I'm looking to replace my factory struts and shocks on my 04 2wd Scab with 160K here in the next few months. I want something that will bring back an OEM ride quality. I have a 2.5" leveling kit and 33" Firestone Destination AT's on stock wheels. I'm looking at Monroe, KYB, and maybe a Rancho 5000. I'm very mechanically inclined and am wondering how hard it would be to buy just the strut and swap springs over myself. How hard is it and would I need some sort of press or spring compressor? I have access to a shop with a lift to do the work but they don't have a press or anything. Has anyone done this?

 

KYB last the longest. Most muffler, front end shops have a wall mounted spring compressor and for a small fee would do the change over. call around! Not hard to do if you have the tools, Ask Autozone, Advanced auto parts if they lend the spring compressor.

 

Ok good to know. I'll see if the maintenance shop at work has a press if not I'm pretty sure Advance auto has a loaner, I borrowed their slide hammer a while back. Any opinion on ride quality of the KYB's vs something else? I'm really only looking for an OEM ride. Not much off roading, occasional trail/beach.

 

KYB shocks/Struts don't blow out as fast as Monroe's etc.... They last longer and a good ride too. My customers liked them. I liked them because I didn't to warranty them all the time. (Gas leaking out) They must use good seals??

 

Monroe will probably be closest to OE ride quality. I use Monroe reflex on the rear and the quick struts up front. None of them leak. The fronts have 20k on them.

You can either rent a spring compressor (it's actually free. When you return it, they give you back your money) from a parts store.

Or, you can just buy new front coilovers. Monroe makes them. It's the entire assembly, pre assembled. You just remove the old coilovers and stick the new ones in. No compresser. It's easy.

Either way, all three of those companies make good shocks.

 

I'd suggest Bilstiens. Also, you need an extremely heavy duty spring compressor for the F-150's coilover shocks. Several members have destroyed cheap, rental spring compressors. It would be much better to remove the coilovers, take them to a shop and have the springs removed and reinstalled on the new coilover shocks.

 

I agree. I am doing the same. Small price to pay for safety.

 

What type of shocks I can get will depend on my budget as well, which I won't know till July. I will take a look at the Bilsteins, I have read that they ride a little stiff though, truth or tale?

 

Anyone have experience with the Pro Comp shocks?

 

Some say that a monotube style runs "stiff" or firm, it depends on the ride you are looking for. We make monotube styles too, and I like them. It does take a bit to get used to the ride, but after I know what to expect, they are a solid ride.

 

What would the difference be between the Rancho 5000 and the 7000?

 

The 7000 is a monotube style shock. So this will be a firmer ride. Many like this style of shock/strut. HTH!

 

Been looking closer at the 7000MT and highly considering them. I'm finding mixed fitments with the same part number though. One website shows a part number RS7767 will fit my 2wd 2004 F150 while another site shows the same number as a 4wd fitment. Can you verify that part number will work on a 2wd?

 

2004
2WD
RS7792 BUT it levels the front.

 

Thank you very much! How much does it level? I currently have a 2" leveling spacer on my factory struts which will need to be removed, right?