Has anyone had experience with Bilstein shocks on their F150? I drive primarily on pavement. My '98 4WD came with HD gas shocks, part of the off-road package. I tried Rancho 9000 but didn't like them, they help handling at higher settings but make ride worse with constant high frequency bouncing. I put the original Motorcraft shocks back on, ride is better now. BTW, who makes the Motorcraft HD gas shocks? Also, I recommend the Hellwig rear sway bar, it really holds the rear end down, a good add-on with little downside, fairly easy installation.

 

Welcome Seeker- Could you please give me more information on your RS9000 experience? Front and Rear, Towing and Handling? Sorry, I do not have any answers to your other questions. I too have the HD factory shocks and the Hellwig rear (which I love).

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
Class III tow/Payload #3/Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification, Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back,
3" exit Y-pipe, Hellwig rear anti-sway bar.

 

From all reports, and from personal experience on a '95 Ranger, Bilsteins are NOT the shocks you want if ride comfort is your goal. They give greatly improved handling, unbelievable load control whether hauling or towing but they aren't nearly as soft riding as the stock shocks.

 

Thanks for Bilstein feedback. BTW, OEM shocks on 4WD with ORP are Gabriel, about $35 ea. The top pin mount bushings included with these shocks are great - rubber, nesting cone shaped things which fit shock mounting holes much better than the "doughnut" bushings that everyone else uses. Unfortunately they have a tendency to wear through between the shock piston and truck sheet metal. If anyone makes these conical bushings in polyurethane I'd luv to hear about it.