Hello everyone,

First question, I have a 2003 F150 4x4 Sport with the normal power non heated mirrors and saw some really nice aftermarket replacement mirrors (the whole thing) on ebay with the built in turn signal (not in the glass but on the outside) and wondered if the plug in is already there for me to put these on or would I need professional help or a new wiring kit?

Second question, I see a lot of postings about replacement shocks and I'm thinking about getting some new ones to make the ride smoother. I do not haul, tow or go off road (sounds like I really don't need a truck... ) but I have heard good things about the Bilstein HD shocks and wanted to know if these are the best bet to make the ride smoother and not so bouncy. Thanks much all.

 

Bilstein IMO is the best, only problem is...if you want the best, you gotta pay for the best : ).

Later

 

Bilstein is a god brand and would be my first choice, but if your looking for a cheap replacement with good ride quality maybe you should look into Monroe as a brand to consider. Just stay way from Rancho and Procomp.
-Chris

 

Thanks much guys! I have found some pretty good prices on ebay, around $239 for all 4 with free shipping. Only thing is I'll have to find a place to put them on as I'm no mechanic. Not sure if a place like Midas or Meineke will let you bring your own shocks in and just charge labor?

 

Its not to bad of a job to install a set, just find a local mom and pop shop you can trust
which shocks did you get...

 

why avoid Rancho?
you're the first I've heard to say that...and BTW Monroe = Rancho

http://www.tenneco.com/brands/index.html

 

Ranchos are valved stiffer for offroad use...Monroes are valved softer...hence from the needs he stated (mostly on road no towing driving) Monroes (specifically the Sense a tracs) would be a good cheap solution...

Ranchos would give him a horribly stiff ride. They are ok for light offroad use but not heavy so they fail when people use them in the wrong applications.....like in the other thread about shocks that was up here recently...he did some heavier offroading and hence once again avoid Ranchos.....

I have had Ranchos and Procomps and like I said they are fine for light offroad...but when ya start getting into it heavier...then there are better brands.
Basically it boils down to the right shock for the right job.
-Chris
Edit:
For serious off roading like pre running even better brands are out there such as King....Racerunner and Swayaway. These shocks have a fine tuning ability to them that you cant get with most shocks...you can re valve them and adjust dampening and rebound as well with a little bit of knowledge.

PS. I know theyre put out by the same company but they are still sperate products....in this case it has nothing to do with quality but everything to do with the desired performance.

 

thanks for the clarification....

day late, dollar short, but I bought the RSX's for my F150 that sees no towing and little offroad....and it's a Lariat....bet I'm in for a harsh ride.

 

The procomps E3000 give me a harsher ride on the streets, But felt good today while off roading, very good...hummm..

 

Exactly,
You will see a harsh ride on pavement with off road shocks and a better one off road....but were you doing mostly trail rides or were you pounding it through 2 foot deep whoops in the desert? Like in the pic below?Thats where the Kings and Racerunners come into play...

BTW sorry for the thread being
-Chris

 

I just installed the Rancho RS5000's on my 01. They ride just a little stiffer than stock, but not a harsh ride by any means.

 

But those are valved differently than the RSX's which would make a difference as well as road surface, tires ect ect....generally though...for a good off road ride you sacrifice your on road ride and visa versa... its simply a matter of funtionality like I stated previously.
-Chris

 

This is true. The stockers were gas charged to extend like most gas shocks do, the RS5000's are gas charged, but do not automatically extend. There were a pita to extend out by hand. Very stiff.

 

Yea I tried to get the rancho rs 5000 for the 2" suspension lift and theres start at stock, to 0"-4" I called them direct after talking to samsoffroad..and my tires are the 8ply hummer tires so I know some of my street ride is contributed to that, I;ll drop some air pressure and see if it helps..I was impressed with the way the truck felt hitting fields with big terraces and dips, and mudd, truck felt good...it was fun..which I did,nt get all crazy with it.73f350c do you know of a good all around street and light off road shock thats 2" longer..I have a bilsten shop or distributer close to the house, I;ll check to see what they offer...

 

Yeah,
I'd start there and see what they have to say....they know the product better than anyone else afterall haha. When I get around to putting new A arms on my 04 Im most likely going to run Bilstein.
-Chris