Hey Folks,

New to this forum, but I see a great deal of experience here.

It's time to replace the Shocks on my 1998 F150 4X4.

Is there a consensus favorite here in the group or perhaps items to avoid?

Hoping to avoid any poor parts.

Thanks in advance,
Jimbus.

 

Welcome to F150online !!
Rancho RS 9000--rugged design, adjustable.
A definate top contender.

 

When my '01 SuperCrew ORP needs new shocks (probably a year from now) I'll be putting in Rancho 9000 shocks. I like the idea of being able to adjust them from inside the truck.

 

Stay away from the cheaper generic Pro-Comp shocks. I installed some in my old Ranger 4x4, stiffened up the compression, loose rebound.... = constant whiplash. I hated those f*cken shocks.

The problem is many shock manufacturers make a dozen or so different shocks and they adapt these to every vehicle out there without actually doing some valving tests on particular vehicles. The shock that was total crap on that Ranger may have worked on a full-size truck. Who know.

If I don't get a suspension lift when its time to do shocks I'll stick with the OE units for the ride quality and no suprises.

 

Seems like the majority opinion is the Rancho RS9000's and the Edelbrock IAS's... I'm probably going to go with the Edelbrock's if I can force myself to pay $275 for shocks...

 

Rancho RS 9000 only ones to go with

 

I've got them and they are great.

Bob

 

i'm going against the grain here and placing my vote for Bilstein. i've owned several sets over the years and always been very impressed. i have thought of going with the 9000's, just hate to try something new and not like it. good luck, Rich.

 

I put the Rancho 9000's on 3 months ago and haven't looked back. I use the adjustability of these shocks all the time. And they helped when I got my large stiff tires, by alowing me to soften the ride.

 

If you are even thinking about RS9000s, think no more. You would be hard pressed to find a better shock. Worth every cent spent on em.

 

I have had a set of Bilstein's on for over 10,000 miles and love them. The truck rides stiffer than stock but still soaks up the bumps. Was that a speed bump or did someone leave a stick in the road?!?!

In the end it is up to personal prefrence and how much you can spend.

Later

 

I have a set on for about 18,000 kms and having lasted that long here in Manila is a testament to their durability. They firm up the ride slightly but not to a point of being harsh. Feels great! Potholes, craters, bumps, dips, cracks, gravel...name it we have it here. My OEM shocks were leaking oil at my first service stop at 5k just to give you an idea of the kind of abuse they get here. A friend of mine put the RS9000 and it worked well for a while until one of the shock mounts broke off. Go with the ones with a proven track record and you wont be sorry. Shox.com has them for like 230usd for a set. Good luck.

 

Best shocks for the money are KYB's.

They will last longer than any other shock out there.

http://www.kyb.com/



At a 4x4 show last year I saw a side by side comparison of the Rancho's and the KYB's. They KYB's were clearly built better than the Ranchos.

I talked to both reps and saw cut away's of both shocks. It was very imformative for sure.

Of coarse everyone there was buying the rancho's. (I just don't like to pay for the name!!!!)