I purchased my truck new in May 1998 F150 4.6L 2WD Lariat Ext Cab. It has 117,000 miles on it but they are all smooth paved road miles and the truck rides nicely. I do take care of it and thought it might be time for shocks. I don't have any problems with the orignal ones but I like to keep up with regular maintence items. They are not leaking either. I would be interested in any comments you might have. Should I change them?

Thanks in Advance

 

It's guaranteed that shocks with that mileage aren't in good condition. You're correct that shocks should be regularly maintained. You should change them in my opinion.

 

I would change them as well.

I just replaced mine (truck bought used at 96k, had 103k when I changed the shocks) with Rancho RS5000s from samsoffroad.com (4 for $146). The price was right

I also installed them myself in a couple hours.

The old ones werent doing horribly bad, but I figured I could get a little bit better ride and handling with the Ranchos, and so far I am pleased with them.

 

I usually go about 30k for OE shocks. I guarantee you are going to be amazed with the difference in the ride once you change them.

 

Well It looks like it's unanimous. I guess I'm off to the parts store again. I think I'll change the differential gear lube while I'm at it.

Thanks for the comments.

 

50th ann, no doubt it's a good idea to replace those original shocks after so many miles. And for diff fluid, i think ford specifiies a full synthetic for it. i believe it is a 75w140 weight. And if you have limited slip, you'll also need an additive.

 

if you don't ride then hard they can last a long time but that to many miles for any shock