Need new shocks, taking suggestions...
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,754
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis
Need new shocks, taking suggestions...
My truck has 160,000 miles, and if you rub the dirt of the shocks, you can read "FoMoCo" so I'm guessing they're the original ones (I'm 3rd owner). I would love to throw some Bilsteins on it, but on ebay it's around $275 or better to get a set shipped. I also saw a set of KYB monomax's for about $175 shipped, and Monroe's for around $110 shipped. Are different shocks really that much better than others? I had Bilsteins on my last truck (97 F-150 w/ 6" lift) and liked them, but then again, it wasn't like I felt like I was floating on air. I want something dependable that'll take some of the shake out of closely space concrete pads on the highway. Thanks for any advice!!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
I tried switching out the oem ranchos on my F350 dually with rancho 9000s, and they weren't much better. In fact, I put the stock ones back after about 2 months. the stokers actually rode better. With a dually set-up, the springs are heavier so you really feel the bumps no matter what.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
IMHO...go with the stock black OEM shocks...not the Rancho FX4. If you want a smoother ride.
However, I am a Bilstein shock owner on my '03 SD...and love them. They put the truck in better contact with the road...and give way better control than my FX4 Rancho's ever did.
Are they smooth??? Yes and No.
The No...on the concrete laid I-40 here in ABQ, but then I enjoy a truck feel...and it is a FORD. They just ride rough no matter what in OEM spring form.
The Yes...On the black pavement...super smooth!
Good luck...
biz
However, I am a Bilstein shock owner on my '03 SD...and love them. They put the truck in better contact with the road...and give way better control than my FX4 Rancho's ever did.
Are they smooth??? Yes and No.
The No...on the concrete laid I-40 here in ABQ, but then I enjoy a truck feel...and it is a FORD. They just ride rough no matter what in OEM spring form.
The Yes...On the black pavement...super smooth!
Good luck...
biz
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,754
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis
Oh believe me, I'll take a truck ride any day over a Cadillac! I was just looking for a good replacement for these overly worn out shock I currently have. Is there much of a difference between $80 worth of shocks and $250 worth of shock?? I never really felt a difference...
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 95
Likes: 1
From: Cedar Park, Texas
I know these airbags just assist with the load in the rear. But unloaded, you can air them up a little bit until you get the ride you are looking for in addition to the new shocks. I think you should go with Blistens and get air bags. It could help with the ride that you had issues with the Blistens? I can not say from experience that it would be so...I plan to do that with my 2004 Ford F-250. There is another option you can consider. There is an air suspension system that replaces the spring leaf in the rear by Airlift. I think it is called "RoadTamer" . Check it out by going to www.airliftcompany.com/ROADTAMER/media.HTM
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 1
From: Middleburg, FL
IMO, you get what you pay for when it comes to shocks. I put bilsteins on my 2000 truck and the difference was like night and day. I haven't put them on my 2006 yet but they're on the project list.
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,754
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis
I think I will go with the Bilsteins. They are the most expensive fro a reason. I also had airbags on my 97 F-150. My father in law had them for his Suburban, but it got stolen before he installed them, and I got them. I drove cross country towing a Explorer on a flipping U-Haul trailer, and we all know how they suck- no balance at all. The bags helped A LOT, and I still kept them air up about 20%, as if I had them up to 100% (100 psi) the rear end would get airborn on the NYC highways LOL. Not much fun when you bounce into the lane next to you! However I don't see that being a problem with a 8,000 lb truck. Now I just gotta justify the cost to the wife...wish me luck
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
The shocks you want depends on the use you intend to do. If your carrying heavy loads often...suck as a truck camper. Rancho 9000s...they are adjustable. If you don't carry much load the Rancho 6000 or Bilstein's are both good. If you don't like (this is a general statement not intended to anyone on this thread) the ride of a truck buy a car. YOUR not a truck person. It is my pet peave...people who want a one ton dually,,,and need a one ton dually to carry their 5000# camper...or 10 ton 5th wheel...but they just can't stand the ride.....RENT A MOTEL ROOM....JUST MY BUCK TWO NINETY EIGHT. 
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB.
3 of the 4 Rancho shocks were gone on my FX4 at 70K kilos. If you want to save a few bucks give the Procomp ES9000's a try. 2/3 the price of the Bilsteins and the ride is about the same. Lifetime warranty as well. I've been quite impressed with them. 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Toreador_Diesel
Ford Truck Parts for Sale
1
Feb 2, 2016 02:22 PM
Minaw
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
11
Sep 30, 2003 08:20 AM