Shock Recommendation
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Holmen WI
Shock Recommendation
I am looking at getting new shocks for my truck, and am looking for opinions/recommendations on types and brands.
My truck is a 04 Screw FX4. I am looking for a smooth non jarring ride. The only offroading I do is into the woods during hunting, and ocassionally hauling wood (not very often). 99% of the drive is on the road. I do tow a bit (pop up camper, 2-4 place snowmobile trailer)
So lets here what you reccomend.
Thanks
Jon
My truck is a 04 Screw FX4. I am looking for a smooth non jarring ride. The only offroading I do is into the woods during hunting, and ocassionally hauling wood (not very often). 99% of the drive is on the road. I do tow a bit (pop up camper, 2-4 place snowmobile trailer)
So lets here what you reccomend.
Thanks
Jon
New User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
I just got some new Bilstein shocks a few months ago after my stock shocks were almost completely shot. The ride improved greatly, I couldn't feel half the little bumps in the road that I used to. They're great. I'd highly recommend them, and they have a lifetime warranty.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I replaced my stock shocks and struts with the Rancho RSX9000XL's. They have a 9 way adjustment for those times you do go offroad. I set mine for how I like it to ride on the street and I never adjust them unless I go off road. The ride is great and a couple times a year they do a buy 3 get one free deal.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
bilstiens are the best they tune each shock to your truck. the shocks arent universal like rancho and all those other brands they are made for your truck and your truck only by far the best shocks ever
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
I've had the best luck with Tokico shocks (and struts). Bilstein tends to valve their shocks too stiff in my experience, maybe ideal on a BMW with low profile tires but hardly what I want in a truck. I've also been unimpressed with Edelbrock IAS shocks.
Don't waste your money on shocks hoping for a better ride if your stock ones aren't worn out, because they won't provide it. The vehicles ride and handing quality is determined much more by spring rates, spring location, sway bar diameter and bushing quality than the brand name of the dampeners. The stock shocks are actually excellent pieces if the rest the suspension is still stock.
Don't waste your money on shocks hoping for a better ride if your stock ones aren't worn out, because they won't provide it. The vehicles ride and handing quality is determined much more by spring rates, spring location, sway bar diameter and bushing quality than the brand name of the dampeners. The stock shocks are actually excellent pieces if the rest the suspension is still stock.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Stock shocks need to be replaced around 30K miles.
They are completely shot by 50K.
In your situation, I would seriously consider the bilstien shocks with adjustable lift ( 0-2"). I would put them at
1.5"-2" of lift and get an alignment.
These trucks look great when leveled, and you would get a lift and new shocks at the same time(2 birds one stone).
IF not Bilstiens, then Ranchos.
I have 9000s and they work great, and I like them when I tow also.
They are completely shot by 50K.
In your situation, I would seriously consider the bilstien shocks with adjustable lift ( 0-2"). I would put them at
1.5"-2" of lift and get an alignment.
These trucks look great when leveled, and you would get a lift and new shocks at the same time(2 birds one stone).
IF not Bilstiens, then Ranchos.
I have 9000s and they work great, and I like them when I tow also.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Loveland, CO
Originally Posted by MBBFord
Stock shocks need to be replaced around 30K miles.
They are completely shot by 50K.
In your situation, I would seriously consider the bilstien shocks with adjustable lift ( 0-2"). I would put them at
1.5"-2" of lift and get an alignment.
These trucks look great when leveled, and you would get a lift and new shocks at the same time(2 birds one stone).
IF not Bilstiens, then Ranchos.
I have 9000s and they work great, and I like them when I tow also.
They are completely shot by 50K.
In your situation, I would seriously consider the bilstien shocks with adjustable lift ( 0-2"). I would put them at
1.5"-2" of lift and get an alignment.
These trucks look great when leveled, and you would get a lift and new shocks at the same time(2 birds one stone).
IF not Bilstiens, then Ranchos.
I have 9000s and they work great, and I like them when I tow also.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 662
Likes: 2
From: CO
Wait... we just went over this a couple weeks ago, dint we?
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...es-struts.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...es-struts.html
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by F0rdzTuff
If you use the shock to lift the truck, then aren't you "stretching the springs"? That doesn't sound right...in the long run at least.
To answer your question: NO
Obviously you don't know how the shocks work, or a leveling kit.
Please research before posting.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Not all bilsteins have the adjustment.
You have to order them specificly, not just the regular Bilsteins.
The bottom of the shock extendeds 0,1", and 2"s giveing the lift, so no stretching the spring.
You have to order them specificly, not just the regular Bilsteins.
The bottom of the shock extendeds 0,1", and 2"s giveing the lift, so no stretching the spring.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Loveland, CO
Originally Posted by MBBFord
To answer your question: NO
Obviously you don't know how the shocks work, or a leveling kit.
Please research before posting.
Obviously you don't know how the shocks work, or a leveling kit.
Please research before posting.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Loveland, CO
Originally Posted by MBBFord
Not all bilsteins have the adjustment.
You have to order them specificly, not just the regular Bilsteins.
The bottom of the shock extendeds 0,1", and 2"s giveing the lift, so no stretching the spring.
You have to order them specificly, not just the regular Bilsteins.
The bottom of the shock extendeds 0,1", and 2"s giveing the lift, so no stretching the spring.
Feel free to be an *** again if you'd like. I'll just reply in the same fashion, which isn't good for the rest of the people trying to read this forum. However, I'm a retired Infantryman, so I'm a little hard-headed from time to time...
