Shock ?
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Western Kansas
My problem seems to be the front end. Going through intersections it will really bounces and jars the driver and front passenger. I have to admit I have never ridden in the back of the King so will have to do that over the weekend and see how that feels. If nothing else I will just tolerate it as is.
Mitch
Mitch
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
New Rancho 9000's...
I find myself almost reacting to road conditions that used to throw my Ex around befor I mounted the Rancho 9000's! I swapped out the original shocks with 89,000 miles on them. The difference is nite and day! The spings front and back are the original that came with the Ex. The Ex tracks straight and true like any vehicle should. I could not be happier! Also, no more diving when I brake! I must be stoppinf 20' shorter now! Go with Rancho 9000's!
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Go with the el cheapo shocks from the local parts store. All they do is stabilize the vehicle and it doesn't take rocket science and expensive parts to do that but the hyped up ones MIGHT last a LITTLE longer. Of course you could break the bank and get the adjustable ones and then adjust them back down to the stock specs and never touch them again. You guys will figure it all out when you get older but have fun blowing your money in the meantime. 
All they do is stabilize the vehicle and it doesn't take rocket science and expensive parts to do that but the hyped up ones MIGHT last a LITTLE longer. Of course you could break the bank and get the adjustable ones and then adjust them back down to the stock specs and never touch them again. You guys will figure it all out when you get older but have fun blowing your money in the meantime.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
Ole wise sage !
Thank you for your opinion....
and I will do what I want to do with my ex and my money and my experience
And having tried both ends of the spectrum, I can let you buy the cheapest and think they are the best....
the old, one man's trash is another man's treasure comes to mind
I guess that's why the off road class 4 racers go to walmart to get their shocks.....
Thank you for your opinion....
and I will do what I want to do with my ex and my money and my experience
And having tried both ends of the spectrum, I can let you buy the cheapest and think they are the best....
the old, one man's trash is another man's treasure comes to mind
I guess that's why the off road class 4 racers go to walmart to get their shocks.....
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Ole wise sage !
Thank you for your opinion....
and I will do what I want to do with my ex and my money and my experience
And having tried both ends of the spectrum, I can let you buy the cheapest and think they are the best....
the old, one man's trash is another man's treasure comes to mind
I guess that's why the off road class 4 racers go to walmart to get their shocks.....
Thank you for your opinion....
and I will do what I want to do with my ex and my money and my experience
And having tried both ends of the spectrum, I can let you buy the cheapest and think they are the best....
the old, one man's trash is another man's treasure comes to mind
I guess that's why the off road class 4 racers go to walmart to get their shocks.....
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Go with the el cheapo shocks from the local parts store. All they do is stabilize the vehicle and it doesn't take rocket science and expensive parts to do that but the hyped up ones MIGHT last a LITTLE longer. Of course you could break the bank and get the adjustable ones and then adjust them back down to the stock specs and never touch them again. You guys will figure it all out when you get older but have fun blowing your money in the meantime.
All they do is stabilize the vehicle and it doesn't take rocket science and expensive parts to do that but the hyped up ones MIGHT last a LITTLE longer. Of course you could break the bank and get the adjustable ones and then adjust them back down to the stock specs and never touch them again. You guys will figure it all out when you get older but have fun blowing your money in the meantime. 
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 379
From: Southern California
Shock Recommendations IMHO:
1) Koni- Excellent for racing applications- overpriced for street applications
2) Tokico, QA1 & Bilstein- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running very stiff tires on the street (such as Bridgstone that are 100% steel belted or tires with profiles shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra give that you need for both comfort & stability
3) KYB- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running a softer tires on the street (such as BFG that are a mix of steel & nylon belted or tires with profiles not shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra stiffness that you need for both comfort & stability. The GR-2’s are the equivalent to the Edelbrock IAS automatic adjusting units. Overall, stiffness between the Gas-a-just and the GR2’s are the same, the difference is the GR-2's valving which stiffens things up from a oem setting to that of the Gas-a-just units.. Best shock for the $/best price typically found at Performance Suspension Technologies (PST) and typically about 1/3 less than Bilstein.
4) Gabriel- A very nice good quality HD OEM replacement type unit.
1) Koni- Excellent for racing applications- overpriced for street applications
2) Tokico, QA1 & Bilstein- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running very stiff tires on the street (such as Bridgstone that are 100% steel belted or tires with profiles shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra give that you need for both comfort & stability
3) KYB- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running a softer tires on the street (such as BFG that are a mix of steel & nylon belted or tires with profiles not shorter than 50 series), these provide the extra stiffness that you need for both comfort & stability. The GR-2’s are the equivalent to the Edelbrock IAS automatic adjusting units. Overall, stiffness between the Gas-a-just and the GR2’s are the same, the difference is the GR-2's valving which stiffens things up from a oem setting to that of the Gas-a-just units.. Best shock for the $/best price typically found at Performance Suspension Technologies (PST) and typically about 1/3 less than Bilstein.
4) Gabriel- A very nice good quality HD OEM replacement type unit.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Shock recommendation IMHO
For everyday cruiser that doesn't tow; Jose Garcia's walmart special.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
From what I have read here in these forums, this vehicle is one compromise after another. With all of the jobs these vehicle are capable of performing, the idea of adjustabilty to pull all of the vehicles attributes together at the twist of a **** is very appealing! Whether you are running the hi ways empty or pulling a work or travel trailer, you just twist the **** and go...safely!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
From: Toulon,Il.
As a former certified mechanic(certification means NOTHING in the real world,but does to some) I think every one can agree that the manufacturers DON't build the best vehicle possible. Hence the aftermarket industry makes better equipment to improve all aspects of a vehicle, which is why when you can get a greatly improved product for slightly more money to improve the ride quality it is wise to invest in it. Ford used Rancho shocks on the FX4 package and with the rebates you can buy the 9000 series for just a few simple dollars more.Again wise to invest in a superior product for minimal cost when the opprotunity arises.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
From: Toulon,Il.
The cheapest place I've found is 4wheel online at $319 for the set of 4.BUT the are hard to get to answer the phone and gave me a song and dance(first available and in stock then back ordered) I cancelled my order and got 4Wheel pearts to price match with free shipping,they told me on back order also but upfront about it. Others use Amazon and JC Whitney with price matching at both. Good luck...
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
If you read what I said it was just for the average daily driver. No need to be rude.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 826
Likes: 22
From: Florida
I got the specially valved Bilsteins from Caryt and I love the way my truck rides! I do have to agree with ExV10 on one thing...saving money makes you feel REAL GOOD! But When I saw how my factory shocks looked when I took them off and noticed the dimensions of the "Factory replacements" were virtually the same...I'll pass on the cheapos!
The difference is not in price only, it is in function. Ford doesnt care if the shock lasts more than the warranty period. I'm looking to buy one set and drive it like I stole it! Why would I buy shocks that limit what I "Might" want to do with my truck? This truck is a beast, why put "putty-tat" parts on a BEAST?
I like the ride quality of the Ranchos and the Bulletproof nature of the Bilsteins...you really can't go wrong with those!
The difference is not in price only, it is in function. Ford doesnt care if the shock lasts more than the warranty period. I'm looking to buy one set and drive it like I stole it! Why would I buy shocks that limit what I "Might" want to do with my truck? This truck is a beast, why put "putty-tat" parts on a BEAST?
I like the ride quality of the Ranchos and the Bulletproof nature of the Bilsteins...you really can't go wrong with those!