i know its been asked a million i just cant find a thread on it but when you put a lift in the trucks do you need to replace the shocks or can you just keep the stock ones.

 

generally yes you replace the shocks.

factory shocks usually have 2" + or - of alteration, so depends on how much your "lift" is

 

I agree.

 

When you lift the truck - even 2", you raise the center of gravity, put more down force on the front shocks when braking and of course more side force when turning. If you are going to spend $ lifting the truck, you should include a budget for new shocks. Any good premium shock will do - but unless your shocks are new new, be safe and get new. Purchase shocks fro the lift, as the damping force will be grater for the extra travel.
You'll be glad you did when you can corner, stop and drive safely and comfortably. You'll enjoy the performance of a good Bilstein mono tube (with a little choppy ride) or a good Tokico, Ranch or Edelbrock twin tube - better ride, but not as much damping force if you travel off road.

Just my 15 cents worth...

 

502boy, you have the right thought process, but poor wording.

The shocks are not load bearing, and therefore there is no extra down force on them....

 

I agree.

 

Damn wandell, you're almost to 20,000 posts

 

My honest opinion, I wouldn't even think of doing a liftkit without shocks.

I have a 2000 4.6 4x4, and Have just done my shocks, with my buddy who has a 2002 4.6 4x2, I had 100k miles, he had only 30 000 miles. all eight shocks were pooched from both trucks. We could compress all the shocks by hand and they wouldn't recoil. I was reallly surprised.

I am young and learning alot. and some basic things I discover with the shocks.

is that the stocks shocks are oil filled. where as most after market shocks are gas chaged. Gas shocks way better then oil filled.

Both of us, put coil over shocks on the rear, And just a good replacement on the fronts.

Truck handle night and day.

Plus the coil over on the rear add 500lbs to you payload alone.

Bottom line shocks are really inexpensive when you consider the difference they can make, and conside how expensive most upgrades cost for little value.