What brand is everyone replacing there stock shocks with? I have busted a rear shock and need to replace them. I have ran Rancho 5000's on another truck before and didn't really care for them. Are the Edelbrocks any good? I need some suggestions!

Thanks

 

After reading everyone's experience with shocks on this forum as well as researching the web I remained undecided between the Edelbrocks and the Rancho RS9000s. Then several months ago Summit Racing had their RS9000s for $55 each along with a Buy 3 get the 4th free. That was too good a deal to pass up so I went for it along with the incab remote.

Installation of the remote system was a pain in the neck.

Generally I am pleased with the shocks, though not as much as I had hoped for. I typically drive around town with the shocks on 1 (the softest setting). At this setting the ride is smoother than the factory shocks and the vehicle handles OK, but there is a little up and down, not fully-damped motion on big bumps. like at the end of the driveway. I sometimes wonder how well the vehicle would handle in an abrupt maneuver at this soft setting.

On the highway I up the setting to low 2. One nice feature about the remote is that the settings are infinitely adjustable; you aren't limited to just the 5 manual settings.

When I pull the 5th wheel (10,000lbs) I up the setting to 3 in the back and mid 2 on the front.

I would really like to drive a vehicle with the Edelbrocks to see how well they self adjust. I have gathered from previous posts that the Edelbrocks can be a little bit stiffer than the factory shocks.

If anyone has experience with both shocks it would be good to hear a comparison opinion.

Pete

99 F350 V10 CC Auto LB 2wd

 

I just got Bilstiens at 22k mi. The shop I ordered from only got 3 in so I did the front 2. The stock shock seemed fine, but I went ahead and replaced them anyway. I felt a marginal difference at best. I do a lot of driving on the highways and biways of CT. The roads really suck.
The Bilstiens felt more firm, but less harsh. They seemed to take the numerous potholes and bumps better. It just wasn't a night and day difference. When I get my last shock and do the rears, that's when I'll be able to fully determine the difference, if any. Also, I got use to the funky colors, yellow and light blue. The difference in color actually draws your eye to the large wheel well opening. It's a good thing.
I've heard lots of good things about Rancho and Bilstien the most. Edelbrock is supposed to be pretty good, too. I think there is another company that came out with a shock like the RS9000. Might of been Procomp, can't remember right now.
Hope this helps and good luck.

 

I learned a few things at a Super Duty rally I attended today.

One everyone who had changed their shocks, changed over to Bilstiens, 'cept one who runs RS9000's.

The reasons why so many went with the Bilstiens is that the are specifically valved for the application, right down to the engine. Ranchos are not as specific with their valving...or so the story went.

 

>Complete w/engine. tires. wheels. doors. steering wheel. brake >pedal. gas pedal. speedometer. headlights. spare tire. ashtray. >lotsa windows. rearview mirror. seatbelts. parking brake. front AND >rear turn signals. windshield wipers. gear shifter. reverse & brake >lights. glove compartment. door handles. gas gauge. horn. seats. >paint. bumpers. radio. dashboard. gas tank w/deluxe filler cap.


Monsta, You didn't by chance get seats with that to did you? I'm using five gallon buckets for now. :-(


Justin


https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=4920&.jpg http://66.179.41.42/gen1/build/realgeneral.jpg

2002 F-350 SC LB 4X4 6SPD PSD. 3.73 gears. 2.5" leviling kit. Rhino lined Bed. Prodigy trailer brake controler. 35x12.5x16.5 BFG A/T. 16.5x10 ultra wheels.

 

So about how many miles were on your trucks when you replaced the shocks?

 

I put mine on at 32,000 miles.

Factory shocks are typically good for 25,000 miles. If I were to do it over again I would put the new shocks on when I bought the truck.

Pete

99 350 V10 CC

 

I did mine with the lift.

I put bilstiens on. The last forever, and work the same while doing it.

I had a Grand Cherokee. I had both rancho 9000's and Bilstiens. The ranchos could be adjusted softer, but they sucked. You hita bump on one side and would rock back and forth way to much. The Bilstiens always felt controled. Off-road the Bilsteins got even better. You could fly if you wanted done fire roads It just soaked it all up.

I'll be using nothing but Bilsteins from now on.

Steve

99 SD, V10, EC, SB, LARIOT.
315-75-16 ProComp XTerrains M/T ClassicII 16x10
Fabtech 3.5 lift kit
More to come I'm sure.

 

I put the Rancho RS9000 adjustable shocks on my truck for one specific reason: carrying a very large slide-in camper. The factory shocks just don't dampen the sway caused by such a large, top heavy camper. The beauty of the RS9000 shock is that I can tune the dampening for my driving conditions. Unloaded I usually run 1 all the way around and the ride is softer than stock. When I load my camper, I set the rears at 5 and the fronts to 3. The ride is firm, but not harsh and the sway is dramatically reduced.

I've never tried Bilsteins, but I can't imagine they would do such a good job providing a smooth ride unloaded and yet dampen the sway from the camper. But I'm just guessing because I'm not going to buy a set just to experiment.

Harald

2000 F350 4x4 CC DRW V10 4.30ls Lariat LWB.
Firestone Ride-rite airbags, Rancho RS9000 shocks and Torklift Superhitch.
1998 Alpenlite Pendelton 11'10" camper held on by Torklift tie downs.
Remove I_HATE_SPAM_ from email address to email me.

 

>I put the Rancho RS9000 adjustable shocks on my truck for
>one specific reason: carrying a very large slide-in camper.
>The factory shocks just don't dampen the sway caused by such
>a large, top heavy camper. The beauty of the RS9000 shock
>is that I can tune the dampening for my driving conditions.
>Unloaded I usually run 1 all the way around and the ride is
>softer than stock. When I load my camper, I set the rears
>at 5 and the fronts to 3. The ride is firm, but not harsh
>and the sway is dramatically reduced.
>
>I've never tried Bilsteins, but I can't imagine they would
>do such a good job providing a smooth ride unloaded and yet
>dampen the sway from the camper. But I'm just guessing
>because I'm not going to buy a set just to experiment.
>
>Harald
>
>2000 F350 4x4 CC DRW V10 4.30ls Lariat LWB.
>Firestone Ride-rite airbags, Rancho RS9000 shocks and
>Torklift Superhitch.
>1998 Alpenlite Pendelton 11'10" camper held on by Torklift
>tie downs.
>Remove I_HATE_SPAM_ from email address to email me.


Ditto to what Harald says!!!

Nothing adjusts as much as the 9000's, at least at this point in time.

If you don't carry widely variable weights, you probably don't need them though. Anything beats the stockers. I have 4 stockers with 25 miles on them in my attic

 

Whats so bad about the stockers?

 

>Whats so bad about the stockers?

The stock shocks are equivalent to what Firestone are to tires

 

In the very heavy motorhome applications, Bilsteins work best for dampening, with or without a towed load. One reason is they are non-symetrically valved. I may have it backwards but I think the upstroke is a little softer and faster than the downstroke, greatly reducing sway.

A few of the motorhome people use Monroe because they are cheaper. Seems like 80% go with Bilsteins - many right from the factory. I plan to put them on my 13,000 lb Superduty soon.

-Jim
2001 E-450 Superduty Cutaway