Shock Warehouse is suggesting I go with Edelbrock over Bilstein because they say I'll get the handling quality of Bilsteins with the Edelbrocks, but the ride will be smoother with Edelbrocks. Anybody got firsthand experience with this? And while I'm at it...am interested in a 2/4 drop kit, but obviously not interested in shocks if I get the Edelbrocks. Any input is appreciated.

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1998 Fire Engine Red F150 Flareside Extended Cab with Snuglid 4.6L with Superchip, Airaid, Dual Flo-Pro cat back system, etc.

 

Aren't the Edelbrocks more expensive than the Bilsteins? I am also looking for some shocks and have heard conflicting stories about which ones ride better. Although I have a 4x4 95% of my driving is done on the street. I would give up some off-road ability for some on road comfort.

Also, how good are the stock shocks that come with the ORP? The brochure said they were heavy duty gas-filled. At 50K miles should I need new ones or is the suspension just getting broken in? The truck still handles well, brakes pretty good but has just gotten a little looser.

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, SC, ORP, 5.4, Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt nerf bars, fog light mod and Big Bird mirror toy.

 

Shock Warehouse quoted me under $70 a piece for the Edelbrocks. I don't know how that relates to the Bilsteins. Not sure I can help you on the wear and tear quotient either. Sorry.

I mainly want to reduce the bouncy highway ride that you get with OEM shocks. Later I'd like to consider dropping the truck a few inches (not that LOWrider deal, but a slight drop would be nice).

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1998 Fire Engine Red F150 Flareside Extended Cab with Snuglid 4.6L with Superchip, Airaid, Dual Flo-Pro cat back system, etc.

 

I had the same question re: Edelbrock vs. Bilstein. I went with the Bilstein because I was pleased with them in the past and I saved just under $20 per shock over the Edelbrock.

While my '99 F-250SD CC rides better than it did with the OEM, I would like it to be softer on regular roads. I might buy the Edelbrock knowing that there is a 30 day money back guarentee. Does anyone know if the Edelbrock really gives a softer ride on the highway?

 

I've had the Edelbrocks on mine for almost a year and they do soften the ride. They also allow less body roll in corners. I've ridden in trucks with Bilsteins and they seem to be more suited for off-road type driving. The Edelbrocks are a better shock IMO.

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'97 XLT Reg. Cab, 4.2V6, 5spd, Superchipped, K&N Air Filter, Lund Deflector, Dash Mat, MagnaFlow Muffler, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Edelbrock Shocks, Duraliner, Extang Saber Tonneau, Bell-Tech 2" Rear Drop, Amer. Rac. Atlas Wheels Clad in 275/60/17 Eagle GTII. Likes straightaways, loves twisties.

 

Thanks Frank,
That seems to be the word I'm getting (in person) from the folks I've talked with. I'm also told the Edelbrocks are designed to be used with a reputable spindle drop, like the Bell Tech. The fronts are designed for a 2" drop and the rears for a 4" drop (which is what I'm contemplating anyway). Mind me asking what you gave for the Edelbrocks. Shock Warehouse is quoting me $69.31 a piece for them (plus $15 shipping for all 4). I've just now begun checking prices.

 

I paid $237 after a $27 rebate at the time. You can buy them here on this website also(in case you didn't know). Mine are for the factory ride height so I called Edelbrock and they said they can be used with a max. of 2" of drop. Now they can be ordered for up to 4".

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'97 XLT Reg. Cab, 4.2V6, 5spd, Superchipped, K&N Air Filter, Lund Deflector, Dash Mat, MagnaFlow Muffler, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Edelbrock Shocks, Duraliner, Extang Saber Tonneau, Bell-Tech 2" Rear Drop, Amer. Rac. Atlas Wheels Clad in 275/60/17 Eagle GTII. Likes straightaways, loves twisties.

 

To Craig R. George

You mentioned you had the Edelbrocks on a 99 F250SD CC. Is this a 4x4 gas or diesel?. I'm just wondering because the application chart for the Edelbrock IAS performers lists only a F250 SD 4x4 diesel part number. I want to put the IAS's on my 99F250SD CC 4x4 5.4. I heard they are available for the Superduties but want to make sure that the length/fit is just right. This is for a stock application to replace the factory units. Just wondering if they make them to fit the gasser or it it even makes a difference. I would appreciate any comments or feedback.

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'99 F250SD XLT/CC/SB 4x4 5.4, White/Silver
Luverne Stainless steps, 285/75/16 BFG A/T's
on stock XLT rims

 

Craig R. George

Looking at your post again, I see you have the Bilsteins on - not the Edelbrocks. OOPS.
My question is still good if anyone has any info.

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'99 F250SD XLT/CC/SB 4x4 5.4, White/Silver
Luverne Stainless steps, 285/75/16 BFG A/T's
on stock XLT rims

 

I am also seeking info on the Bilstein v. Edelbrock question. I plan on buying a new set in the next month or so and nobody has really made a convincing argument for either. Should I just keep my stock "premium" off-road shocks? I did pay extra fro the off-road package.

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, SC, ORP, 5.4, Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt nerf bars and fog light mod.

 

I got the part numbers for the Edelbrock IAS for my F-250SD 4x4 CC 5.4L by sending an e-mail to Edelbrock (got there address from their web page, edelbrock.com).

The Bilsteins are an improvement over the stock shocks but I am still curious about whether the IAS is all Edelbrock claims it to be. I still might get a set if I can pretend I didn't spend the money.

 

In case anyone is interested, I am lowering my truck 2/4" in the next two weeks. So I'm parting my set of four Edelbrock ISA for 200.00 for the whole set(3 months old)with lifetime warranty. I am putting in the Ground Force lowering kit which comes with their own shocks. If anyone interested e-mail me or I'll just put them back in their original boxes and let it sit in the garage.

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1997 XLT Supercab emerald green,4.6 auto superchip, rear dual exhaust, Atlas wheels w HP 275/60/17 tires, Lund steps and quarter window shades, Outland grille guard w KC daylighters, piaa 1000 in bumpers openings, Trenz billet grille, edlebrock ISA shocks, Powerslider, stainless steel fender trim, Delta toolbox, putco bars, fluidyne cooler, Airaid kit, Gentex electronic compass dimming mirror,Downey SST tonneau cover, Snugtop topgun is on the way, customize hood next.

 

Sounds like a deal for those shocks, MIF-150!

I drove the truck pretty hard the last few days (trip thru the desert and over the Sierra's) and it (alright, "she") ran great! Ran for hours with the A/C and over 100° outside, went over 10,000' a couple of times, and I paid $2.09 a gallon for 87 in a podunkt little town south of Tahoe (ouch!).

Anyway, the point I'm getting to is that I really noticed how nice the ride is now that I've put on the Edelbrock IAS's. They soak up the potholes nicely, really level out the turns, and reduce the harmonic bounce by ~60%. I noticed a few times that Suburbans, Silverados, and even an Expedition could stay with me going up the hills, but they would fall behind as soon as we started hitting curves! HA!!

I get a much smoother ride on the road and MUCH better handling than with the stock shocks (not like a sports car, but the lean with the OEM shocks is pretty scary)!

So, I guess what I'm saying is, the next time you have $250-300 burning a hole in your pocket, flip a coin --
heads = IAS shocks ; tails = new cat-back exhaust.

Jim

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'99 F-250 LD 5.4L SC XLT 2WD in White/Silver (w/ EVERYTHING 'cept leather and engine block heater) -- added: SnugTop Hi-Liner & carpet kit, Donnelly electrochromatic/compass mirror, K&N filter, SuperWhite 9007 bulbs, IAS shocks, 3" Induction Airbox Mod, more to come... (Westin side bars, cat-back exhaust, electric fan, and Superchip are next)

[This message has been edited by JHerron (edited 08-01-1999).]