I have a 1997 f-150 with the off-road package. I know the off-road package comes with "heavy duty" shocks and was wondering if these shocks are a standard "stock" shock height for all of Ford's 1997 4x4's.

I need my shocks replaced and a lot of places I look just want to know if it's a 4x4 or not (but I don't know if the off-road package changed any stock shock dimensions).

I am also able to buy Tokico Trek Master shocks from someone very cheap and was wondering if they are beefy enough to handle towing, hauling and mild off-roading (stock shocks never gave me a problem, but then again I have never tried aftermarkets).

Any help or comments would be appreciated.

 

I had a 1983 Ranger, and every time I wanted anything for it the guy at the parts counter asked if it was a 4x4. It was a 2.3L, does it have a different carb gasket if it is 4x4? In my opinion, most parts guys are little more than warehouse goons with limited computer skills.

Your best bet is to go to the Wrenchead (or similar) website and scribble down part numbers from different vehicles. You may be shocked (no pun intended) to discover how FEW unique parts there are in your vehicle. Then you can go anywhere and tell the guys exactly what you want and tear a strip off of them when they screw up your order.

BTW, according to what I can find, the answer is yes, all 4x4 F150 shock heights (lengths) are the same for 1997.

Also check out http://www.tokicogasshocks.com/truck/trekmaster.html for info on your other question.

Hope that helps!
/Kris

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Aug-02 AT 04:17 PM (EST)]First of all the shock height should be the same whether you have an off road package or not. What may be different (usually on the rear axle) is the diameter and or length of the metal sleeve inside the bushings that holds the mounting bolts. Many manufacturers like "Rancho" provide you with a verity of bolts and sleeves and you just choose the one that fits.
What is more important is the type of shocks you buy there are 3 basic types. The first and least expensive is a fixed pressure gas shock similar to the stock shocks the stiffness is always the same, second, and priced in the middle, is a self adjusting gas shock that gives you a softer ride on the street and a firmer ride while towing or driving off road, third, and most expensive is a manfully adjustable gas shock that lets you adjust with a dial on the shock the stiffness. The best thing for most truck owners that don't do any extreme off roading or heave towing is the second option the self adjusting gas shocks, listed below are some good models priced between $45-$75 dollars per shock.

1. Rancho RXS - http://wwww.gorancho.com
2. Bilstein 7100 - http://www.bilstein.com
3. Edelbrock IAS - http://www.edelbrock.com
4. KYB MonoMax - http://www.kyb.com