FX4 question?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,943
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Are the 5000 series decent shocks? Understand this is coming from a guy who has 2k worth of shocks on his Super Duty but I want to put a cheap shock on my Jeep (that's right, I said Jeep)to get me through the next year until I do coilovers.
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7
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From: Nebraska
RS5000's are built with the same components and as the OE Motorcraft, OE Rancho's and other Monroe built 35 mm Shocks. They are certainly a fine choice for your jeep.
Motorcraft is just a name Ford stamps on parts they buy from suppliers...Ford makes very few of its own component parts. And they switch suppliers every few years to keep us all on our toes, and keep prices competitive, its all a big game.
(PS the Monroe plant in Cozad NE also makes all the Skyjackers, Explorer Pro Comps, Dick Cepeks, AFCO's and a whole host of other "name brand" shocks). The only difference between some of these choices and an OE shock or a Rancho is that all OE and Rancho shocks have DU bearings in the Rod Guides and either a teflon or fluon banded piston. Some of the cheaper aftermarket shocks we make for other manufacturers don't have a DU in the rod guide and or no band on the piston (which means metal to metal wear)
Hope that helps
Motorcraft is just a name Ford stamps on parts they buy from suppliers...Ford makes very few of its own component parts. And they switch suppliers every few years to keep us all on our toes, and keep prices competitive, its all a big game.
(PS the Monroe plant in Cozad NE also makes all the Skyjackers, Explorer Pro Comps, Dick Cepeks, AFCO's and a whole host of other "name brand" shocks). The only difference between some of these choices and an OE shock or a Rancho is that all OE and Rancho shocks have DU bearings in the Rod Guides and either a teflon or fluon banded piston. Some of the cheaper aftermarket shocks we make for other manufacturers don't have a DU in the rod guide and or no band on the piston (which means metal to metal wear)
Hope that helps
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Antioch,CA
Ans I was about to order 4 Bilstein's for my 2004 FX4. Who makes Bilstein? Everybody on this Forum raves about them. I was trying to get rid of the bounce on my F350 4x4 CC SRW FX4.
Any sugestions MonroeENGR ???
Any sugestions MonroeENGR ???
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 132
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From: Castle Rock, Co
I have the FX4 package on my 03 CC and replaced the ranchos with bilsteins (BE5) right away on the basis of what I read on this site and because the red cover on the stock shocks squeaked all the time. When I had both shocks on the garage floor and tested them against each other I found that the bilsteins had and more resistance in both directions. Not much difference in the ride, but I don't load my truck heavily very often. The stock Ford shocks on my buddies 01 SC were pretty bouncy at 50K so we put bilsteins on his too and yeah you could tell the difference. I also took the FX4 stickers off so all I have left from the FX4 package are the skid plates and steering damper. The FX4 package was $192 and the skid plate package was $85 (cost not MSRP) so you would have over a $100 to put your own steering damper on and start saving for new shocks but you wouldn't have the super cool decal. BTW, Thanks MonroeENGR for the inside scoop.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
When I ordered my 2004 F250 PSD SD SC 4X4 I did not get the FX4 Off-Road package because I DID NOT want that Gaudy (not way cool) decal. I ordered the 2 skid plates separately. I thought I would not get any decal but the 4X4 decal was there. I may take that decal off. The OEM shocks are good enough for me and 70%+ of my driving is on rough dirt roads that often require 4X4. I am interested in the performance of Bilsteins vs. Rancho shocks when it is time to replace the OEMs.
Thanks MonroeENGR for the inside info.
Thanks MonroeENGR for the inside info.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Upper Saddle River, NJ
Originally Posted by twoballsleft
You got to be kiddine me! I did the same thing...skid's only. You mean to tell me that goofy decal is gonna be on my truck when I pick it up next week?
And you won't get it if you ordered a 4X2.
Sorry, couldn't help myself.
Bill
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
I went to the ford site, and built my own online. You eventually come to a page, where you get to pick extra options. The FX4 pkg is listed there. If you click on the extra info link, it brings up a window which describes the pkg. It says it comes with COLORED(LOL) shocks, and makes no mention of rancho shocks. Thought that was odd. Incidentally I picked up my new 04 SC/SB/PSD/LARIAT today, and it has the FX4 pkg. It has the COLORED(LOL) shocks, and they do say rancho, but as previously posted, they are not true ranchos. I didnt want the FX4 pkg, but they had limited supply. I would have preferred to get the skid plates extra. OH WELL, I love my new PSD none the less!!!!!!
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