I've got 120,000 miles on my F-150 4.6v8... I'm figuring its time to get new shocks front and back. I've looked at autozone..

they have:
sport_ryders for $17 each
gas_ryders for $24 each
max_control for $75 front / $55 rear

and Bilstien for $70 fronts only... none listed for rear

I was leaning towards the gas_ryders... but the names just sounds so darn cheap... but then again $25 time four shocks makes for about a $100 job which is plenty expensive enough for me.

Any suggestions? Do other part stores carry better stuff? Which ones do you think will most closely resemble the ride from my stock shocks (new)?

Thanks,
Sal

 

Most people here seem to recommend the Edelbrock IAS shocks.

I also hear alot about the Rancho RSX's.

 

I was in the same boat as you. (same truck too ) and decided to go over budget and get the Monroe Reflex. (as recommended here)

I'm VERY happy with how they improved performance. With an empty truck they are just slightly stiff, but with even a small load + the family, the truck rides great. I don't mind the slightly stiffer valving at all, I think its a good thing.

They should last me the rest of the life of the truck. (@140K now)

I think they were 225-250 OTD ?

 

SSanto,

I put Gabriel Gas Ryder shocks on a 92 2wd F150 with 120,000 miles I used to have and I thought they delivered a fine ride. If you only wanna spend a hundred, I think they are OK.

I personally think the Rancho 5000 are too stiff (had them on a 94 F150 4x4) and the Rancho RSX and Bilsteins/Edelbrocks are too expensive for me...I have Doetsch-Tech 3000's on my 97 F150 4x4 right now and I LOVE they way they ride, especially off-road. I paid 32.99 each for my DT's.

 

The Monroe Reflex seemed to be jittery and threw me all over the place in the cab while driving through rough mudhole parking lots. I put on the Rancho RS5000's, and it smoothed out quite a bit. It doesn't throw me around the cab anymore. The ride feels solid now, like the truck is one piece. An RS5000 2wd steering stabilizer helped ALOT for potholes and rough road surfaces. I will get them again the next time it's due for shocks. I only have them on the front right now, but will get the rears when I get home in a few days,,,,98

So far I have had the following shocks since I've owned the truck.....

Gabriel "VST" An okay shock but not quite heavy enough for a truck IMO

Monroe Gas Magnum. A good shock which worked great for a while then began to leak.

Monroe Reflex. GREAT handling and body roll control, but seemed harsh on potholes, and jittery on rough surfaces. I could feel every little road imperfection.

Rancho RS5000. My opinion is stated above.

 

Monroe Sensa-Tracs. Very smooth riding low pressure gas shock $27.00 each. Do not put them on a lifted truck because they have a zone in the piston range thats valved smooth and when you lift it then it rides in a different part of the shock which is valved stiffer. I used Gas -Ryders and thought they were choppy. 1 of them blew out in 2 months. Reflex's are stiff, VST's were stiff, Ranchos arent pressurized at all but I'm not sure if the RSX's are or not. A lot of problems noted with the Edelbrock IAS on another site.

 

Do the Rancho5000s have polyurethane bushings in them? Does anyone else recommend them? Thanks for any opinions.

 

Mine didn't, but supposedly the higher end ranchos do, from what I have heard. I have not noticed any difference really. I had a 67 stang with urethane mounted shocks, and could not tell the difference. Maye a bit more responsive?,,,,98

 

Has anyone tried KYB shocks? They are $75 each for the rear and I was told by a shock distributer that my truck will handle cornering like a race car but with a little more road stiffness. Any experiences with KYB?

 

I personally am not a fan of KYB after putting them on my Mustang but I know that's a totally different application.

Been curious if the new Tokico Truck/SUV shock would be worth while. They seem fairly priced for a higher end shock. There just over $200 for all four corners. Little less than Bilstein.

 

Just ordered a set of Rancho RSXs for my truck last nite. $212 shipped to my door. Really can't complain. I Can't wait till they come in . I'll keep you guys updated on how the truck handles at the end of the week.

 

There is an endless amount of shocks to put on your truck, stock or modified. It all depends on how much money you want to spend. Rancho series shocks work excellent but tend to be a little pricey. If you buy rancho, buy the 9000 series shocks. They are the top of the line ranchos but they are worth the extra few bucks. Personally, i'd go with a company by the name of Bilstien. They by far make the best shock 4your buck and the shocks should only end up running you about 60-75 bucks a piece. For a stock vehicle that is mostly driven on the road, I would go with the Bilstien 5100 series shocks, they ride amazingly smooth and last forever. They are also chrome plated and come with a black boot so you dont have to worry about tacky colored shocks under your clean looking ride. I have worked at several aftermarket truck accessory shops and have seen pretty much EVERY kind of shock that you can put on an F-150... i highly recommend the Bilstiens. Under no circumstances would i go with brands such as pro-comp, skyjacker, or edelbrok. The ride quality is medeocre at best and only gets worse through the shock's lifespan. I would recommend going to your local aftermarket truck accessory shop such as Four Wheel Parts Wholesalers (NOT KRAGENS!!). They carry the Bilstien brand. Hope I can help.
Courtney
97 f-150 2wd
7 1/2" fabtech lift w/ bilstien shocks
35" BFG A/Ts
4.56 gears

 

My Rancho 5k's were $40 or less a shock, not pricey at all considering all the high buck shocks out there like the Bilsteins and Edelbrocks. They have been on for about 20k, and have not lost any performance so far. Chrome rusts, and quite fast. You can paint tacky shocks,,,,98

 

Rancho 9000x, Edlebrock IAS, and Bilstien's are the best for stock stock suspension. Prettymuch everyone who ones any of the three are happy.

If you cannot afford the $70ea, wait until spring when Rancho has the buy three get one free sale.

 

I read on a Mustang Message Board sometime back that the Edelbrocks were made by Bilstein. If I remember correctly the installer noticed that they each had the same part number embossed into the shocks. Color was the only difference. Doesn't matter though, I have yet to read anything bad about Bilstein.