I just ordered the rancho 5000 shocks all 4 and stabilizer
Will I be happy with these pieces over my stock stuff with 50k?
I drive on road only
It was about 200. for all those parts --with a life time warranty seems like an adeqaute replacement
thanks for any input
Josh
also unrelated
can the steering box on the superduty be tightened or adjusted?

 

Yeah you should be happy with them. Anything seems to be better then the stock. Ford really used a bottom of the line shock for the superduties.

 

I have 4 Brand New Rancho Shocks ( 1100 mi ) from my 2004 250SD that I would give you for a better deal if your interested? ( NOTE: Admin, This Is not an add just trying to help out a fellow SD owner. ) They were stock on my FX4 but I added a 6" lift and went with Bilsteins all around. I think you would be happier w/ Rancho over stock for sure. Let us know how they work out.

 

[QUOTE] can the steering box on the superduty be tightened or adjusted?

Brianas, On the top of your steering box you will see a allan head screw and a lock nut. Loosen the locknut and tighten the set screw about a 1/4 to 1/2 a turn. Tighten up the locknut and start the truck and turn the wheels side to side. This will seat the nylon ball at the end of the set screw. Then drive the truck to see if it's to your likeing, if it's not enough or to much- re-ajust.

Fitter

 

Fitter,

Is the steering box the same on all years of Superduties? Sounds like something I need to do on my '99.

RedCrewCab

 

Redcrewcab,

Any car or truck that has a steering box will have this ajustment. When you do this, go a little at a time. If you tighten it to much you will damage the nylon ball at the end of the screw.

Fitter

 

thanks for the replys Ill post my outcome
shadow thanks for the offer--If I did not already pay for the stuff I would take u up on it--thanks anyway
Josh

 

Hey Shadow Hills, I may be interested in the shocks, what are you looking to get for them?? My apologies to the moderator, I know we are supposed to e mail this stuff but I could not figure out how to do it.... Thanks, KP

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by klp
, I know we are supposed to e mail this stuff but I could not figure out how to do it.... Thanks, KP [/QUOTE

Just click on the "profile" link at the bottom of his post, it should open a new page and then click the link to the right that says
" click here to e-mail ---------"

 

Shocks realistically only go about 50k before they need to be replaced, depending on driving conditions. I've done plenty of work with Tenneco (they make Rancho, Monroe) and that is probably the top mileage you can get out of their shocks. Hard to tell when shocks are worn, bounce test is a joke and the only real way to do it is with a shock dyno which is too expensive for most mechanics to purchase for they return they'll get out of it. Is the warranty against leaks (product defects) or the ride control (It's hasn't been that long, but I can't remember the intent of the warranty)? Be aware that the lifetime warranty is a huge issue for them, they want people to purchase new shocks, but still offer the lifetime warranty so why would the consumer purchase new shocks...no reason to do it. They figure that you'll forget about the lifetime warranty once your mechanic tells you that you need new shocks, so you'll buy new ones.

I believe they still talk about having your shocks checked and replaced at 30,000-40,000 miles. Go to their website and see what it says. Get your ducks in a row and make them hold to their warranty if they are promising to warranty them for life....shocks don't last that long if you consider life of a vehicle to be 80,000-100,000 miles.

 

Hey KLP I sent you an e-mail. Let me know?

 

I would question the 30-40,000 mileage number. I've got nearly 100,000 on a set of Bilstein yellow OEM replacement shocks and they ride as good as new with no uneven tire wear (60,000 and counting with 1/2 tread BFG A/T) Granted this is all on a X-Cab Toyota, but the shocks are still application designed as the whole Bilstein line is.

I felt comfortable enough with the life I got on those that I just put a pair of 5100's on my SD. Pitched the RS9000's in the dumpster and cannot believe the great ride I have now, even witha 4-inch lift. Got them for $300/set of 4 and I think they are the best deal running IMHO

 

The issue is that any owner will never notice the difference in the degradation of the shocks because it takes place gradually, so even if the shocks wear out at 50K you or I will never reealize it. Tenneco tests have shown that for most users shocks last 40-60,000 miles at the top end. The big caveat is that it's based on driving habits and conditions.

I can't speak to Bilsteins, but for Tenneco products only.

 

Shadow hills I am newbe and can't e-mail, but if you still have the shocks I am interestead.