I have recently decided that when my shocks need replacing I will go ahead and swap in a full Roush Suspension System. Hey, if I am going to spend $400 on a good set of shocks I might as well drop an extra grand (hopefully I won't be strapped for cash when this all happens) and get a pre-tuned suspension system right?

My question you you guys is how many miles does it usually take for the OEM shocks to wear out on our trucks? I currently am sitting on about 16,000 right now.

Also anyone who has the Roush tuned suspension chime in and let me know if it's worth it.

 

I would think we should get around 30-50k before they need replacing!

 

I have 24k on my '04 and I can tell the ride is much rougher than when it was new.

Grim

 

I replaced my struts and shocks when I put the groundforce 9944 kit on my truck and to say the least that the stock units were pathetic, hardly any resistance was needed to collapse them. I looked at the roush kit also but settled on the groundforce because I had a 8" gap from tire to fender lip and a 3" drop wasnt going to cut it for me. I saved a couple of hundred ground force kit was 1100 at summit racing at the time verses 1475 for the roush. Either kit will give you great handling and a sports car like ride. my .02

 

Shocks/struts wear out gradually like most everything else. From the day you first drive the truck, every day it's riding progressively worse by a small degree. If a seal breaks or worse, then of course it's going to turn south noticeably in a hurry.

 

I look at it from the opposite perspective than you, I honestly wouldn't want to lower it anymore than the 2/3 roush offers. I had a lifted Bronco for my last vehicle and the only reason I would consider lowering this vehicle if it was part of a performance handling package. If there is a similar alterative to Roush that isn't quite a 3/5 drop fill me in.

Nate I realize the shocks are going to progressively get worse, I was just wondering the general rule of thumb for 04-06 shock replacement.

 

I had the Roush Suspension put on when i bought my '04 - will NOT go this route again. I had a Bell Tech Supension on my '00, and IMO - not enough of a difference. Still having problems with the front (it actually raised) and they were not any help. Adding a DJM lower control arm to get the front where i want it.

 

That's not very comforting. So you've driven a stock F150 and cannot tell enough a difference? I know us tuned guys will all vouch for this: We have gotten used to our extra power and better shift points to the point that we don't even notice it anymore until we return the PCM back to stock...man what a slug our trucks were before...Seems like the same could apply to your Roush suspension.

Are you implying that the Bell tech suspension was just as good for less money? Did you take into account the aftermarket shocks (I assume you didn't keep the stockers) you added to your Belltech system, factor in that extra cost, and then compare the two? Not to mention the swaybar that the Roush also includes.

Why are you not satisfied exactly and what problems have you had?

Sorry for all the questions, it's just if I am going to spend a big chunk of money I want to know if the product is really worth it. That's the main reason I post here!

 

the ground force kit I put on is a 2/4 drop . It still has a slite rake to the front and I tow a 25 pontoon boat with no problems at all. I can pretty much tell you that you will not be dissapointed in the ground force kit, it is a very thought out kit. I will be keeping the front swaybar for now and I am adding a Hellwig rear sway bar shortly. I was looking at all out handling verses a drop in the weeds look that is why I didnt go with a 3/5 drop.

 

36,001 miles or 3 years and 1 day.....which-ever comes first

 

It really depends on the individual. Some people will be perfectly happy with the stock shocks for many miles, while others will swap them out for better equipment immediately. They won't really fail, they just won't be as effective as they used to be, or work as good as a quality replacement shock will.

 

I agree! Suspension is subjective at best........as far as I'm concerned the stock shocks are valved completely wrong, and wear out immediately. For my taste in suspension, I went with Bilsteins and a rear sway bar. The difference in overall handling is hard to even draw a paralellel. The ride is so much smoother, and much more controlled. I'm about 90% town and highway, and 10% moderately rough dirt roads. No more bottoming, and much less harsh initially.

 

I have been also thinking about parting together my own suspension system in light of some of the things I have read about the Roush, not to mention the cost. I was thinking front and rear sway bars by hellwig, ground force rear shackles, and finally bilstein shocks front and rear. Not only can I do all of this over time but it is much more affordable and doesn't hurt my clearance near as much.

Thanks for injecting some sense in to me.

 

Beefullo - sorry - haven't checked the forums for a few days. When i bought my '04 we went from the dealership to the shop and installed the Roush suspension and their street exhaust system, and a few other items. While i didn't have too much time with it stock, I don't feel that there is enough of a difference between my '00 and the '04 to justify the cost. As pointed out - it's all subjective. The rear settled ok, about 3 inches lower than stock. The front is actually 1" higher than stock now. I called Roush, and they were not any help at all. For $1,400 i would expect a little more concern or help. I bought the truck in Texas and i live in Hawaii, so i cannot exactly go back to the shop that helped me install it. Roush wouldn't/couldn't resend the installation instructions so i could check/re-install. IMO, you could get as good or better by buying pieces. As it is, i bought a set of DJM lower control arms to try and drop the front to where it should be. If you do go with a set up that includes the rear springs, watch out for the driver side front, you will probalby have to remove/shift the gas tank to get the bolt out. The Roush does include the bigger front sway bar, but the rear looks real lonely, and a hellwig is probably in it's future. It'll have to wait though - Whipple on the way!!

 

16,000