Shocks on F150

GR,

My experience with shocks is as follows.

There shock manufacturers will put an estimated life expectancy on thier product but I've found that the simple shock test will do the trick. First check the shocks for leaks, if no leaks are found go to each corner of the vehicle and bounce it a few times, after you stop bouncing the vehicle should not rebound any more than once. If it does the shock is getting weak.

I'm sure somebody will diagree with my test method but it's worked for me for 22 years. For the record, unless the shock is leaking, you will rarely find a defective shock. Most ride concerns are another suspension part, alignment or tires. Some manufacturers may put shocks on a vehicle that may not be up to par but that doesn't make them bad.

You can always upgrade to an aftermarket brand with a heavier or softer rating, determined by your preference.

Good luck,

John

What year? What engine? What drive? (2wd or 4wd)? Long bed/shortbed? - Long wheelbase/short wheelbase? What model (standard cab/super cab/crew cab?)

That said - expect 30k out of 4wd if you are lucky. Note that this will vary with model etc. Crew cab is softer springs and shocks. Long beds you will notice more bounce on rough roads than short beds. Crew cabs have staggered shocks on rear axle - don't believe I have seen them on any others.

Just replaced my factory shocks with Monroe Reflex for about $250 (on 2001 crew cab, 35k miles ) - cost was an object or else it would have been Bilstein. Amazed at the results - the washboard section of interstate that used to bounce the truck like hell is barely perceptable. This is not an endorsement of the Monroes. I would imagine any good shock would have accomplished the same thing compared to the factory shocks that never damped the washboard even when new.

I've also found the suspension and shocks on the crew cab to be soft enough to cause cupping on the tires sooner than the other models - even though all

Whatever you do, don't buy the factory shocks or the bottom of the line shocks from Gabriel, Monroe, etc that are going to be no better than the factory shocks. It is worth the few extra bucks.

Good luck.

interesting

Does Monroe make Ranchos? It just looks like it to me is all.

Yes! :) When comparing what you bought to the originals for sure.

I ordered the heavy duty shocks on my pickup and they were for sure better than stock but still not good enough to drive down a dirt road without the pickup trying to "dance" (turn sideways).

An extra set of shocks added to the originals fixed it right up!

Shock math... ;) Two broke-in shocks is about equal to one brand spanking new shock.

Ever notice how new shocks work and feel great for only the first couple of days? ;)

After a gol with no brakes ran into me and i had to change out the i-beam I went to Rancho 5000s instead of welding a shock bracket on the "new" i-beam. Turned out great so far. So in '75 I put duel shocks on it and it was ran that way until a couple years ago.

Alvin in AZ ('75 F150)

Cool, my favorite kind of post. :)

I'm sorry to disappoint you but I don't want to disagree but add to what you said. :/

If you have leaf springs that don't have the lubricating pads on the ends of each spring the springs need to be oiled. STP works the best for this. Hey, STP had to be good for something right? ;)

Spring rate makes a big difference in how the vehicle reacts to being "jounced" too. Picture two coil springs, both for the same vehicle etc but one is the stiffest they make for it and the other, stock. Un-laidened the stock spring is 50% taller than the stiffest spring. No kidding, that's how it works.

Ok, ...you can see and feel it when jouncing the two vehicles side by side.

Also don't let brand new shocks fool you! :/ They are stiff as anything for about a week then you will prob'ly be right back to where the originals were unless you've spent some bucks.

Once "broke-in" they are all about the same for the same money.

A single set of Rancho 5000s have worked out good for me and I used duel shocks on my '75 f150 for about 25 years. Lots of dirt road driving in my past. ;) And much more to come too. :)

Don't matter the load... how many miles of dirt road? ;)

Alvin in AZ (rapper;)

Wow I must be lucky I have 98k on my 97 F-150 and not a shock problem yet and it's 4x4 and has been off road a few times hell I even had all 4 tires off the ground a few times and my shocks are fine. How do you come up with 30k?

Jerry

Yup - they sure do - don't know what differences they make to call them Ranchos though. The off-road racing guys swear by the Ranchos. No personal experience with them.

Cool thanks. :)

Alvin in AZ