I have a 99 F150 XLT w/ approx 65k miles. I need new shocks. Can anyone recommend an aftermarket brand that would make my quiet & smooth ride return?

Thanks,
- Jen

 

everyone keeps telling me the edelbrock ias shocks are great,but they are 60 or 70 bucks a piece i think.

 

I have been driving on Monroe Reflex Shocks for about the last four months and the ride is great. They're about $40-$42 a piece. I had the Gabriel VST's before, and they lasted about 30k. The ride and handling wasn't as good as the Reflexs' though.,,,,98

Just a cheaper alternative to the $$Ranchos$$ everyone loves so much.

 

It amazes me the extent to which people worry about the price of shocks. They want a quality good ride all the time and this cann't be done without some type of adjustment. Yes the Rancho 9000 are the best you can get and are worth the price. They can give you a ride from a super soft ride to a very stiff CONTROLLED ride. Hey you spend the money for the truck so shocks should be pocket change. The extra money you spend for them equals a night out at a good resturant but the pleasure lasts alot longer

 

I think the cost issue is about money vs time. If spending a bundle of money on shocks is what you want to do, then go ahead I happen to think my ride is excellent with a $160 set of shocks. Granted it's not a cadillac, but it is comfortable enough for long distance driving, which I do once a month. Leaving tomorrow morning on an 800+ mile journey,,,,98

 

for my 2000 f150. 99k miles. I went to Advance Auto Parts and the dude mentioned KYB. Are they any good? They went for $69. I have had other people mention Ranchos, Monroe sensatracs, Procomps. Just don't know. I'd rather get somethin thats good and pay a little extra for'em.

Plus, where would I get somethin like Ranchos from... any local 4x4 joint?

 

I LOVE Edlebrocks IAS! They are worth every penny! I have them on my Super Duty. I can HIGHLY recommend them.

 

I think a lot of what type of shocks to buy also depends on the driving you do. The Rancho RS9000's are great or if u want to go the cheaper route a set of RS5000's go for about 30-40 dollars each at WWW.4WheelParts.com are good too. I was hesitant to get Ranchos for my 99 ride but after installing them, I'm extremely happy with the ride...alot of it also has to do with personal preference....I gotta buddy who has bilsteins on his..and i really wasnt that impressed..and he shelled out 79 buck for each one. Just shop around..read up on the different types of shocks, (pressurized vs. non pressurized) and just keep asking people. I gotta 99 F-150 w/ 75000 miles on it with RS9000's. I live in LA and do a lot of freeway driving...but I go out to the desert and baja alot too..I found the Ranchos to be a happy middle ground.

KMD

WWW.LASDRACING.ORG

 

I installed rancho 9000's on the back of my screw , and just last week did Ranchoa 500s up front absolutly love the ride improvement , stifer and much less bouncy. paid $69 each rear and only $37 each front. if money is tite do one pair one payday , and another pair on another payday ? worked for me my 13 year old son helped me install was a good father and son project , Skully

 

I would recommend Edelbrock IAS, they have a nice smooth ride on my truck yet eliminated the bounce and minimized the sway on the highway.I installed them about a year ago and have been very happy with them.

 

I've got the Monroe Reflex shocks on my '97. They have been on for about 40,000 miles and two years now. I will be putting them on my '99 when I get around to it. I guess that means I was happy! They ran about $45 a shock, and I bought them on a buy three, get one free deal.

 

call Eric at Roush...their Bilsteins are on sale about half price..These are an upgrade over the Factory Lightning Bilsteins..Heavier Duty and performance valving.

Phone#734-466-6253...

 

I installed Rancho 5000s on my 2000 F150 2WD Sport a week ago. So far I am very pleased with their performance. It's tight, but not too tight. They're a vast improvement over stock. I was seriously considering 9000Xs, but the 50% lower price for the 5000s won.

I got them at www.truckperformance.com for $33.81 per shock ($155.73 total with shipping). Even if you want different shocks, try this site. They have the best prices I've seen with the largest selection.

Removal and installation of the fronts was easy enough once I got the right tool (two 21mm open-end wrenches, or one and channel-locks, were required for removal of the upper bolt on my Sport). Removal takes longest, since it took about 50 turns each with an open-end wrench, and they were on pretty tight. Lower bolts require 1/2" socket. For installation of the new shocks I had to jack up the springs because the new shocks were shorter than the originals. One hour, including prep.

Removal and installation of the rears was a real B. The upper bolt is inside the frame, making access extremely tight. Two pairs of hands are a huge benefit on this one, and backing the truck onto ramps and removing the spare tire also added much-needed space. I turned the ratchet while my friend held it on-target. This removal requires a 3/4" deep socket and a 3/4" open-end wrench (or channel-locks). Again installation was much easier with the new upper bolt being a 1/2". The lower bolt was a 3/4". A 19mm can be substituted for 3/4" in nearly all cases. Three hours, including prep.

I hope this helps make your experience a little easier. Remember, though, that sizes may differ with your equipment my truck's info is below.

 

I'm happy with my RS9000's after about 8 months. The adjustment is nice for the few times I tow or have a heavy load. The range of adjustment is good, although I prefer a slightly stiffer setting than my wife. If you can hold out for a buy three get one free sale, get the RS9000 or 9000x. Should be about $200 for a set at that time and are not too hard to install.

 

I went to Sears and purchase 4 Monroe SensaTac shocks for a 1998 F-150 V6 SuperCab 2W. I think they gave me shocks for a V8 4X4. Looked at various site for correct shock but nowhere I looked specify shocks for a V6 Supercab 2W. Any ideas.