Shock Replacement
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Shock Replacement
1997 F150 4X2 Extended Cab Lariet 39,000 Miles
I just replaced the rear shocks due to visual leaking. I went with the Monroe Reflex and am very happy with them. I asked the dealer if I should replace the fronts and he told me that unless the ride was real "spongy" or also leaking that I should not need to replace them. I am a believer in preventative maintenance and thought that I should just go ahead and replace them since they have the same amount of time and wear as the rear ones did. And the second part to my topic is how can you tell if either the front or rear springs are bad.
Thanks!
Jeff
I just replaced the rear shocks due to visual leaking. I went with the Monroe Reflex and am very happy with them. I asked the dealer if I should replace the fronts and he told me that unless the ride was real "spongy" or also leaking that I should not need to replace them. I am a believer in preventative maintenance and thought that I should just go ahead and replace them since they have the same amount of time and wear as the rear ones did. And the second part to my topic is how can you tell if either the front or rear springs are bad.
Thanks!
Jeff
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold USA
Shock Replacement
I tried those shocks and if you are doing town driving they are great, but highway or off road they are too soft. I have a 4x4 extended cab and even Monroe suggested to going to something a bit stiffer.
When I got them I took a trip on a bumpy highway and the truck wanted to wander all over the road. Where it use to take me only one hand to drive, it would take both hands and a constant vigualnce of the road conditions.
I went to a set of rancho 5000. They did a bit better.
When I got them I took a trip on a bumpy highway and the truck wanted to wander all over the road. Where it use to take me only one hand to drive, it would take both hands and a constant vigualnce of the road conditions.
I went to a set of rancho 5000. They did a bit better.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: minneapolis
Shock Replacement
99f150, while my truck was getting computer shifting problems fixed . i.e, spendsenor, on the lift there was leakage on my rear shocks,,, the ford shop noted it,, but did not repace it. i know this because on my 3000 oil check. when the truck was lifted grease was leaking big time. im calling ford center,, and request they put of the FX4's. they will, cuz i reply to all their surveys. so i think
New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Shock Replacement
I just replaced the original factory shocks (after 76,000 miles on those and the original Wrangler tires). Went with Monroe Reflex shocks also, as I'm after a comfortable highway ride (don't do much beyond normal use). So far, I am very pleased with the Monroe Reflex and would recommend them. The new tires were Michelin Cross Terrains - like them a lot too. They do very well on wet pavement.
New User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Shock Replacement
I just put new tires and shocks on my 97 4x4. After 48k, the stock Wrangler RTS tires still had plenty of tread, but the wet traction was downright dangerous. I went with Michelin LTX A/T's for the tires, Rancho RSX for the shocks. Rancho ran a "buy 3, get 1 free" (aka 25% off) deal through the end of June...bought the shocks from central4wd.com who offered free shipping, and of course, no sales tax, so I couldn't pass it up.
I'm happy with the results. Good road feel, combined with reasonable off-road capability.
I'm happy with the results. Good road feel, combined with reasonable off-road capability.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: laguna niguel usa
Shock Replacement
Best bet on shocks:
I have had 3 Ford trucks a 93 Ranger, 97 F-150 2x4 and my latest a 2000 F-150 4x4 and all of them great trucks but there is one thing that I always replace and that is the original Ford shocks because they are to soft don't last very long there are much better after market options out there. What most people want in truck shocks is a good comfortable ride on the street and a firm solid ride that keeps your tires on the ground and won't bounce you out of your seat when towing or driving off road or in wet slippery conditions. The best type of shock for this is a self adjusting gas shock. Want this gives you is a softer ride on the high way and a firmer ride when the going gets ruff or caring a heavy load. You will pay a bit more but will get the most out of your suspension and these shocks should last the life of the vehicle. Below are some good options with (at least in my opinion) best being first.
1. Bilstein 7100 Series
2. Edelbrock IAS Shock
3. Rancho RSX Shock
4. KYB Monomax Shock
I have had 3 Ford trucks a 93 Ranger, 97 F-150 2x4 and my latest a 2000 F-150 4x4 and all of them great trucks but there is one thing that I always replace and that is the original Ford shocks because they are to soft don't last very long there are much better after market options out there. What most people want in truck shocks is a good comfortable ride on the street and a firm solid ride that keeps your tires on the ground and won't bounce you out of your seat when towing or driving off road or in wet slippery conditions. The best type of shock for this is a self adjusting gas shock. Want this gives you is a softer ride on the high way and a firmer ride when the going gets ruff or caring a heavy load. You will pay a bit more but will get the most out of your suspension and these shocks should last the life of the vehicle. Below are some good options with (at least in my opinion) best being first.
1. Bilstein 7100 Series
2. Edelbrock IAS Shock
3. Rancho RSX Shock
4. KYB Monomax Shock
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Area
I just found this thread and appreciate the info. I would also like other opinions as I decide on replacements for my 2001 F150 Supercab 2WD w/ HD tow package, and Firestone auto level controlled air bags.
In the past I've used Bilstein and KYB, both of which were very good, but I'm intrigued by the Edelbrock claims. There's some indication that they may get soft. I know they have a lifetime guarantee, but I really don't want to have to change them. Maybe I should stay with what's worked.
Any other input?
In the past I've used Bilstein and KYB, both of which were very good, but I'm intrigued by the Edelbrock claims. There's some indication that they may get soft. I know they have a lifetime guarantee, but I really don't want to have to change them. Maybe I should stay with what's worked.
Any other input?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 3
From: South Kitsap County, WA
I went with the Monroe Reflex for the front, but to tell you the truth I see no change from the OEM Motorcraft shocks. The factories I could easily compress by hand but the Monroes were difficult, so I'd figure I'd have an improvement...
If I went with a stiffer shock I'd rattle my teeth out of my head with the 7700 package. I live on a very rough road and it takes it's toll on the truck, I have to figure a way to put zirk fittings into the existing sealed ball joints or replace them as the grease gets washed out.
I've heard many great things about Bilstien, but to have to shell out 3-4 times the money only to replace them every three years doesn't justify the cost to me. Maybe if I lived in a place with decent roads...
-Kerry
If I went with a stiffer shock I'd rattle my teeth out of my head with the 7700 package. I live on a very rough road and it takes it's toll on the truck, I have to figure a way to put zirk fittings into the existing sealed ball joints or replace them as the grease gets washed out.
I've heard many great things about Bilstien, but to have to shell out 3-4 times the money only to replace them every three years doesn't justify the cost to me. Maybe if I lived in a place with decent roads...
-Kerry
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Area
Well you wouldn't have to replace the Bilsteins (or at least you wouldn't have to pay for replacements) because they have a lifetime warranty. I got a free new one for my Grand Cherokee after 200,000 miles (weld broke off road)! The others are still good. But I do like the concept of the the Edelbrock IAS, and wonder if they work long term.
Maybe they're better now, but Monroes have never lasted for me.
Maybe they're better now, but Monroes have never lasted for me.
Last edited by MrBSS; Apr 1, 2004 at 08:51 PM.