Without spending too much money, what is a decent set of shocks for my leveled FX4? 99% of my driving is on the road.

Hope to see a few replys soon, causing I'm needing shocks this week.

 

Check and see if the Edelbrock IAS shocks are available for your application. It is a great shock.

If not then KYB or Bilstein is another good option.

 

I have a 2001 Supercrew, 4x4. Drive mostly on road, some off, towing to 4000#.

I replaced mine with the Monroe light truck shocks, only about 10K on them now, but haven't had any issues. They were replacing the originals which had a lot of miles on them...so hard to compare with OEM.

 

What about the adjustable front struts. I was told it would be best to remove my leveling kit and go with the Pro Comp Pro Runner. What do you think? If not, Just leave the leveling kit and go with factory size struts?

 

I will tend to go also such as Richard D. suggested.....Shock Recommendations IMHO:

1) Koni- Excellent for racing applications- overpriced for street applications
2) Tokico, QA1 & Bilstein- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running very stiff tires on the street these provide the extra give that you need for both comfort & stability
3) KYB- A very good shock for street/strip applications. If you are running a softer tires on the street these provide the extra stiffness that you need for both comfort & stability. The Exel-G’s (formerly GR-2) are the equivalent to the Edelbrock IAS automatic adjusting units. Overall, stiffness between the Gas-a-just and the GR2’s are the same, the difference is the GR-2's valving which stiffens things up from a oem setting to that of the Gas-a-just units.. Best shock for the $/best price typically found at Performance Suspension Technologies (PST) and typically about 1/3 less than Bilstein.
4) Gabriel- A very nice good quality HD OEM replacement type unit.
5) Monroe- well, it really depends on when/where they are made, some work nice just like the gabriel's, others, well feel as if they are worn out right out of the box...............some last forever, some fall apart in 6 months....their QA is so varied, I would avoid.

 

While adjustible front struts are a "nice thing", given your description of use, I think it is really unnecessary. With regard to the leveling kit, I really don't see that having any great effect on ride quality or performance for your usage.

 

Great info beechkid! I just put on 20x9 XD Monster's with 33x12.50 Toyo Open Country MT last week. I'm really surprised how the shocks feel, not too bad for originals with
93k on them. But time for new.

 

With93k on your stock shocks they are shot and in need of replacement. Beach kid gave some great advice and I agree 100% that an adjustable strut is completely unnecessary.

 

I am running Bilstein 5100's on mine. I bought the adjustable ones for the front since I had yet to buy a leveling kit. Loving them so far.

 

Well, decided to go with Rancho Quiklift Loaded struts for the front and RS9000XL's for the rear. Got an awesome deal of $541 with free shipping, plus the $100 rebate. So, not bad for $441. After installing, I'll let you know how the feel

 

 

UPDATE: Finally got the Quicklift Loaded installed as well as the RS9000XL's. Ride feels much tighter and smoother, so far I'm pleased. Still working on the right settings. [B][U]HOWEVER, not only am I'm hearing a banging noise on the front end, but I'm feeling it as well when going over small bumps or driveway curbs. Feels like the front end is about to come apart. Any suggestions as to what could be causing it?

 

Sounds like the big nut on the top of one or both of the struts wasn't tightened down enough. This creates a situation where the whole strut can bounce up and down inside the strut tower. Re-check the torque on those (on both sides).

 

Check the torque on the lower strut bolt. Most guys that get the loud banging sound after installing don't usually have the proper torque on this (it requires a lot).

 

Found the problem......bolt for linkage to the passenger side sway bar had come out. Noticed the truck leaning to one side a little more than the other. I'm assuming it had been loose for a while causing the banging sound and the bolt eventually came off.