All - I'm going in next weekend to have my EZLift leveling kit and shocks installed ('05 Lariat 4x4 SCREW). The shop has recommend Bilsteins (sp?) and I wanted to see what yout thoughts were. I'm thinking I'll leave the rear stock for now and see how the ride is with the leveling kit and Bilstiens in front.....

What I'm looking for is to stiffen up the front suspension a bit - but don't want it too harsh. I use the truck 99% for freeway driving, client hauling and airport duty...I will probably end up leaving the stock 18" wheel/tires on (or eventually go with 20's and a bit lower profile tire. My only real complaint about the stock suspension is that when doing 60+ on the SoCal freeways the nose of the truck will "bob" up and down some....not too bad - but I would like to "tighten" up the front end a bit.

TIA for your responses - Wendell are your out there???

 

ive heard good things about the bilstiens, but heard that small bumps and ruts are amplified by them. i think i decided to go with the adjustable rancho 9000s with the in cab controller. THAT will be the day, haha $$$

 

I've had my bilstiens for about 6 hours now and over many, many bumps and ruts. Amplified my ****. These rule.

 

On a 4x4...sure, I would have to agree with your ****.

 

They are kick **** aren't they? No stiffer ride, just more control. No more of the **** end going every which way but straight when hitting rough spots. The rears are what matter most.

 

Have you considered installing the new Ranchos? Since you mentioned installing a leveling kit and Bilstiens, why not just install the Ranchos with the adjustable spring preload and save the money you would spend on the leveling kit for something else?

 

I really don't think they'll ride as good as Bilsteins with a leveling kit, personally. What are the prices on both sets of shocks? Im pretty sure the Bilsteins are cheaper.

 

doesnt bilstien make the adjustable height fronts?? i could have sworn they did

 

well my research lead me to three differant shocks. the Bilsteins for a better handeling stiffer shock that handles the bigger bumps in the road better. and the monro reflex which gives a smother ride that handles the smaller bumps and things like cracks in the pavement better. and then there is the edelbrock ias performer shock which cost like twice as much as either of the other two but claims to have the best of both shocks a stiff ride when needed and a soft ride when needed. I myself am going to wait for the edelbrock to come out for our truck before I change it out especially sence my current shocks still seem to have plenty of life in them and do a good job. I would say the shocks on the Fx4 are more like the Bilsteins. my truck handles real well in the corners and on stiff bumps but I feel every little tiny little crack and nich in the pavement.

 

eshocks has bilstein, both front and rear for 64.95. They also have shocks for lifted vehicles, but I didn't see any for the 04-05 F-150s

 

i didnt think that edelbrock had the IAS shocks out for our trucks yet

 

Guys - thanks for the feedback - sounds like the shop was being straight up wit me. He quoted me $80.00/ea. for the front Bilstein's and approx $65.00/ea for the rears. Wendell - I never thought of using the Rancho kit to raise the front end vs a leveling kit......I already have the EZLift kit sitting in the garage - so I'll probably go ahead with it.....also Tun2One - interesting feedback on the rear shocks.....

 

dzervit, will these Bilstiens work on the fronts with a Daystar?

 

Well, my Daystar is still on and my front wheels haven't falled off yet, so I'm gonna have to say yes, the two play nice together.

The Bils are a perfect replacement for the stockers.. so there is no reason why anyone would have issues..

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm going to E-shocks and order mine today