need new shocks?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
need new shocks?
i believe i need new shocks...from reading on here it seems i should to go with bilsteins but i really don't know what to look for...i own a 01 7.3 so my question is pretty straight forward...what shocks...and why...i'm quite new to the diesel area and am no mechanic by any form...i don't want to make any mistakes and would love the help...thanks a lot<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
I ordered mine from eshocks and they arrived 3 days later. Got the Bilstein 5100's and I'm perfectly happy with them. They're very easy to install, just have to remember that they mount upside down compared to other shocks, but when you compare the mounts it's really hard to screw up.
A tip: when I got mine, they came compressed with a plastic strap holding it. I bolted the top of the shock up on the mount, then cut the plastic strap and guided the mount as the shock extended. Makes for a much easier installation without having to try and compress the shock.
A tip: when I got mine, they came compressed with a plastic strap holding it. I bolted the top of the shock up on the mount, then cut the plastic strap and guided the mount as the shock extended. Makes for a much easier installation without having to try and compress the shock.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Ridgecrest, CA
I would check out your shocks before buying new ones, unless that's what you want to do regardless. Remember, your basic shock's only job is to control the spring rates on your vehicle (let's not discuss air shocks). The obvious check is for fluid leaking from the shaft/valve body junction, if there's residue there then it's on it's way out. If it's clean, you can remove the shock and check it out. If it's a pressurized shock, the shaft should extend out by itself. Then you can try to compress and then pull (rebound) to see the relative firmness. Shocks are usually "valved" to move freely with slow easy motion and really firm up on hard spike motions. Only a shock testing machine can give you an accurate idea of it's condition. If you want to change the ride quality of the truck then I'm not sure how much you'll gain with a change of shocks due to the stiff springs on the truck. Sounds like everyone likes the Bilsteens (maybe just not the price of them).
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Port Murray, NJ
I just put the Monroe Reflex shocks on my 99 F-350, 4x4, CC and love them. I had bilsteins in the past. Great shock but kinda on the stiff side. I bought the Reflex because they were also monotube shocks as are the bilsteins. The ride from the Reflex shocks is much better. Nice and smooth. Kinda plush actually. I bought the truck used and it had the Monroe Magnums on it. Rough ride from those. If you want to save some money go with the Reflex. Great ride in my opinion. Also about $100 cheaper than the Bilsteins. Bought them at shockwarehouse.com
Also bought the Monroe steering stabilizer too. Better stabilizer than stock.
Also bought the Monroe steering stabilizer too. Better stabilizer than stock.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
I too chose the reflex by Monroe. Great shock at half the price of the Bilsteins. If you have factory shocks with more than 50K on them they are shot. Two of mine at 50K would not even open when laid on the ground. I have read to much about the Bilsteins being to stiff and my last truck had the Ranchos that were way to stiff and I din't want to go that route again. Plus the reflex is lifetime warranty so what do you have to loose???
