Just wondering what the opinions on different shocks are out there. I personally like the Rancho looks because I have a red truck but I can buy red boots for any shock. I don't know what the best shock for the money would be. Don't do a ton of off roading mostly hunting logging roads and like the smoother ride. I also don't want to spend $500 on a set of shocks. Was looking around $250 or less for all four. Suggestions?

 

Go with some Procomp 3000 or Procomp 9000, pretty good shocks for a pretty good price. check http://www.4wheelparts.com/PLT100423T1T90.aspx for them, about 150 for the 9000

 

Anything is better than oem

 

I agree.

 

Sorry to de-rail your thread....

But, Can anyone educate me on why replacing the OEM schocks is a good idea?

Im just uneducated about that subject, and I', wondering what makes it worth $150....

Is it just a better ride? What does it do?

 

Alot better ride.

 

thats a question i have long pondered, esp. since i read somewhere that part of the fx4 package was supposed to be rancho shocks. i dont know if what i read was true, but...

 

I have no clue if that is true, but maybe if it is, rancho maybe produces a shock just for the fx4 package, and since they have to produce so many, then maybe its a cheaper made shock from rancho
and everything i just said may be completely incorrect but hey it was just a guess

 

A very good guess. If you read the literature, it says Rancho BRANDED shocks. They are made buy Rancho to Fords specs. They are crap just like all the other factory shocks.

With that said, I put a set of Rancho RS5000s on the front of my '01 Supercrew and was planning to do the rears soon. But I am not too impressed with them at all, So I may end up selling them or something and getting some Bilsteins or Edelbrocks.


Shane

 

I highly recommend the Bilstien 5100's. I have their 2" leveling shocks and love them. I replaced my OEM shocks at about 20k and could not be happier. For the price it is by far the best upgrade I've done to my truck.

 

My personal favorites which I install on most customers vehicles are the rancho 9000's because you can adjust the ride firmness. Rancho is doing a $40 rebate starting tomorrow on 9000's and $20 rebate on 5000's if you buy a set of 4. Not near as good as the buy 3 get 1 free but better than nothing.

 

Bilsteins are great. I had them on my Ranger and they will be on the F150 after the lift & tires. Steer clear of the cheap Ranchos and Pro Comps, they ride like crap. And there's no Comparison between a Bilstein 5100 and a Rancho RS9000X

 

I'm a huge fan or Bilstein also. I replaced my worn out Ranch's with Bilsteins and what a world of difference. You can find all 4 on EBAY for around $250

My wife loves the ride too. I haven't had any experience with Procomp or any others but heard they are good. With shocks, you get what you pay for. I had the truck off roading for the first time last weekend and I was thoroughly impressed with them.

 

You need to check out the new rancho 9000XL's. Bilsteins are very good but the ride is what it is when you're done. With the rancho you have options and yes the 5000's ok at best but the 9000's (especially the new ones) are where it's at if you mix between regular driving and towing/hauling.

 

I'm using the Rancho 5000s on my '02 Scab sport - firmer than stock ride but not too hard on the bumps... Best buy for the $$

With the other upgrades I installed at the same time (Addco 1" rear sway bar, oem 31mm front bar, Energy Suspension front sway bar links), I feel like I have the corvette of F150's right now...