As the subject says, I have a 2007 F150 Lariat 4WD SuperCrew- 5.4L - 8Cyl Flex.

Currently, I have stock leafs and shocks with no add-ons. 0" lift height. 275/55R20 115S D1 BFG All Terrain T/A KO2's. I use this vehicle to tow a lot. Do a bit on washboard dirt roads, but 80% of the time am on paved roads commuting.

Original Shocks - Motorcraft
Rear 18125 ASH-846
Front 18124 ASH-1050

Been noticing last couple weeks when I turn, it's REALLY rolling to the sides. now I can feel every bump in the road and it's bouncing. Definitely need new shocks. I'm at 90k miles and don't know that they've ever been changed.

I'm debating between the Rancho RS7000MT, RS9000XL, and Bilstein B8 5100.

I like the fact you can adjust the Ranchos RS9000XL...but also don't like that you can adjust them (if you know what I mean). Nice to be able to dial in, but don't want something I'm constantly having to change. Makes me lean more towards the RS7000MT's. Just don't know if they'll be too firm out of the box and how much of a performance increase over stock, etc.

I've heard the Bilsteins are great shocks, but heard they might be WAY too firm for everyday driving. I typically like the soft Lariat ride better, but want something that handles offroad and towing better.


Additionally, I was debating an auto-leveling or leveling air spring helper system, like Air Lift or Firestone Ride-Rite. So many options and add-ons...I don't know where to start.

I saw the Roadmaster Active Suspension (3612) and have seen mixed reviews on it, as well. Not sure whether this meets / exceeds my needs more than a full air spring system... Will something like this work well with either of the above listed shocks? Anyone with experience running both?

Any thoughts, comments, ideas? Thank you.

 

I'm right there with you Wolf.

I have an 07 supercrew lariat 5.4 just like you. 100k with original shocks and in the market myself for replacements. '

I am looking at the same options you are but am also considering sensa-tracs. Apparently they are multi valve with softer ride characteristics and firmer resistance when more load is applied. I like the softer lariat ride like you so am leaning this route.

I like the 9000s but I am never off-road and something tells me I would be playing with that damn dial all the time.

Unfortunately, I have to get the passenger side exhaust manifold leak fixed first as it is steadily getting worse and worse.

I'd be interested to hear what you decided on and your thoughts regarding.

 

Stock shocks/struts in these trucks are done by 30k. Absolute junk really.

I put the Bilstein 5100s in my first 2004 XLT ( 75k mi ). Thought they were too firm. But that was in 2009.

I put the Rancho Quiklift and RS9000XL rear shocks in my 2007 Lariat ( 100k mi ). Rode nice and smooth, I never really believed the ride firmness changed nomatter what I set it to. Was a bit 'floaty' even.

I just got done installing the Bilstein 5100s in my current 2013 FX4 ( 47k mi ). Feels very nice surprisingly. I have two other lowered cars and they are a tad harsh. The 5100s do not seem too firm or even annoying to me in this 2013. I guess over the years they improved valving and added more leveling height options. Back in 2009 it was stock, or 2" lift. Now its stock, .75", 1.5", 2.25".

For $349 from Stage 3 Motorsport, the bilstein 5100 was a great choice.

 

Watching to see replies....I have an 01' w/90k.
Replaced the worn front shocks(from 1st owner towing horses I believe) w/OEM from NAPA(Monroes) . Heard most shocks were made by Monroe still.
Have seen Ranchos w/broken bottom mounts around here.
I was blasting off the truck last night & washed out the wheels of mud & saw the upper arm bushings are totally cracked & ready to go. Looks like most of the bushings are cracked.
I guess this is common these days or is this just typical of a truck driven in NM on these bad roads in harsh conditions?
Is there a lube that can be used on bushings these days without rotting them ?

 

#bump