Hey all, as most of you know, my truck has extreme low miles (25,000) now and I was wondering what everyone thinks about possible all around shock replacing? They are the OEMs I know. I was wondering about some shocks that could gain me some height, but with a decent ride (close to OEM but doesn't have to be). Also what about some of those pictures I've seen like this:



Versus my OEM style shocks like these?


I was liking the looks of the ones with the spring around them.

Anyone care to enlighten me please?

Also I need to replace all of the bushings up front (and if they're are any in the rear) Anyone know a good source for those?


Thank you!

 

is your truck 4wd

 

Yes it is

97 F150 XLT 4x4 (4.6L)

 

No, use a standard style replacement shock. Your truck does not use coilover shocks like you pictured. Your torsion bars and rear leaf springs support the weight of your truck, not the shocks. Your shockmounts were never designed to support the weight of the truck so you can't just bolt on coilover shocks and crank up the preload to gain ride height.

 

Ok so coilovers won't work.

Got that.

What about brands for replacements....if you guys think mine need to be replaced? I'm not sure of the "off the lot" drive it had because I'm not the original owner...grandpa was. But...11 years...sitting...25,000....?

Thanks!

 

lol just replaced mine. with some from auto zone baby

haha sorry just throwin in my two cents

 

Bilstien's seem to have the best rep, but most any name brand shock will be an improvement.

 

Ok Thanks folks!

Anything to stay away from?

 

Nothing to really 'stay away from', but keep in mind, IMO, shocks is another one of those areas that "you get what you pay for", but you also really need to decide what you're looking for...nice firm handling or soft, cushy Caddy ride!! Shocks are also one of those area that you don't get your cake and get to eat it also! Wow, a '97 with 25k on it!! That's kinda cool. I would say new shocks would be a worth while mod.

 

i got monroes in the front 55$ each and gabrialle pro gaurds in the back from autozone for 45$ each. The back shocks are a pain to take out!! ended up with some Map gas and a 15lbs slugde hammer and they flew right out my truck rides just fine alot better then the stock shocks i took out.... Why are you changeing shocks so early? i thought they recommend 50,000 miles?

 

Well I figured on changing them out, just because the truck sat and sat and sat for so long...just figured the shocks would be worn out from sitting around with not alot of movement.

Or am I wrong in this assumption?

 

First off, test them.

I favor the "bounce test". Grab a corner of your car, then start rocking it to and fro about six or eight times. Once you let go, see if it continues to bounce more than 2 or 3 times. If it keeps rocking, then you need new shocks.

Just go out for a drive. How is the ride?

On my '97 Explorer w/ 200,000 miles, I recently replaced the OEM shocks with Rancho Shocks. They ride great.

 

Good question. Do shocks age with time? You can tell if the seals have aged and broken, and hydraulic fluid is leaking. However, I believe that shocks age with use.