Just curious what kind of shocks everyone is using.. I blew out my pass side rear one and might as well just replace them all.. its a stock 02 F150, 4x4 with the 5.4.. Going to get a leveling kit soon but need to buy these before so i can drive this thing again. I was looking into the rancho shocks.. Anyone use or like them? Any other brands or shocks i should look at?

 

You cant go wrong with bilstein 5100 shocks.

 

I'm assuming since you mentioned your truck was stock, you don't have a lift...which means you can't use a Bilstein 5100's. You can get a Bilstein HD (which is essentially the same shock as the 5100 anyways) but there have been reported problems with the length of the front shocks causing handling issues, but that seems to be random.

Also, the only thing resembling a "leveling kit" for your truck would be new indexed keys for the torsion bars...which you do not want. Just crank up the stock ones as far as they'll go.

I have Rancho 9000's and absolutely love them! Highly recommended. I have also had Edelbrocks on a stock truck in the past that I really really liked, but not as much as the Ranchos.

 

I'm running Fox....But you can't go wrong with bilstein or Edlebrock

 

I'm a fan of bilstein, I've installed 2 sets on a 2000 and a 2003 f150. Getting ready to throw a set on the wife's Jeeper also. The fronts were a little difficult to get on both f150's, but that's about it. I've never had any handling issues, and haven't heard of any on the 97-03's, but that doesn't mean there aren't any. Just the first I've heard of it.

As far as the leveling kit goes, stay away. If you have a 97-03, just crank the t-bars and lift the front end for free. If you do decide to go with Bilsteins, you will need the HD ones that are for a stock f150, not the 5100's... Even if you put a body lift on it eventually, the 5100s won't work. They are for suspension lifts.

 

Hey scott5, what leveling kit are you getting? also does anyone knows something about the new rancho maximum travel (RS5000) for torsion bar leveling kits? I think those has just been released this march

 

I would do what Galaxy & jk007 said and just crank the torsion bars.... no leveling kit..


I run Rancho RSX shocks btw...

 

anyone run the rs5000?

 

post pics of your truck doggy, and some of your other toys!

 

I just installed the Rancho Quick Lift and RS9000XL's on my '05 and I love 'em they have dramatically improved the ride of my truck. I chose the Ranchos because you can adjust them to what feels best to you. The Bilseins were my other option but you cant adjust them.

Really anything other than stock will be an improvement.

 

After receiving my Rancho RS9000XL's in the mail today I saw on the shock it's self that the boot would need to be mounted in the up position. It has "This end down" stamped on the shock.
Just FYI

I just got done installing them and love the ride and adjust-ability factor... next will be the in-cab wireless controller.

 

What else do I need to know about this setup? Do I need to get blocks or anything for the rear end? Or does the RS9000 match the quicklift? I want to maintain a raked suspension so the rear has to come up with the front. Do I need blocks?

 

Your truck will still have a slight bit of rake so if you want you truck to sit 2" higher and not nearly level then you will need to ad some blocks to the rear. The RS9000's will match the Quick Lift.

For towing/hauling purposes I plan on adding some Firestone Airbags to the rear suspension to carry the loads.

 

The Quick Lift shocks are RS9000's.

 

I love the Rancho rs9000xl shocks... Lifetime warranty plus 9 way adjustability with a two inch leveling kit works for me...