have an ATV for that!!), and I need to get a smoother ride for the wife, (she's pregnant and nauseated all the time). What would you recommend? I'm open to other brands, but I really like the looks of the Rancho's.

2. If I go with the 9000's, is the in-cab adjustment add on worth it?


3. I tow an 8,000 lbs. travel trailer about once a month, and sometimes have my 4 wheeler in the back when pulling it. Without the ATV, the truck rides pretty level, but once I put it in the back, my headlights are pointing to the sky. I was looking at putting the Firestone, or AirLift air bags on the rear suspension, but wasn't sure which one was best for the money. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

By the way, the humor on here is great. My wife has caught me on several occasions almost rolling on the floor with laughter while reading some of the post. Hopefully, I can start to contribute more to the site, and at least give back a small portion of what I have received from it.

Thanks Again.

Bryan D.
Texas

2000, F250, 4x4, CC, SB, maroon/black, Lariat, K&N Filter, aftermarket fog lights, grille guard, Ventvisors.

 

If you go with the Rancho's I would install the in-cab adjuster if you can afford to do so when buying the shocks. I have the 9000's and they do ride way different depending on road conditions. Just yesterday driving on the plains the truck was bucking pretty bad on the interstate. I firmed it up a +1/2 on the fronts, +1 on the rear at the next rest stop, it rode like a whole different vehicle, nice and solid again. It would be nice to be able to tune the shocks on the fly instead of having to pull over to do it. Just my .02

 

>3. I tow an 8,000 lbs. travel trailer about once a month,
>and sometimes have my 4 wheeler in the back when pulling it.
> Without the ATV, the truck rides pretty level, but once I
>put it in the back, my headlights are pointing to the sky.
>I was looking at putting the Firestone, or AirLift air bags
>on the rear suspension, but wasn't sure which one was best
>for the money. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly
>appreciated.


First of all WELCOME!!!!

I have the Firestone air bags and have no complaints. You can save several hundred dollars by installing them your self. Pretty basic to do. It did stiffin up the ride a bit though. My dad regularaly refers to it as a lumber wagon. I love the ride though. Its a truck!!! and with the fiver on it smoothes out really good.


Justin
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=9313&.jpg
http://members.lycos.nl/dukesofhazzard/dukeslogo.JPG

2002 F-350 SC LB 4X4 6SPD PSD. 3.73 gears. 2.5" leviling kit. K&N air filter. Rhino lined Bed. Prodigy trailer brake controler. 35x12.5x16.5 BFG A/T. 16.5x10 ultra wheels. pop up gooseneck hitch and firestone airbag spring helpers. Reese fifth wheel hitch for my new toy hauler. Superchips microtuner.

My imagenary friend thinks you have a mental problem

 

Have you considered a weight distributing hitch set-up? Mine really helps level the truck out. Puts more weight on the front wheels too. Helps take the load off the ***-end.

 

I have the 9000s and the in cab controller is great. The settings really do affect the ride, and it is nice being able to change settings while driving from inside the cab, you can really smooth out the ride.

 

I do have a weight distribution hitch, and it works fine until I put the ATV in the back...

Bryan

2000, F250CC, V10, Lariat, maroon/black, grille guard, Ventvisors, aftermarket fog lights, K&N air filter.

 

i'd consider looking at some airbags

 

I'd wait until you get the new shocks installed before buying the airbags. You may not need them once you get a quality set of shocks on the truck.

 

Well,

I think I will go with the 9000's. I've talked to several shops in the Houston area, and they all recommended not using the in cab adjustment addon. Something about them leaking down alot.

I found a website that listed the 9000's at $69 each. Sound like a good price?

Thanks for all your input. I finally got some pics of my SD up in my gallery...Let me know what you think!!!



Bryan

2000, F250CC, V10, Lariat, maroon/black, grille guard, Ventvisors, aftermarket fog lights, K&N air filter.

 

whoa, an atv makes your headlights go skyward?? what the heck kinda ATV is it. What have you done to the truck suspension wise? my superduty sits rear high still, and it takes 3500 lbs of tile in the backend to even level it, cant see a 500-700 lbs atv affecting it much?

 

>whoa, an atv makes your headlights go skyward?? what the
>heck kinda ATV is it. What have you done to the truck
>suspension wise? my superduty sits rear high still, and it
>takes 3500 lbs of tile in the backend to even level it, cant
>see a 500-700 lbs atv affecting it much?


It's level with the atv in the back, until I drop my 8,000lbs of travel trailer on the back of the truck. My trailer's tongue weight is about 750 lbs. I'm thinking that part of the problem is the factory shocks are shot. That's why I am ordering the Rancho 9000's.


Bryan

2000, F250CC, V10, Lariat, maroon/black, grille guard, Ventvisors, aftermarket fog lights, K&N air filter.

 

Welcome to the site.

My truck has the Rancho's with the in cab unit as well as air bags. The "bleed down" in the in-cab is not an issue. If they do bleed down, it takes all of 1-2 seconds to pump them up by pushing a button. Mine have to be "pumped" about once every 7-10 days...big deal You will have tremendous flexibility with the in-cab unit. With all that being said, you could probably do just as well with Bilsteins, as you don't really have THAT VARIABLE of a load with 750 lb tongue weight, that an adjustable shock would be a necessity. In my case I go from empty to 3400 lbs. in the bed and back to empty again..now THATS a variable load! You will be happy with ANY new shock over the stock garbage.

As far as air bags go, I don't think the brand is important between the 2 you mention. I happen to have the RideRites, and they've been great. You shouldn't save "several hundred dollars by installing them yourself" as previously stated. Most shops I checked with were $75-100 for an install. At least thats what I paid to have it done (I didn't want to install the in-cab Rancho unit as that cost a LOT more to do than the air bag install!).

The air bags are an easy "leveling" fix, and infinitely adjustable to boot Ride quality change is negligible as you air them down to 5 psi when empty.