I've used Seafoam in many engines and love it. Restores throttle response, lost power, and helps the engine run smoother. I say go for it.

 

Oh, that makes a lot more sense. Yes, keeping areas clean around where you add fluids is a good idea.

 

Good info, Chester.

Read the owners manual and use some common sense.

WRT shocks, they rarely "wear out". The reason many don't make it to 50K miles is because people like the placebo effect. Lots think when they change out parts early, with stock or aftermarket, they are adding to the longevity of their vehicle. Same thing with "additives", high priced fluids, and filters. In most instances, it's a waste of money.

 

Nope. Just a quick search on here will show you how many people had bad shocks at low mileage. Ford shocks suck. If you can compress them by hand they are bad. Mine were bad at less than 40K.

 

Norm, "suck" is subjective, dontcha think?

Shocks, by any maker, seldom wear out. A defective one is possible. Four on a vehicle? Buy lottery ticket ASAP!


BTW, "a quick search" on here says Mike Troyer is the greatest F150 tuner out there. But, you'll ONLY read that here.

 

Yes "suck" is subjective. 3 out of 4 of mine could be compressed by hand and 2 did not extend after I let go.
It is a fact that shocks DO wear out. I am surprised that you believe otherwise. This was discussed in depth on here years ago.

 

Norm, maybe I mislead. Probably 95% of the people that post here will never put more than 300K miles on a vehicle. I have with 4. 2 trucks. 1 I still have and drive with over 430K+. I replaced the shocks on it at 200K. Made no difference in drivability. Couldn't tell by SOP. Have never replaced shocks on any other vehicle. Just my personal experience.

And after talking this subject over with dealership mechanics and friends at Midas, I think most people who replace their shocks, and other parts, do so way too early.

You had some bad luck with yours.

 

FWIW, I replaced the shocks on my 97 at 100k miles and they were all shot. I could compress them all easily and they didn't even attempt to return the the extended position. With the new shocks (Monroe Reflex), I noticed a stiffer ride. If you want to get the maximum life from your tires and have as much control as possible, change your shocks! I really wouldn't say this if it wasn't true - the nut on top of those rear shocks is a real PITA to get off. I ended up using a plasma cutter. I haven't looked at my 06 yet, but I hope they made them easier to change.

 

I agree some are replaced early. I also have years of personal experience and have seen many failed shocks. As far as driveability goes most people do not expect a truck to ride like a car and may not pick up on bad shocks. I did.

 

G'dam, people will argue about everything.

 

Yes we will, what else is there to do on the internet?

 

Yeah, I tried to describe how to do it... But the main problem people have, is that they get them TOO tight. It the worst thing you can do to a bearing.

Amazing! Yeah, well, I just knew that the truck would ride like a dream when I replaced them, and I forked over some big dough at the dealership for the factory heavy duty ones. I couldn't believe it when I took the stockers off. They had the same resistance as the new ones!!! I actually put them in a pile in the corner of the shop, in case one of the new ones breaks, or starts leaking. It made no difference whatsoever (as far as ride quality).

 

Well, not exactly. Shocks don't actually help to hold the truck up, they just dampen suspension movement. You actually HAVE to compress them by hand to put them on the truck...

If they slide easily and quickly in and out, then they are JUNK. But if they offer stiff resistance, and move slowly when you push them in or release them, then they are fine. I've never heard of one that didn't spring back to the long position... You must have been jumping too many ramps!!!! Or I guess I just got lucky. You want me to send you my old junkers Norm?!!!

 

Good to see you still have that sense of humor Chester!

There is a difference in pushing them easily and the force needed to compress new ones. I put Bilsteins on and have not looked back.

 

Yea , I tell you what , I didn't think there would be THAT much difference.

After I installed the Bilsteins - Major difference!! Wished I would have did that the day I brought home from the dealership.