Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

Frozen Shocks?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 01:08 PM
  #1  
loudford's Avatar
loudford
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Wakefield
Frozen Shocks?

Hi all,

just wanted to get your opinion on my shocks, so I have original shocks on my f250 5.4L with 55K the front end suspension is supposedly heavy duty (maybe plow prep package but no plow). Waiting for my build sheet to come in and check that part out but my ride is really very stiff. Wouldn't the shocks get weaker over time? I figure it's getting time to replace them but not sure if I really need to.

Thanks for any opinions.

Lou
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 01:12 PM
  #2  
DCSpecial's Avatar
DCSpecial
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
Yes, if the shocks are bad they offer less dampening ability, more bouncing, etc..
If it was leaking that would be easily visible and you'd know they were bad.

If you want to check you could always pull one off and see if it still requires a good amount of force to compress. But, some people have trouble getting them on by hand after that
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 01:41 PM
  #3  
loudford's Avatar
loudford
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Wakefield
Thanks for the quick reply,

I guess I could pull one off to check, I just find it strange that alot of owners say the originals are junk and need them replaced w/in 15-30K and here I'm at 55K and they seem stiff as a board.

Did they have a different setup/shock for the plow prep package than the normal setup?
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 01:47 PM
  #4  
redford's Avatar
redford
FTE Leadership Emeritus
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,679
From: Stephensville WI
Club FTE Gold Member
Careful. I had an old Dodge that was acting funny. When I would go over speed bumps the drivers side rear would be OK but the passenger side felt like the axle was bolted to the frame.

I crawled under the rig and unbolted the bottom mount on the passenger side shock, as it came free it started extending like it was an airplane landing gear. My natural instinct was to grab the shock and try to stop it, so as I was laying on my back I grabbed the shock and lifted it.

That brilliant stunt screwed by back up for about 2 weeks.
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 07:12 PM
  #5  
rwilimo's Avatar
rwilimo
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 5
From: NJ
Originally Posted by loudford
Wouldn't the shocks get weaker over time? I figure it's getting time to replace them but not sure if I really need to.

Thanks for any opinions.

Lou
I thought that same thing. I have an 04cc plow prep with the oem Rancho's. I just replaced them at about 40,000 miles with Bilsteins and the ride is actually softer than before. I also don't get the truck wants to jump off the road feel when hitting large bumps at higher speeds. Even my wife who doesn't notice anything commented that the ride felt better without me telling her I changed the shocks.

Don't get me wrong it still rides like a truck, not a Lincoln but I feel it is worthwhile.
 
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2008 | 08:37 PM
  #6  
pbeering's Avatar
pbeering
More Turbo
15 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 561
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis, IN
Chances are very good that a set of Bilsteins would improve your ride. The plow prep package provides stiffer springs which will stiffin the ride. Tire type and pressure can also affect ride.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:26 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE