Shock ?
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,440
Likes: 1
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!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 826
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Enjoy the ride!
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,440
Likes: 1
He's a member and vendor on this forum and he has Bilstrin shocks that are specifically set up for the Excursion. The standard Bilsteins for this truck ar not adequate and are not valved exactly how they should be. PM him and he'll pass on a virtual wealth of info to you!
Enjoy the ride!
Enjoy the ride!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 0
From: Shelbyville, Indiana
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. 
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 0
From: Shelbyville, Indiana
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.
My mechanic also suggested that I get a set of KYBs for the Monster Truck...and that is the direction that I am leaning...
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
So you get some "Sammys' super off road shocks" and you spend 1% of your time off road and 1% of that is in rough conditions and then what? " I sure am glad I got these Sammys on here now 'cause it's not bouncing too much", then you get back the road and it rides rough but; "that was sure cool in those rough spots." Towing? your springs affect your towing not the shocks but you could get some "Super tow masters" that ride like a truck when you aren't towing 90% of the time. Adjustables? Shell more money out for nothing, especially when you realize they don't even warrant climbing underneath and getting dirty. Last longer? maybe a little but they all wear out. I never had a vehicle that lasted longer that my cheap new shocks. Ride? What can expensive shocks possibly do? Give you a massage when you are going down the road? Hey guys; I got some nice beachfront property in Alabama, anybody interested? LOL.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 560
Likes: 3
From: 92592
I really don't get it. Shocks are one of the most hyped up parts (besides racing camshafts) that I have ever seen. What do they do; stabilize the truck. I almost have to laugh when I see some of the claims and the way people in here describe them. Now that I think about it; I have an extra set that is almost new and they have 6 titanium valves in each one, tuned for Ford trucks, lifetime gaurantee, give you a ride like a Cadillac on the hiway and like a Ford should ride offroad, and you will always feel refreshed after a long drive. They run about $500 which is a good deal for this level of quality. ha ha ha.
So you get some "Sammys' super off road shocks" and you spend 1% of your time off road and 1% of that is in rough conditions and then what? " I sure am glad I got these Sammys on here now 'cause it's not bouncing too much", then you get back the road and it rides rough but; "that was sure cool in those rough spots." Towing? your springs affect your towing not the shocks but you could get some "Super tow masters" that ride like a truck when you aren't towing 90% of the time. Adjustables? Shell more money out for nothing, especially when you realize they don't even warrant climbing underneath and getting dirty. Last longer? maybe a little but they all wear out. I never had a vehicle that lasted longer that my cheap new shocks. Ride? What can expensive shocks possibly do? Give you a massage when you are going down the road? Hey guys; I got some nice beachfront property in Alabama, anybody interested? LOL.
So you get some "Sammys' super off road shocks" and you spend 1% of your time off road and 1% of that is in rough conditions and then what? " I sure am glad I got these Sammys on here now 'cause it's not bouncing too much", then you get back the road and it rides rough but; "that was sure cool in those rough spots." Towing? your springs affect your towing not the shocks but you could get some "Super tow masters" that ride like a truck when you aren't towing 90% of the time. Adjustables? Shell more money out for nothing, especially when you realize they don't even warrant climbing underneath and getting dirty. Last longer? maybe a little but they all wear out. I never had a vehicle that lasted longer that my cheap new shocks. Ride? What can expensive shocks possibly do? Give you a massage when you are going down the road? Hey guys; I got some nice beachfront property in Alabama, anybody interested? LOL.
You are obviously a talented photographer and the equipment you use would be wasted on someone like me who lacks your talent.
Some of us have the abilty to discern our vehicles performance more clearly and can appreciate the difference between levels of quality.
To argue about how much difference the dampers (a more accurate term) make might be legitimate but to say there is no difference is ignorant. (but then you seem to enjoy posting inflamatory opinions)
Cheap dampers won't fall off your truck but they also will NOT work as well at damping, they won't retain their performance in repeated cycling (fade) and they won't retain their performance over their service life.
I also don't buy the absolute cheapest tires, lubricants, brakes, filters, food, clothing, etc. for the same reason as I'm sure you don't use the cheapest equipment for your photography.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
I found the best price on the Rancho 9000xl at Amazon just 2 weeks ago. Just look up the part numbers on Rancho, then do a search on Amazon. No tax, free shipping and best price per shock can't be beat. Then add the rebate and there is no reason not to get the 9000xl shocks.
I have had the 9000xl on the Ex now for a little over a week and the more I drive the more I realize how much better the ride is. Granted, I went from original shocks with 118k miles on them to the Ranchos... I will also add that my 1st drive was on setting 9 for all 4 corners. I had the setting mixed up. There is a huge difference from 1 to 9. I am likely going to change the rear to a 2 or 3 as the kids have commented that it is a little too bouncy. Really neat that it can be adjusted.
I have had the 9000xl on the Ex now for a little over a week and the more I drive the more I realize how much better the ride is. Granted, I went from original shocks with 118k miles on them to the Ranchos... I will also add that my 1st drive was on setting 9 for all 4 corners. I had the setting mixed up. There is a huge difference from 1 to 9. I am likely going to change the rear to a 2 or 3 as the kids have commented that it is a little too bouncy. Really neat that it can be adjusted.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
2 of my friends had a conversation in their truck and it went like this: Bob; "What did you do to this truck dude?", Mike; "just put new Platnum Glide shocks in 'er bro," Bob;"wow, I thought maybe you put dump truck springs in it", Mike; "come on, they will wear in", Bob,"before they wear out? Look at your gas gauge dude!", Mike; "well them shocks were kinda spendy bro, speakin' of which, can you put a 5 in the tank?" Bob;"OK but it's all wet from spilling my coffee.", Mike; "how did you do that bro?" 
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
You are obviously a talented photographer and the equipment you use would be wasted on someone like me who lacks your talent.
Some of us have the abilty to discern our vehicles performance more clearly and can appreciate the difference between levels of quality.
To argue about how much difference the dampers (a more accurate term) make might be legitimate but to say there is no difference is ignorant. (but then you seem to enjoy posting inflamatory opinions)
Cheap dampers won't fall off your truck but they also will NOT work as well at damping, they won't retain their performance in repeated cycling (fade) and they won't retain their performance over their service life.
I also don't buy the absolute cheapest tires, lubricants, brakes, filters, food, clothing, etc. for the same reason as I'm sure you don't use the cheapest equipment for your photography.
Some of us have the abilty to discern our vehicles performance more clearly and can appreciate the difference between levels of quality.
To argue about how much difference the dampers (a more accurate term) make might be legitimate but to say there is no difference is ignorant. (but then you seem to enjoy posting inflamatory opinions)
Cheap dampers won't fall off your truck but they also will NOT work as well at damping, they won't retain their performance in repeated cycling (fade) and they won't retain their performance over their service life.
I also don't buy the absolute cheapest tires, lubricants, brakes, filters, food, clothing, etc. for the same reason as I'm sure you don't use the cheapest equipment for your photography.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: LI, NY
Monroe Reflex
I've had Rancho adjustables in the past on a different Ford truck. They did work well, and for a long while. Long enough to wear out their air pump, a 2nd generic 12v pump, and a 2nd air hose kit. Close to 10 years. They devolved evenly, so near the end the 100% stiffest setting gave a 75% stiff ride. This was on a 1/2 ton doing 3/4 ton work.
But now I want a nice soft ride for the Ex and the Reflex do that well.
They do not make up for the soft Ex springs, but they do limit bounce well. Meaning that the front end can take a big bounce on a large bump, but does not oscillate. Small bumps are absorbed nicely.
My reasoning is there are a lot more small bumps than large, plus I can see the large ones and slow down a bit if I want to. I don't want to be screwing around with adjustments anymore. Just turn the key & go.
Hope this helps.
I've had Rancho adjustables in the past on a different Ford truck. They did work well, and for a long while. Long enough to wear out their air pump, a 2nd generic 12v pump, and a 2nd air hose kit. Close to 10 years. They devolved evenly, so near the end the 100% stiffest setting gave a 75% stiff ride. This was on a 1/2 ton doing 3/4 ton work.
But now I want a nice soft ride for the Ex and the Reflex do that well.
They do not make up for the soft Ex springs, but they do limit bounce well. Meaning that the front end can take a big bounce on a large bump, but does not oscillate. Small bumps are absorbed nicely.
My reasoning is there are a lot more small bumps than large, plus I can see the large ones and slow down a bit if I want to. I don't want to be screwing around with adjustments anymore. Just turn the key & go.
Hope this helps.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I remember when I blew my money on hype years ago but it was fun while it lasted and I guess you have to go through that stage, but 20 years from now you will probably say "hey, that guy on FTE was right about those shocks."
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 560
Likes: 3
From: 92592
Yeah, I guess my 40+ years in off-road racing and currently running a top Trophy Truck team makes me a real inexperienced noob.
I think I'll go down to the dollar store and see if they have any shocks but first I'll drain all the oil out of my truck.
I rather doubt this is your last post in this thread.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Yeah, I guess my 40+ years in off-road racing and currently running a top Trophy Truck team makes me a real inexperienced noob.
I think I'll go down to the dollar store and see if they have any shocks but first I'll drain all the oil out of my truck.
I rather doubt this is your last post in this thread.
I think I'll go down to the dollar store and see if they have any shocks but first I'll drain all the oil out of my truck.
I rather doubt this is your last post in this thread.
thanks for reading my other thread.