Another shock question....
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 764
Likes: 1
From: Gulfport/Biloxi, MS
Another shock question....
I bought my truck with just under 60k (or maybe it was just over 60k) on it and now I have about 170k on it. I am thinking its time to change my shocks, but im not sure. I don't think the ones on the truck are the stock ones because they are yellow, but I know the ones on the truck have at least 100k on them since that's what I put on em. I dont want to go throwing $250 away on shocks if it isnt going to make it ride alot better. To me shocks are kinda a difficult thing to determine other than by milage beceause they gradually get worse so if you are the one driving the vehicle on a daily basis you never notice the difference.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Even bilstiens are near warn out by 100k miles. The test is pretty easy, jump on the bumper and watch it go up and down. 3-4 bounces means the shocks are probably okay as long as they slow pretty rapidly. If it bounces somewhat uncontrollably, then the shocks are shot and should be replaced.
Since you have 100k on them, do it. Depending on the shocks (valving/brand) you go with will make the difference in if you feel a change.
Since you have 100k on them, do it. Depending on the shocks (valving/brand) you go with will make the difference in if you feel a change.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
If they are yellow they are probably Bilsteins. Bilstein has a lifetime warranty, but since you are not the original owner you might be out of luck on that. Unless you can get a dealer to work with you.
Bilstein Warranty
You guys gotta be kidding on the bounce test. While that is common on cars and lighter trucks, you are gonna look funny trying to bounce the corner of a Superduty. I think you are going to need to pull them and check the gas charge.
So, what is the ride problem that you have that makes you think you need shocks? It's unlikely that new shocks are going to make your truck "ride a lot better". But they might correct a problem.
Bilstein Warranty
You guys gotta be kidding on the bounce test. While that is common on cars and lighter trucks, you are gonna look funny trying to bounce the corner of a Superduty. I think you are going to need to pull them and check the gas charge.
So, what is the ride problem that you have that makes you think you need shocks? It's unlikely that new shocks are going to make your truck "ride a lot better". But they might correct a problem.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 8,098
Likes: 10
From: Westford, MA
You know what,you're right LOL, I am used to working on Mustangs forgot for a second this was a different animal.The bounce test might work with a payload of bricks.Hey no ones perfect right.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
Yeah, I'm a dainty little thing.
For the OP regarding shocks - I had a problem with the rear of my truck bouncing on our rough concrete freeways here. It was so bad at around 65 mph that sometimes I had to slow down to keep from breaking my neck. I had the original FX4 shocks with about 50k miles on them.
Those FX4 shocks (Rancho branded made by Ford) came out and still have very good gas pressure. I could not tell that a thing was wrong with them and other than the bouncing the truck handled fine. So I had little hope at that point that the Bilsteins would be much improvement. But I had them, so I installed them.
Handling of the truck is little if any different, but the bouncing on the freeway is gone, at least as much as can be expected with these heavy trucks. I'm very glad I installed them. I would have never known the old ones were bad by any normal test. I just think the Bilsteins are valved exactly right for this truck.
That's why I asked what handling problem you were hoping to solve.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Yeah, I'm a dainty little thing.
For the OP regarding shocks - I had a problem with the rear of my truck bouncing on our rough concrete freeways here. It was so bad at around 65 mph that sometimes I had to slow down to keep from breaking my neck. I had the original FX4 shocks with about 50k miles on them.
Those FX4 shocks (Rancho branded made by Ford) came out and still have very good gas pressure. I could not tell that a thing was wrong with them and other than the bouncing the truck handled fine. So I had little hope at that point that the Bilsteins would be much improvement. But I had them, so I installed them.
Handling of the truck is little if any different, but the bouncing on the freeway is gone, at least as much as can be expected with these heavy trucks. I'm very glad I installed them. I would have never known the old ones were bad by any normal test. I just think the Bilsteins are valved exactly right for this truck.
That's why I asked what handling problem you were hoping to solve.
For the OP regarding shocks - I had a problem with the rear of my truck bouncing on our rough concrete freeways here. It was so bad at around 65 mph that sometimes I had to slow down to keep from breaking my neck. I had the original FX4 shocks with about 50k miles on them.
Those FX4 shocks (Rancho branded made by Ford) came out and still have very good gas pressure. I could not tell that a thing was wrong with them and other than the bouncing the truck handled fine. So I had little hope at that point that the Bilsteins would be much improvement. But I had them, so I installed them.
Handling of the truck is little if any different, but the bouncing on the freeway is gone, at least as much as can be expected with these heavy trucks. I'm very glad I installed them. I would have never known the old ones were bad by any normal test. I just think the Bilsteins are valved exactly right for this truck.
That's why I asked what handling problem you were hoping to solve.
You just described the difference between cheaply made, poorly valved shocks and quality shocks!
How much gas they have in them is interesting, but is NOT what controls the damping rates! Getting well matched and divergent damping action requires precision design and complex valves. Two things most Ranchos are famous for NOT having.
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regarding the original poster, i am doing my shocks as well in canada and thought i should replace my bushings as well, do you know anywhere to buy bushings (energy or better) in canada or someone that ships to canada.