1995 F150 4x4

Some people say my truck is lifted. I had 2wd F150 with a 6" lift kit parked beside me and we were the same height.

A see nothing that looks different in the front unless the spring is longer. In the back there is a black block between the spring and the axle but I don't know if that is normal. Also I do know that there is an extra spring installed at the back.

So....I need new shocks because they are shot. How do I know if stock is fine or if I need longer?

Also I want a smoother ride because I rarely do any offroading or hauling....Any (cheap) suggestions?


Thanks guys.

 

Go to Gorancho.com or superlift.com and they have a section on shocks with shock lengths. You might need to measure the shock from eye hole to eye hole before you talk to a customer representative.

 

When the shock is off the truck? or on the truck sitting flat?

 

you should make 2 measurements, with the shock off the truck. for full extension, measure what the distance is from top mount to bottom mount with the shock off, and truck jacked up by the bumper or frame till tire comes off the ground. check that full extension is at least that length.
for total compression of the shock, with the truck on the ground, measure the distance between the top and bottom mounts. then subtract the distance between the bump stop and the frame. the shock must be smaller than this number when totally compressed.

 

Yup, just follow tjc transport's instructions. The limiting factor will usually be the extended length of the shocks.

One note I want to make, while changing my rear end a little while ago, I noticed that the factory shocks were about 0.5" - 1" shorter ( ) than what would've been necessary for a full, unrestricted travel. Not much of an issue as long as the wheels stay on the ground, but if you have your rear axle off the grond often enough, it may cause problems.

 

I will measure these points. Thank you.
Are Rancho 5000 series any good for 95% road driving 5% offroad?

Does anyone here have a 4x4 similiar year (95)? I want to know if you have the metal block between the axle and the rear coils. That will tell me if it is stock of lifted 2".

Rancho site:

1" - 4" lift................RS5117 (front) and RS5112 (rear)
0" lift Stock setup.....RS5029 (front) and RS5116 (rear)

This is if I go from two shock per side setup down to one shock per side setup.
I am still not sure if that is okay as I don't understand the purpose of a two shock system with a 4.9L gas engine.

 

the blocks between the springs and axle should have the bump stops on them. if they do, they are stock.