I have an '05 Scab XLT 4x4 5.4L with 17,800 mi. Still have the factory shocks on but I think the rears are starting to go. How can I tell for sure if they are wearing out? There is no leakage but they can be depressed easily between my hands. Fronts are still good, checked them when I installed the AS 2" level kit. Second question, I know it would be best to replace all 4 at once but is there a draw back to replacing only the rears? I do load the truck occasionally, normally 500 - 700 lbs but have been up to 1500 lbs.
Thanks for your help.

 

After you depress the shock, does it rebound back out? sounds like the shocks are just about worn out to me. The stock rears are pretty lame IMO, I replaced the rears at about the same mileage that you are at, I'm now at 31,000 miles. I threw on some Pro Comp ES9000 on the rear and still have the stock fronts with the AS2 kit as well and all has been fine. I haul dirt bikes around alot and the ride has been great with bikes or with out. No problems here.

 

Guys,

I have a 2.5" leveling kit on the front and a 1.5" AAL on the rear. My ride is very stiff. When I ride over a speed bump it very rough. could my front shocks be over extended? I went by a 4x4 shop and the guy told me that I didn't have shocks on the front... he called them struts and said that i only needed to replace the rear shocks. I'm no suspension guy but I don't think I have struts. I thought they were coil-over shocks. He said it would cost about $180 to do the rear and over $400 for the fronts. I was thinking about bilsten 5150s series. Can someone please assist? Oh, btw I have a 06 FX4Screw.