I plan on replacing the OEM shocks on My '02 F-350 PSD. I'm considering Rancho RSX,or Trailmaster SSV. Which one of these is a better shock? They both run about $50. Or,should I save up for a set of Bilsteins?

 

I like the ranchos because I have the rs5000s and my friend has the Trailmasters and even he says my truck rides better.

 

My truck rides rather bouncy, though about a half cord of wood in the back smooths it right out. I can't be carrying wood all the time, though, would changing the shocks be worth trying? Or is am I looking at putting in a different suspension? Or is it just the nature of the beast?

 

Diesel-Lady:

The guys on this forum will get after me big-time for having done this - and all of the "engineers" here will say that I have completely and utterly destroyed the integrity of my truck, and they will quote script, specs, and verse of how HORRIBLE this is - but, I did it ANYWAY....and I would not go back now even if they paid me.

My "little" F250 was riding so rough that I could hardly STAND the teeth-jarring experience. Even when I put the heavy travel trailer on there, and loaded everything really well, it did not matter. (Most trucks would have smoothed out a little - Not THIS puppy!!)

I took out the (one) leaf spring just above the over-load leaf, and added AirBags (5,000# rating) to it.

YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE THE DIFFERENCE!!!! AND, I can even "level-up" to a load nicely. I had the in-cab guage put in so the compressor to the air bags are on the truck - and you don't have to "go" somewhere else to air-up, or have a hefty compressor. You can adjust going down the road - or whatever.

Naysers can say what they may - but, I will NEVER go back to OEM springs in the rear. Nadda, never.

My $.02 worth.

(I know you were asking about shocks - I asked and asked, until I decided on this pricey solution. It is pricey! - Otherwise, I have heard great things about Bilisteins.)

 

I'm interested in whatever works, not just shocks. When you say 'pricey solution', how much in $$$? I've read other posts in the forum where folks made major changes to the suspension to smooth it out, and that sounds expensive. It's not so bad that I want to throw a lot of money into it. My old '78 F250 (straight 300 CU six, back when we used good honest cubic inches, by gosh) was so light and bouncy in the rear I put a heavy steel plate in the bed to hold it down.

A bigger priority is replacing or modifying the driver's seat- the previous owner mashed the life out of it, it's like sitting in a crater!

 

If I remember correctly - installed, w/guage was around $600. I had them re-arch the leaf springs at the time - and that was a little more. But, the AirBag(s) were $600. If you have a good "mechanic buddy" who has done his own, he could probably get you a good deal.

(Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Was out running around trying to sort out the battery problem I have.)