2007 F150 XL, 4.2 V6
I am about to replace my struts and have a few Q?s.
Has anyone bought loaded or unloaded struts from Rockauto.com? If so, which brand name?
I see Monroe makes an ECONO-MATIC? Is this an OK strut assembly to use? Can you get around having to undo the ball joint to get the strut out? I am hearing mixed opinions on just replacing the strut VS replacing with a loaded unit.
Any advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

Back when I had my 07 I replaced the shocks all around with Rancho units. If I was doing it again I would probably get the Rancho strut (complete) unit for the front. Never tried the Monroe units, have heard they are only marginally better than stock, so can't comment much on those. Most definitely, the Upper ball joint must be undone to allow the coil-over (strut) the room to be removed.

 

Last year, I had the OEM units on my 2007 Lariat Supercab replaced with Monroe(?) Reflex Struts/shocks. HATE, HATE, HATE THEM! They made the handling and ride worse than the worn out OEM shocks. Worst money I've ever spent.

I hate the Monroes so much that I just bought a set of Bilstein (Series 4600) shocks and struts from 4WheelParts for $390 including tax. Their installation price (in Texas is $28.00 / wheel). But I have to wait 2 weeks for an appointment!

Does anybody know someone in the DFW area who can swap my front struts for me this week?

I did the rear shocks myself last night, and it's already a significant improvement. Can't wait to get the front done.

 

I just did my struts when I did my 4" Zone lift.. I went with the Bilstein 4-6" adjustable ones. I know your probably stock but just saying... bilstein is the shizzzznit. these things run so smooth and look pretty slick to boot. worth every penny.

 

Don't go with econo matic. Monroe has a better coil over that will be closer to stock. The econo matic are the cheap ones.

I just did my UCA's and coil overs. As I recall, the UCA's do need to come out.