before all the critics jump in and say do the search let me say that i did.

now for the questions. what shocks have made a difference in the ride? stiffer, softer, better handling etc? has any one just replaced the rear shocks and had it make much of a difference?

i have an 05 king ranch with a lot of "road feel". i was talking to someone and they suggested replacing the rear shocks and that would get rid of it. wondering if would also help with the truck hopping over bumps and coming back to earth facing another way. it seems that when the truck lands after takeoff the front end is where it should be but the back is off a foot or so to either side. never had that with my 04 lariat screw.

that brings up another question, does anyone know the differences in suspension between an 04 lariat screw and an 05 king ranch?

 

I have read that BILSTEINS shocks are considered to be one of the best(IF not the Best). Rancho also makes some that are adjustable. I believe that due to the nature of the truck and it's ability to carry and tow heavy loads, the shocks in the rear must be stronger to support when loaded, so when you don't have anything in the back the rear usually springs up. or may skip to the side when going over bumps or railroad tracks. I have mentioned to others that airbags helped stabilize my vehicle. They were easy to install and were 236 with free shipping. They keep tension on the rear and the tires on the ground. As well as allow you to distribute weight evenly when loaded and aid in supporting your shocks and leaf springs. I would go with BILSTEINS if I was to be in the mraket for shocks, but as for now, I am very pleased with the handling and ride improvement of the rear with the AIRBAGS. Good luck heres the website to check them out

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...tion/to=r.html

 

bilsteins the best ive ever had. my 04 f150 handles so much better now.

 

Bilsteins or the adjustable Ranchos.

 

I have had bilsteins and ranchos 9000 and I have Edelbrock Performer IAS and Edelbrock is my choice.

 

I have the Bilsteins on my truck. They are not very stiff at all. What I find they do is make the truck "better behaved" in the corners. The rebound after going over bumps and other road irregularities is vastly superior compared to stock. If you are looking for a stiffer dropped type of ride, these are probably not the shocks for you. I can say they do work well with the rear dropped 2". Combined with a Hellwig rear sway(my truck is a 2wd). The truck handles like a car. The understeer is eliminated and confidence while driving is much improved.

Another suggestion is to get rid of your tires. I have 22" with General UHP 305/40/22 @ 50psi. This was a night and day difference in cornering and handling. I kept the stock springs so the ride is still quite comfortable. It was after changing out the tires I was able to appreciate the bilestiens and hellig to their max potential. Amazing cornering. I do not think you have to go as big as I did, just get a good quality tires on your rims instead of the stock pieces of crap. If not for perfoemance, for saftey.

 

Check out the thread on the New Rancho RS9000xxx shocks

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=219089

 

Would you happen to have the part numbers for those rear bilsteins? I have the fronts and I am looking to get the rears by this weekend. Thanks!

 

has any one just done the rear shocks? does it make a big difference? i am sure that doing all 4 would be the best but i dont have the time to get a spring compressor right now, plus its getting cold outside. the rears would be quick and easy.

 

Bilsteins make a difference in terms of rebound and handeling, specifically over bumps, big or small. I have fronts and backs. In terms of the backs, eat your wheaties prior to install, because if you cut the shipping compression strap they are touch to compress. Anyway, you will be pleased with the shocks.

Speedway

 

On my FX4 I did have a hip hop going on with the stock shocks. This was only noticable on the interstate. around the city I had no complaints however since I am always on the interstate I replaced them with Bilsteins. The Bilsteins did help the hip hop but it was still there, just not as agessive. I have recently had been able to drive two 2005 XLTs and they act about the same on the interstate. Cant help you on just doing the rear shocks cause I did all of them on the same day.