How long do the OEM shocks last on average on these trucks? I'm hearing a bit of a clunk from the driver's side rear wheel when I hit a slightly sharp edged bump. The truck is an '05 with about 38K on it. Any suggestions for a good replacement?

Schmitty

 

Most folks get Bilsteins or Ranchos.

 

I went with Bilsteins but Ranchos are another option. I replaced my 05's at 60K and have been very happy with them.

 

I put new shocks on my '05 at 112,000. Replaced them with OEM's looking for another 100K before I do it again.

RoyC

 

I tow a 9000# TT that puts 1100-1200#'s of tongue weight on the rear of the Ex. Couple that with my family and the 'stuff' we haul in the Ex...My Ex scales at 9050#'s when I haul my fresh tank full (hardly ever actually) (but when I do I am about 150#'s more than GVWR...BUT about 150#'s LESS than a PSD GVWR which I share everything with i.e. brakes, wheels, tires, axles, etc...EXCEPT spring set so I have no problem with it)

My point is that I had 34K miles on my '05 when I decided to swap out shocks. I went with Bilsteins from http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index....e=model&type=T he is an FTE site sponsor. Enter code ford-trucks at checkout and you will get a 5% discount.

After installing my shocks...OMG...what a difference in towing. Previously with my OEM shocks with 34K miles on a country road towing to a local state park...hitting bumps/dips in the road would result in 2-3 BOUNCES before it would dampen out. With the Bilsteins on that SAME road...I get ONE bounce and it is done...what a difference. A much improved ride INSIDE the cabin for all when towing. My wife is prone to car sickness...with these shocks while towing...she sleeps like a baby.

So even with ONLY 34K miles on my OEMs with only ~15K of those towing since I bought the truck with 15K on the clock...the shocks were either too soft for towing or had worn out.

The Rancho 9000XLs are another popular option on here. They offer a manually adjustable **** to select from firm to soft. I've found those to be more expensive than the Bilsteins however. On Shockwarehouse.com you can get a 4wd set of 4 as follows shipped to your door after the 5% discount is taken off:

Bilsteins $273
Rancho 9000X $437

I know other members have found killer deals on Rancho 9000X and 9000XLs but when I was looking I couldn't find any. Plus my Ex is primarily a tow vehicle...I didn't see myself adjusting for a softer ride much...many of the others use their Ex's as a daily driver...and I could see wanting a softer ride...the Ranchos in that case may make financial sense...for me...they didn't.

So all I can offer is that in my case...towing my TT...I would say my OEM's were worn out after about 34K miles with 15K miles of towing in there.

Good luck,
Joe.