I need to replace my stock factory shocks ( I think after 100,000 miles it wouldn't hurt). All the brands have such appealing advertising and they all say there's is the best, so I need some real world opinions. I have a 2002 4X4 with no suspension mods. All input welcome. P.S. Price is not an option.

 

Rancho seems to do real well.
Nut

 

a lot of people seem to use bilsteins

 

overpriced &over-rated..IMHO...yes I owned them...not again!

 

everyone's ride taste is different. one shock can't appeal to everyone's taste. im going with bilsteins when i need them.

 

I've had Ranchos and I've had Bilsteins. The Bilsteins work much better on my diesel-equipped F250 than the Ranchos did on the gasser F150 I drove a couple years ago. They cost somewhat more, too. However, I don't think they are particularly "overpriced". I paid $50 apiece for a set of Ranchos a couple years ago. A year ago, I bought a set of Bilsteins for $225 delivered to the house. Not much more - and they work better.

Overrated - now, I tend to agree. I kept reading "buy a set of Bilsteins and you'll never need another set of shocks." Okay. I like them better than the Ranchos - certainly more than 10 percent better (price difference). But that doesn't mean I'm exactly overjoyed with them. I don't believe they control spring motion as well as they should. Big bumps will still allow the front end to pogo at least one bounce (sometimes two or three) more than it should.

So, I've been looking at other shocks. I finally found a set that SEEM to work the way I want - I drove an F250 Powerstroke 4x4 with a set of Fox Racing shocks. Now they had control! THEN, I got a look at the price - $220 - not for a set, FOR JUST ONE SHOCK! That kind of puts the Bilsteins in perspective.

Or, you could pay $75 apiece (dealers retail price) for Stock Ford gas shocks. They don't work as well as the Bilsteins and they only last about 50k miles. Once more, it puts puts the price of the Ranchos and Bilsteins in perspective. Oh, stock NON-gas shocks run about $40 apiece and are basicly worn out when they are new.

Oh, I'm sure you can get better OEM shock prices than the ones the local dealer gave me, but I can't imagine why you would bother. At least the Ranchos and Bilsteins have a much longer warranty.

 

I just installed them a few days ago and for 140 dollars...man you can't beat them. Great street manners and if you hate them, Monroe will buy them back, I even called their 1800 number to verify before I purchased them locally.

Shocks on an F250 really couldn't be any easier. Maybe I'm just used to working on Supra's but I did it in my driveway with hand tools, one jack, two jack stands and was done in 45 minutes.

 

I should clarify sorry. The ride quality was fine... good actually. They just did not hold up in far less than what I would consider heavy or high abuse application. Therefore, I just can't justify the extra cost again...ohh wait a minute... they did have a cool brushed aluminum finish!!

 

I'm going with Ranchos. Hopefully after I pay uncle sam April 15 I'll have a few pennies left.

 

I'm happy with the performance of my Rancho shocks. But, I don't have much to compare them to other than the worn out factory shocks. I did notice the other day though, that the paint is starting to chip and the body of the shock is starting to rust. They're probably only just over a year old.

 

I have heard many good things about the Pro-Comp MX-6. They are 5 or 6 way adjustable (however I anit't getting out o adjust anything). They are priced at about 85 each buy 3 get one free at 4wheel prts. I have they cheesy pro-comp ex6000 on the her right now (I think) they ride like a three legged goat.

However the 6.5" lift and 37's don't help the ride.

Just my $.02

 

Thread moved to the Super Duty forum

 

Bilsteins from eshocks.com

Better quality, great reputation and less parts to wear out.

Rancho's are facy Monroe's and have name recognition, but I think Bilstein has the performance and quality recognition.

But hey, check Amsoil, I bet they have a synthetic lubed oil shock (ha, ha)... had to make a joke as I am sure this will turn into a Rancho vs Bilstein vs. Monroe vs. whatever shock thread... just like oil (hope not).

Bilsteins will stiffen the ride and help with sway, body roll and such and is a great step before adding other hellwig sway bars or other suspension mods. Bilsteins work great on my heavy Excursion.

 

I know a few that swear by Bilstein and that is the route i'll go next. That's my $.02

 

Edelbrock IAS shocks. Rode in other trucks with Bilsteins. To me, these give a better ride.