Towing Shock Advice

[SHAG77]

Hello, I am looking to replace all the shocks in my 1999 F150 Scab. I tow my 30 foot 6500# TT about 1 to 2 times a month from March to October. I was looking at several options. 1. Monroe reflex on the front and with a set of Monroe Sensatrac Load adjusts in the rear. 2. Ranchos RS5000s up front with a set of RS9000xls in the rear. Correction, I am now looking at the Bilstein HDs. They are going to run me about $60 more. How do they handle towing wise? Just trying to get an idea which direction I should go. Thanks.

[wilderthing]

In all honesty- depending where you order from of coarse- motor craft and others are only like $20 cheaper per shock.

Before you make a decision hit up rockauto.com. they have amazing prices and a lot of positive feedback.

BTW- I am in the same boat as you and need to decide what shocks to get.

[StoveTop]

I am partial to adjustable shocks so I recommend the R9000xls on all four corners. Having said that, I just installed Bilstein HDs on my '04 Tahoe and I like these shocks a lot! In reality however, you won't go wrong with either shock but I really think no matter shock you go with, get some airbags, you will NOT regret it. I installed Ride Rites with Firestone bags and I only tow a 20' boat...with your trailer, this should be your next purchase. I really like the stuff AirLift offers so start there. They're a sponsor here and you should be able to get some straight advise directly from them.

Good luck!

[SHAG77]

TY for the responses so far. Right now I am on a bit of a budget due to a cut back at work. I have the time to do some work on my ride. I figured any improvements (i.e. replacement of worn components) would help the ride quality when towing. I wish my budget could include a step up for let's say a F-250 but beggars cannot be choosers.

My original turn offs on the Bilsteins were the price. I know many people give them a positive review about them. When I was looking them up, I kept finding the wrong ones. The more expensive lifted truck packages. My truck is not lifted and I try to keep it at stock heights for reason, the trailer.

wilderthing, rockauto ok thanks. I know several of my in laws use Rock auto and they have given them a thumbs up.

StoveTop, Thank you for the advice about the air bags. I looked into the Ride Rite air bag kit for my truck and it would be around 250 w/o a compressor set up. Airlift was in the same area with another 300 for a compressor kit. The only thing I noticed is several of these kit require frame drilling. So more investigation would be in order.

[EsJayEs]

If airbags aren't in the budget, the Monroe load-adjusting shocks are a good option. I've used them. They do make the ride more stiff in the rear, but they get the job done.

[StoveTop]

I don't have an on board compressor (someday, maybe) so I ran my valves out of the top of the license plate frame. I got my kit from the Classified section for less than $150.00 shipped so check there as well as your local Craigslist. Deals are out there so keep looking. As for shocks, I like shockwarehouse.com. I got my Bilstein HDs from them.

[ak_cowboy]

I talked to the Bilstein rep on here about new shocks for my truck (8200# gvwr) and he recommended the 5100s... Not sure how they compare pricewise to the HDs, but its another option

[pizzaman711]

5100s are the exact same shock as the hds with only one difference, the 5100s allow you to adjust your height while the hds are only one height setting, factory.

[SHAG77]

I ordered a set of Bilstein HD's for the truck. Paid $280 shipped. I originally ordered a set of Monroe Reflexes for the front and the sensaload for the rear. However, after speaking to a friend who is a mechanic, he said I would probably will hate the ride with the sensaloads in the rear. So I will know in a few days how the truck is going to feel.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by pizzaman711

5100s are the exact same shock as the hds with only one difference, the 5100s allow you to adjust your height while the hds are only one height setting, factory.

He has a '99 dude, so not applicable. There are no ride height adjustable shocks for this body style. Other than that you are correct; 5100's and HD's are identical internally. The color is different though. For the 97-03 body style, 5100's are for lifted applications only and HD's are for stock trucks, but there have been issues/reports with the HD's being too short for the front.

[pizzaman711]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

He has a '99 dude, so not applicable. There are no ride height adjustable shocks for this body style. Other than that you are correct; 5100's and HD's are identical internally. The color is different though. For the 97-03 body style, 5100's are for lifted applications only and HD's are for stock trucks, but there have been issues/reports with the HD's being too short for the front.

Ah your completely right, I just skimmed over the whole thread and must have missed the part where he put the year and it's in the first sentence too ha.

Oh well, I still got the main point of the info across without sounding like too much of an idiot, I guess I just need to read a little closer next time haha.

[AirLiftCompany]

If you are interested in air bags and have any questions, just shoot me a PM. I would be happy to help. I will point out though that shocks and air bags are really two separate topics, but I believe you understand that.

Just for reference the kit for your truck would be 59542, which would require drilling the frame. If you click on the link it will take you to the install manual for the kit. As someone already mentioned, all of our kits and I believe Firestone's for that matter include the parts necessary to manually fill the air bags. As in, you would fill them just like you would a tire. We offer compressor kits for those who would like to adjust on the fly, but are not necessary to actual use the bag kit.

[SHAG77]

Just a quick update.

The shocks were delivered over last week. Due to illness I was not able to install them during the week but I got to them today. The biggest trouble was going to Sears Hardware and purchasing some new tooling for the job. It took me about 4 hours to do the whole job including interruptions. Overall installing the Bilstein's went pretty easy. The rears where a bit of a PITA. Found out with a web search how to tighten down the rear nut mounts.

The old shocks were definitely shot. The truck rides smoother with less body roll in turns. I will see how it handles my trailer in the next few weeks before I do an air bag install. I would like to thank Suspension Connection for their speedy service and assistance on the phone when I received a double order of shocks.

[SHAG77]

nvmd.....