I have a 06 King Ranch 150 and have just leveled out the front end. I would really like to change out the POS factory shocks on the front and rear but have no idea which ones to go with. I was hoping someone with a little knowledge and experince could help me. I would like to have something that is smooth on and off road. I load the back of the truck and use a trailer often as well so i need them to perform well with a trailer and a load as well. Any suggestions???

 

I have a leveling kit on mine also, you can go with the Bilstein 5100 shock's which are medium duty or the Bilstein Heavy Duty's like I have. I was torn between the 5100's and the HD's but I tow trailers and boat's sometimes so I went with the matching heavy duty's front and rear. The 5100 front's give up to 2 inches lift but I already am leveled 2 1/2 inches so I didn't really need them. Big difference over the stocker's.

 

I agree.

 

bilstein 5100

 

Shop around. Those Bilsteins are expensive.

 

So I done some shopping around and am really leaning toward the Blistens as most people seem to agree that they are a pretty good shock. But I also have taken an interest in one other shock the Ranchos, as they also seem pretty good and are adjustable for the lift. Anybody got any advice to maybe persuade me one way or the other?

 

I know the the HD's would probably hold up better when pulling trailers or holding a load but how do they compare to the medium duty for off road use and normal drinving conditions?

 

Kings are supposed to be great. I saw an article where they ran a stock F150 on an offroad course. Then they put the King shocks and 35in tires, and the truck almost cut the time in half (on the same course). You would have to e-mail them or call to inquire about towing with them. I tow a 21ft toybox and am thinking about Kings (which can be expensive) vs. the bilstein 5100's vs. Fox Shocks.
Here is the King link:
http://www.kingshocks.com/perfkits_f150.php


chowder

 

I swapped out my stock shocks at 28k and they were 100% dead. I installed the Bilstein 5100 with a 2'' level up front and the truck feels like a totally different truck. It handles better and the rear doesnt feel like its going to kick out when you hit a bump going around a turn.

 

I like Rancho. They make a great product. I have some on my Explorer. My mechanic likes to steer his customers toward Rancho. Sure, there are better shocks that cost a lot more money. But for the money, Rancho is the best bang for your buck. In the same price range, would you rather ride on Monroe?

 

They work great ,stiff but still a smooth ride. A lot better side control, took some of that side sway and roll out of my truck. Real good over bumps and control's the jounce and bounce of the large tires on my truck great. Also took some of the squat out of the rear when hooking up to my utility trailer. Either way with the 5100's or the heavy duty's you can't lose. Heavy duty's are blue and yellow and the 5100's are zinc plated.