Are the factory shocks any good on the F-150's, or can I do better with aftermarket? I know it used to be that the manufacturers didnt put much on for shocks and everybody changed them. Dont want to spend a ton of money, but is it worth doing?

 

Well I wasnt a big fan of the stockers on my FX4, so I did change them out. I had a pair of Bilsteins on my 04 FX4, and now have a set of Monroe Reflex (I think) on my 06 FX4. Ford buys these shocks on price, and not necessarily quality. Sad but true (and they arent alone).

 

Whether it's worth doing is entirely subjective. If your driving makes the suspension really work and you can appreciate good handling, then I'd guess you would think it's worth switching. If you tend to putt-putt around town, then I'm also guessing you would have a hard time telling the difference between the stockers and some nice aftermarkets until they're flat worn out.

 

WheelMA1, do you like the Monroes better then the Bilsteins? The Bilsteins I just put on my 07 aren't much firmer then the factory shocks.

 

I do. I had the Bilsteins on my 04 FX4 Scab, and they worked great. When I got rid of that, and got my new 06 FX4 Screw.... they didn't work as well (and are currently sitting in the FTE classifieds as a result). The Monroes I put on are a less aggressive valving than the Bilsteins and stockers... and I like them quite a bit. I think the wheelbase and weight differences made up for why I liked one over the other.

 

So on these newer trucks the Relfex's are giving a softer ride? They sure offered a firm ride on my 03. Personally, I prefer that sort of ride and I'm finding the Bilstein's aren't giving me that. Thanks

 

Well I think wheelbase/cab config comes into play, as noted in my previous post. I can't explain the shock differences between the two trucks, any other way.

 

You are probably right wheelbase/cab config makes a difference, I've had both Monroe and Bilstein and in general...

Monroe = soft/bouncy ride
Bilstein = stiff/firm ride

So it depends on preference I guess.

 

Does anyone have the Rancho adjustable, 9000 series, I think. Dont want the lumbertruck ride, but dont want to bounce up and down the road either. Maybe a guy could fine tune a little with these? I know that you get what you pay for, but I wouldnt be happy buying Bil's, and then not liking them.