Hello everyone. I am not a regular on here. To be honest I lurk around here because I think this is an awesome site for technical questions.

I have a 2001 Excursion Limited 4x4 V10 with 238,000 miles. The only thing I have done is rebuilt the trans at 194,000 and an alternator at about 205,000 miles. Of course, I change the oil constantly at 3,000 miles and use 10w40. I pull a 28 enclosed trailer (heavy down with muscle restoration parts and sheet metal). I pull this trailer every weekend out of state to a swap meets and car shows. It's an everyday driver and I never received so many compliments this year than all the years I owned it since new. So just a mere intro to my vehicle.

So the debate goes on about shocks. I have read previous post and was going to comment on one but it lead to another topic. It was where EXv10 was saying to use a parts store shock. Others were giving opinions about the Ranchos, Bilstein, etc. and spending a bit more.

I had 4x4 trucks with Ranchos and Bilstein Shocks. I am alot older now..don't let the screen name fool you. But when I had those, I must say it was "part" hype as ExV10 mentioned...you know the nice white shock with the nice red boot cover looking good under the truck. Those were back in the day where I took my truck off roading. I don't with my Excursion. It merely pulls the trailer down south, east coast, and west coast.

Any way, I am LONG overdue for some shocks. I think the forum will get a kick out of this. I have 238,000 miles and I think I changed them at 130,000 miles.
It was just the yellow Monroe shock. I just saw them on Ebay for $34.00 a piece.
I think I am going to get them for the front and get a better shock for the rear.
It's starting to sag and bought some rear springs from a F250 that switched over once he bought his truck. SO I have heavy duty springs that I will put on. I bought this Excursion thinking its a truck so it drinks fuel like a truck and don't mind a truck ride feel. But would like to get opinions on rear shocks or even front ones too. I don't want the adjustable Ranchos. Should I get all Monroes and be done with it? I am also going to change the links, frame bushings, and stabilizer.

Thank you,

Chargerkid

 

Well if the ones you have lasted you 100K why not just put the same back on? Shocks can be a personal thing. Probably every answer you get will be different. (like most forums)

I won't offer any brand advice but will say to get the best shock you can afford and from a place that will honor any warranty issues.

Curious that you use 10W40. What brand do you use?

 

You might reconsider the adjustables, sounds like your application IS the situation you would want to use adjustability

But like Monsta says - get the best shock you can afford....

too bad you don't live closer.. I have 4 lifetime warranty RSX's I took off so I could put on the 9000's

 

Ever heard of UPS? US Post Office? FedEx?

 

I did high end shocks a couple of weeks ago (Rancho 9000XL) most because with the $100 rebate, it put them in the price range of everything else. But they didn't impress me until I installed new sway bar bushing and link ends today. If you do anything with a vehicle with such high mileage, I'd urge the sway bar bushing/links.

 

I love my 9000XLs! I'm running settings #5's front and back. Just firm enough.

 

Monsta..I have used 10W40 Valvoline since day one. No synthetic. I just like the thicker oil than what is normally offered at the quick oil changes. It cost me $25.00 with coupon for the oil/filter change, they vacuum my truck, WD40 door hinges, check tires, top fluids, and give me a free car wash..with towel dry. I can't beat it.

I am definitely going to change the links and sway bar bushings...then the shocks. I'll stick to the Monroes for now. If I don't like the shocks, I'll get different ones.

 

Hey Guys. Wanted to know how the ride was with the 9k's. I bought Bilstein's, and have regreted it since day one because they beat the hell out of me and the truck. I'm not sure of the spring/shock combo that will give me a softer ride. I'm tired of getting out of the truck feeling beat up.

 

I have had the 9000's for almost 2 weeks now and absolutely love them. I currently have mine set to 3 all of the way around and it's almost perfect for me. I've towed with it as well and have much better control and ride even with the softer settings.

 

I took mine down to #4, but it felt almost too soft. We are heading north with the hurrricane this weekend, mayb I will try a lower #. Maybe the rebound and shock absorbtion all change dramatically with each #, but not in a incremental linear path.

 

That is a great price, wow!

Oh yeah, a little off topic, but I slept in today because I got in kinda late last night.

I know it was only a pre-season game, but it sure was fun being at the game last night and watching the Niners 2nd and 3rd string kick some pre-season butt!

Stewart