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

i think i need shocks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 9, 2009 | 08:54 PM
  #1  
tilelayher's Avatar
tilelayher
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
i think i need shocks

I have an 02 F250 SD, ever since i started plowing this winter i noticed after i took the blade off the truck rides like a horse, So i figured its time for shocks, i called Ford they want 180 a piece for the front shocks i dont know if i need to do the rear ones, should i got OEM or aftermarket does it matter? I'll do em myself its an easy job. Trucks got 70k on it am i jumping the gun or is it due? I was told the truck will ride even worse for a couple k miles before the new shocks set in, is this true? Also anyone recommend some good shocks that will help the truck ride better or is that a lost cause?
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2009 | 10:35 PM
  #2  
mommadiesel's Avatar
mommadiesel
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Alberta
Bilstein Shocks, Edelbrock Shocks and more: eShocks.com

get the bilsteins, you'll be glad you did.
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2009 | 10:46 PM
  #3  
Chaosracing's Avatar
Chaosracing
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
Everyone told me to get the Bilsteins...I have to wait for refund check to get mine and a leveling kit.
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2009 | 11:15 PM
  #4  
Steve_250's Avatar
Steve_250
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 0
From: Near DC
I bought the Bielsteins 3 years ago and still love 'em!
 
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2009 | 11:54 PM
  #5  
Fordfanatic4life's Avatar
Fordfanatic4life
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 6
From: Richmond BC
dont get the OEM shocks... they are junk...

whateva aftermarket units u buy will be upgrades over stock...
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 12:26 AM
  #6  
shore's Avatar
shore
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Deforest
I put 8000 miles on a set of KYB factory replacement shocks, and one of them is leaking fluid out of the top already. Im going to replace them with Rancho's or something like that.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 03:57 PM
  #7  
tilelayher's Avatar
tilelayher
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
My only question is I think i am looking at the Bilstein BST's will they raise the truck up at all? I currently park under a carport at my townhouse and it just fits am i doomed if i replace? Also to change you just jack the truck up by the frame to fully extend the shocks.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 04:50 PM
  #8  
Steve_250's Avatar
Steve_250
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 0
From: Near DC
I don't recall mine "standing taller" after I put 'em on.
I didn't use a jack, just leave the straps on until you are ready to install and then pop the strap. As it extends, line it up and pop it on. You can move them by hand if you need to.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-6

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 08:12 PM
  #9  
capn kirk's Avatar
capn kirk
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 1
shocks have no effect on ride height
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 08:21 PM
  #10  
Headviking's Avatar
Headviking
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, Ontario
Club FTE Silver Member

Bilstein Shocks all the way I paied $65.00usd at eshocks. Took about two weeks to get them here to Canada. But they are worth the money and wait.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 08:24 PM
  #11  
Fordfanatic4life's Avatar
Fordfanatic4life
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 6
From: Richmond BC
yea even gas-charged shocks wont raise ur vehicle at all...
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2009 | 08:36 PM
  #12  
tilelayher's Avatar
tilelayher
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Then why do the Bilsten 5100 shocks on ebay say they provide a 2-4" lift if you buy em on there? And at 70 k is my truck due? its riding hard and im tight for cash so im trying to weigh my options.
 
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2009 | 01:48 PM
  #13  
Beerstalker's Avatar
Beerstalker
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
I think they are mislabeled. They are probably meant for a truck with a 2-4" lift already installed. I believe the HD series are for stock trucks.
 
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2009 | 02:26 PM
  #14  
JIM_C's Avatar
JIM_C
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: Tucker, GA
Another vote for Bilsteins. Shocks don't affect ride height. And yes, after 70k your stockers are long gone; they will feel like a wet noodle when you take them off. No jacking necessary for shock swap - just turn the wheels lock to lock for easier access on the bottom of the front shock mounts. Get Bilsteins and no more worries!
 
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2009 | 03:13 PM
  #15  
DONESCUE's Avatar
DONESCUE
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I just put the Bilsteins on my 04 250 and, as it turns out, the stock shocks were not blown at all. No oil leaking and hard as a rock with 81,000 miles! (The dealer told me I needed new front shocks?)

I have been plowing with my truck since day one and have hauled lots of heavy stuff.
IMO - It rides only slightly better with the Bilsteins. It seems a bit tighter in the turns and firmer in general.

Install time is under one hour. I left the bands on rears and holes lined up perfectly. BTW - I think the torque is 78 for fronts and 48 for the rears?

For $250 delivered its not that big a deal and you will need them eventually anyway. Hopefully, it will always ride like a truck...
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:54 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic 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 | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
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-3
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
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE