I want to replace my shocks, but this is not my expertise. Any ideas? I was just thinking like the Rancho 5000. Is that a good upgrade or should I consider something else?

 

Any of the Rancho shocks would be a nice upgrade over the factory shocks. The RS5000s are a solid choice for performance on a budget. If cost isn't an issue, the RS9000s are the Rancho top-of-the-line choice.

 

I have RS5000s on mine, they are ok, better than the stockers at least (IMO).

But I also say go for the 9000s if you can afford them.

 

What benefit will these new shocks provide? Softer ride, better ride, etc. I have 50k on my truck and my dealership encoraged me to begin looking at replacing them.

 

Better handling is the biggest advantage. The great thing about adjustable shocks like the RS9000 is you can pick the ride you want. Some people want a soft, plush ride, while other prefer a stiffer ride for better handling. Most aftermarket shocks are valved stiffer than the OEM shocks.

 

I think I am going to go with the Rancho 9000's. They have a remote to adjust the shocks. Might buy that at a later point. Thanks again.

 

Sears has free installation on Rancho and Monroe shocks through June 11th.

 

Edelbrock IAS work great for me and handle well.

 

These are $95 installed OTD (out the door) for the front two.

Do you think I should get the Monroes or RS5000s??
Sears is installing either for free.
I'm looking for a smoother street ride. The most I go off-road is a dirt road leading to where we dirt bike each Sunday.

Anyone ever use The Monroe® Sensa-Trac® truck shock absorbers ??

 

I had a set put on the front today, and am real happy. Now I know how bad the stock fronts really were. They did have 92k on them.

Sears didn't have the backs in stock, so I may just put those on myself since the free installation sale was over after today. They look easy to get to.

 

SAVE YOUR MONEY!

All the shocks listed here from Rancho, Eldebrock and others are made by Monroe.

The Sensatrac is just a different valving in the body unlike the Rancho RS5000(single valve), but they have a high and a low pressure valve. If the shock is moving fast the small valve closes, acting like a bigger shock. The 9000's have an adjustable valve, but I have never met anyone that ever adjusted them.

The smaller diameter the shock, the softer the ride. The larger the piston and diameter the harder the ride. The only job of a shock is to dampen the spring oscillation. So, if you go over rough terrain frequently, go big, if you stay on the road 90% of the time and want a soft ride go small. The only choices you really have in shocks is Monroe, gabriel, and billstein. Billstein's are overpriced. Gabriels are ok, but monroe are easier to find on sale. Almost all shocks are nitrogen charged to reduce oil foaming. Don't get caught up in shock hype. All shocks and struts from NAPA are monroe, but there isn't a label anywhere.

Judge the shocks by diameter of the tube, not the name....then compare price.

Good luck.....

 

Colorado Osprey,

I have noticed your a BiG Monroe fan.
Which shock do you think is best for the F150?

Also, you say Monroe makes shocks for lots of other companies.
I agree they make Rancho, but thought I saw a show (trucks, or another 4x4 show) where Eldebrock was making their IAS shocks in house.

I think the IAS's look like a good product.
If Monroe makes the IAS, which shock of theirs is comparable?

 

It really depends what you are using the truck for. 50% or more in rough terrain, get the largest diameter shock body you can.

Daily driver, get a smaller diameter shock body and get a softer, less harsh ride.

I have put a lot of sensa-trac's on and have never had a complaint.

As far as Eldebrock, all their shocks a few years ago were produced by Monroe. I'm not sure about their new remote reservoir shock though.

I'm not brand promoting, just telling that most shocks that are not "Branded" are Monroe and you don't need to spend big money on shocks. All they do is stop spring oscillation. See what you can get a deal on. I don't think I have ever spent over $120 for a set of 4 loose shocks(not installed). I got sensa-tracs from NAPA during their October sale, buy 3 get one free, then get a rebate from monroe, buy 4, send in receipt, get cost of 1 shock in a check back. So in reality you buy 2 get 2 free!

Look around........

 

I just put a set of Procomp es 9000's on mine, definately smoothed things out
and has reduced body rollslightly. Got them at summit buy 3 get one free.

 

Ok. Most of you guys said Ranchos were a good shock, but recomeneded the 9000's. If I never change the shock ride (beleive me I know I never will) then will the 5000's be the wise choice?