Am looking to purchase a new set of Bilstein shock absorbers for my 02 Screw FX4 that has no lift but has the torsion bars cranked and running BFG 35's. Any advice on what shock to use? I like the look of the 5100/5150 series but it indicates it is meant for lifted or custom applications so I don't know if it would work for me or not. I was wondering since the FX4 sits a little higher anyway if a shock meant for 2-3" of lift could work with a little massaging . Has anyone used these shocks on a Screw? The look of that silver tube on my truck would be awesome, my brother has them on his DMax w/ 8" of lift and they are cooool.

I realize that if they are too long they will bottom out and blow seals, so I want to make sure they would work prior to purchasing.

 

Tire size has NO bearing at all on shock length. You need stock size shocks, period. A good shock though is definately worth it since you have a drastic increase in unsprung weight with those big meats on there. Don't skimp on shocks, get the 5100 or 5150's either one. Never had them but I know you can't go wrong with Bilsteins. Edelbrocks would be nice too. Just out of curiosity, what makes you think a FX4 sits higher and what are you comparing this to? An FX4 is absolutely no higher than any other 4X4. They all have the same springs, torsion bars, everything. The FX4 is no different. All the shocks are the same (lenght wise) for all F-150 4X4's (witout a lift that is). For the Bilsteins again, just check to see if they have it for the stock vehicle and get them if they do. Doesn't mean because they are "meant" for something that it wouldn't be an awesome shock on yours.

 

I realize that the torsion bars and tire size do not make a difference for shock length but they do as you noted make a difference in ride quality and unsprung weight. My thoughts on the FX4 sitting higher was mostly in relation to other brands of trucks. Fords and Dodges sit higher than Chev. and GMC's for example, and possibly some of that height difference could be in the spring height resulting in a different shock length??

The 5100 is meant for lifted applications but I am HOPING they have a shock meant for a lifted application that just happens to be the same extended and collapsed length as the stock Ford shocks. I have emailed shox.com in hopes of finding a answer and if they will not work I will go w/ the regular bilstein's. Thanks for the reply Galaxy.

Mark

 

OK, no flames but you have completely lost me. You can't compare the fact that Ford's sit higher than Chevy's. Yes they do because the Ford is a superior vehicle (he he) but comparing that in any other capacity is like comparing apples to peanuts. There is just no comparison. It has nothing to do with spring design or anything else, it's just the way the different vehicles were manufactured. Period. No comparison. You also don't want to shop for a shock just by finding the right length. For one thing, the attachment types may be completely different and also the shocks are valved and designed for a SPECIFIC vehicle type and weight. I know the Edlebrocks do this and my shocks are made for a F-150 4X4. They are not for anything else just because they are the right length. I don't know if this helped any but good luck, and make sure you do the job right. Don't try and "make" something work that's not intended for your truck. If it doesn't work out with the Bilsteins, get Edelbrocks. You wont be dissapointed, although the 5150's do look pretty sweet if you can get it for the stock application.

 

No flames taken. I guess I was just trying to state the fact that I was not gonna settle on OEM Bilsteins or Edelbrock's until I had satisfied my curiosity that there was not a 5150 for my particular application. You never know what is available until you ask or find out. I spoke with Bilstein and there is nothing that will work for my particular application at this time. I am probably going to go w/ the OEM Bilsteins.

 

hello all. Can someone tell me how I go about posting a question in the suspension section.