Sorry if this has been asked before.

2000 F150 4WD, 5.4L EXT Cab with about 83K on the odometer. The truck basicly only gets used as a second vehicle now in the winter, but in the summer it gets used any time I can get to the lake to go boating. This last summer I noticed that the trailer really seemed to push the azz end around especially around corners. I've also noticed that my ride as has gotten worse. I'm assuming its time for new shocks, but I'm not sure what ones to go with.

I don't really go off road so I'd say 95% of my driving is on pavement.

Looking for a decent shock that won't break the bank (say under $150 or so)
I've looked online, and it seems like Rancho's, Monroe, and gabreil (sp?) seem to be the ones that come up the most.
Any input on a particular brand, and good place to buy them would be greatly appreicated.

-Shane
Des Moines, IA

 

i just put Rancho RSX'x on my truck and i anm very happy with them.
I got them from summit. i get most of my stuff for my truck and stang from summit.

http://store.summitracing.com/defaul....asp&x=28&y=11

 

I've used Edelbrocks on all 4 corners. It improved the ride towing & non towing.

 

For your type of driving, get bilsteins.

 

Bilsteins have been rated as one of the best(IF NOT... THE BEST) of course opinions differ. Rancho adjustable is considered to be very good as well but they are tailored more for offroad use, BUT they have adjustability...

 

I also have a 2000 5.4 4x4 supercab. I have had the following shocks on either of the 2 F-150's I have had. Maybe this will help, listed in order of price from lowest to highest. I had to replace the MX-6's because the dust covers filled with water and rust them up quite a bit, so whatever you get toss the dust covers.

1. Rancho RS5000 - (Good economical shock, on the medium side of firm.)

2. Trailmaster SSV - (Better than the Rancho's, on the medium side of firm, but started rusting all over after 6 months.)

3. Bilstein - (Top of the line monotube gas pressure shocks. BUT!, I had 2 go bad in the first 6 months, one right out of the box, another the first time I drove off road and lost all confidence in them.)

4. Pro Comp MX-6 Shocks - (Excellent all around heavy duty shock, will go from soft to very stiff, 6-way externally adjustable shock, these where the best shocks in my opinion.)

5. Rancho RS9000X - (Excellent all around heavy duty shock, will go from soft to very stiff, 9-way externally adjustable shock, a little on the stiff side.)

 

Been calling around all morning, and looks like I can get

Monroe Sensa Track
Monroe Reflex
Rancho RS 5000

All 3 of these are in my price range. Can anyone tell me which ones are better?

Thanks
-Shane

 

I just installed the Monroe Reflex shocks and absolutly love them. The give the truck a nice stiff feel, like a new truck, while giving a soft ride.

 

I put a set of Rancho RS5000's on the front of my 01 F150 last week. Haven't had time to do the rears yet. But from what I can tell, the front end feels much firmer and the steering reacts faster to sudden turns alot quicker. With the Rancho's, when I hit a pothole it's not rattling me to death like the stock shocks would. And that's just with the front shocks changed out. I'm going to do the rears problably sometime next week. If you get the Rancho's be sure when you go to put the dust boots on that you make sure the drain holes at the bottom of the boots have enough clearance to drain properly. If you look through the drain holes on the boot when it's installed on the shock, the holes should be level with the bottom of the shock casing where the piston goes in and out of the O-ring seal. Make sure the zip ties are pulled as tight as they can possibly get. That prevents water from rusting your shock's piston rod. There's a few pointers for ya.

Cheers,

Peace...

 

with 83K miles on the stock shocks any shock you buy will be a big improvement.

 

WERD Lee.

 

So you like the big red candle sticks.....Happy New Years

 

Don't talk bad about my shocks. Next time you do I'll knock your teeth so far down your throat that you'll have to drop your pants to chew your food, and you'll have to clear your throat to fart. How'd you like a five knuckle introduction right betwixt the runnin' lights? Happy New Years to you too, you old fart.

 

I have a 2000 XLT extended cab 4x4 5.4L and I put on the Rancho RSX and love them. I also had the Monroe Reflex on the old meatwagon(1986 Bornco II) The Reflex were not as heavy duty as the Rancho but the same principle. Rancho and Monroe shocks are the same company. The RSX have been on for a year now and the ride is the same as when I installed them.

Good luck

Reloader55

 

Update.

I ended up going with Monroe Gas matics. They were about $35/ea on sale. They claim they are more for trucks then cars, and are a little more on the heavy duty size. So far they are great. The truck rides a little firmer, but a defent improvement. Changed them out myself in about 90 mintues.

next up is the ball joints.