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gypsydad · 12-01-2018, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kanusport

Like I said before, I think the fx4 off road package might already have the upgraded shock or a version that rides better. Besides if I tried to put new shocks on my 53k truck with 11000 miles I’m pretty sure my wife would lose her sh@# because it’s her work truck and she wouldn’t see the value.

That said I’m glad it’s working out for you all. Just wanted to see if any other 2018 or fx4 off-road owners were feeling the need.

The FX4 package includes upgrade to Rancho shocks,, skid plates, and couple other items, I believe. When I replace my shocks in next few months, I will look at the Blistines also....I have 46K and ordered/paid for new Michelin tires from Costco...the deal included $70 rebate from Michelin, and another $50 rebate for using Costco card...I think they are still holding the tires for me, so perhaps January I will get this all done...still have some tread left on original tires.

Have to get shocks done somewhere else since Costco does not do this. Think shocks first, then the tires, then alignment?

Wconley · 12-01-2018, 11:29 PM

Gypsydad, get the alignment at the same time you get the shocks installed. Alignment is not dependent on the tires. Measurements are made from the wheel since it is the “hard” reference for toe and camber.

Andrew T · 12-02-2018, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsydad

The FX4 package includes upgrade to Rancho shocks,, skid plates, and couple other items, I believe. When I replace my shocks in next few months, I will look at the Blistines also....I have 46K and ordered/paid for new Michelin tires from Costco...the deal included $70 rebate from Michelin, and another $50 rebate for using Costco card...I think they are still holding the tires for me, so perhaps January I will get this all done...still have some tread left on original tires.

Have to get shocks done somewhere else since Costco does not do this. Think shocks first, then the tires, then alignment?

If you have 18” Rims you can improve the handling quite a lot with s better tire size.

Many F150’s came with Pirelli Scorpion tires, the Michelin’s ride smoother but have a great deal more sidewall sway.

Andy

ScottP · 12-02-2018, 11:29 PM

I’m fascinated to read so much “incorrect” information about the Bilstein shocks/struts...and which (4600,5100,5160) in used in what application. Except for the “shinypete” post.

5100’s are “not” used for “lifted trucks only” but they can be set to add lift (incremental front-end lift).

Below is our 2018 SLT, with 5100 shock set for one- click-from-the-top (about 1.75” lift) to reduce the rake look of a high rear end. And in my case, to add a 33” tires x 20” Fuel wheel setup and get front end clearance.

People who use “leveling kits, or spacers” are looking for a cheap solution and usually bail out eventually for a proper set-up. Except for the guy posting here ... he added Bilsteins to his leveling kit (which I don’t understand).

BTW - on our new GMC 1/2 ton the ride is now (after adding 5100’s) FABULOUS!!!

Anyway - be careful what you read on our forum... VERIFY with a qualified supplier or suspension shop.

Cost: $375 delivered to Oregon

$145 install costs

Here was my order last month:

4 Wheel Parts (great guy, very knowledgeable Alan)

Order pasted below:

004 PICK UP IN STORE LABOR: N/A

005 2 BIL 24-238304 115.12 (front liftable)
5100 SERIES SHOCK

006 2 BIL 33-238319 72.57 (rear static)
5100 SERIES SHOCK

007 FREIGHT OUT
008
009 THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR ORDER. FOR ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING
010 THIS ORDER, PLEASE CALL ME DIRECTLY AND I WILL PERSONALLY
011 SEE TO IT THAT YOUR ARE SATISFIED WITH YOUR ORDER Scott! CALL ME please at:
012 AT (800)-337-9005 EXT 5136 ****PLEASE ASK FOR ALAN****
013

gypsydad · 12-03-2018, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wconley

Gypsydad, get the alignment at the same time you get the shocks installed. Alignment is not dependent on the tires. Measurements are made from the wheel since it is the “hard” reference for toe and camber.

Thanks; Was thinking tires first, then shocks and alignment at same time.

gypsydad · 12-03-2018, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew T

If you have 18” Rims you can improve the handling quite a lot with s better tire size.

Many F150’s came with Pirelli Scorpion tires, the Michelin’s ride smoother but have a great deal more sidewall sway.

Andy

thanks Andy! I have the F250 6.7 KingRanch 4x4 FX4 model, with the LTX A/T2, LT275x65 R20 Michelin's. Ride and wear has been great over 46k miles now since new in June 17. That's what I ordered from Costco as replacment.

Do you recommend the Blistines also? If so, which ones for front and rear? I carry 95lb generator,150lbs of camp gear, in back and pull the 28' FC; tongue weight at 1100#and I use the BO hitch with 1500#bars. Tows fine.

Moflash · 12-04-2018, 06:34 PM

For a F250 I suggest the Bilstein 5100’s I have used these with great results on my last 3 Superduty trucks all of which had 20’ wheels.I also installed a Hellwig big rig rear stabilizer bar (easy to install)This combination made a big difference in ride and handling both loaded and unloaded.We pull a 28ft International.

Andrew T · 12-04-2018, 09:01 PM

Hi Moflash. What year is your 250? We have had a hard time getting 17’s and 18’s to handle well.

Moflash · 12-05-2018, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew T

Hi Moflash. What year is your 250? We have had a hard time getting 17’s and 18’s to handle well.

I have had a 2012,2015 and now a 2017 all F350’s Andrew.The 2017 handles better than all the previous years hands down.

What is the problem that u are having Andrew?

Andrew T · 12-10-2018, 09:17 PM

Sorry I’m so long answering. Mainly it is an issue with square box trailers but we have had the issue with some Airstreams. It is better when they have 1000 pounds in the box which settles them down on the helper springs. The shocks and sway bar make great sense, I’m ashamed I didn’t think of it before. Thanks Andy

DaveP · 12-11-2018, 08:47 AM

I installed the Bilstein 5100 on my 2014 F150 FX4 this weekend. The rear shocks were easy. The front shocks are kind of tricky to get out and you need a spring compressor (as everyone here knows) to change out the shock.

Some notes:

My truck has 38,000 miles on it. About half that was towing a 6000 lb racecar trailer or my AS. One of the rear shocks was blown out. Not sure if that was from the towing or if it was defective.

The rear of the FX4 is lifted about two inches at the factory. The shocks had a special safety-orange colored label which said "4x4", so I assume they were special to the FX4, lifted package.

The front of the truck was about two inches lower than the rear. I am not sure if Ford even does anything special to the front end of the FX4 model. I used the 5100 adjustable front shocks to bring the front up one inch. I figured with a load in the truck and towing the trailer, that would leave the truck about level. The truck now looks significantly more level.

I checked camber, castor and alignment after the installation (using my racing gear). I did not need to make any changes.

I did slightly lower the aim of the headlights to compensate for raising the front.

I took a ride around in the truck to check things out. The 5100s are a bit stiffer ride, but not harsh. There is less nose-down movement during hard breaking and there is less body roll on the curves. My take is that these shocks will significantly improve the towing capability of the truck.

gypsydad · 12-12-2018, 08:47 AM

I replaced my tires at 47K yesterday on my F250 FX4 KR with new Michelins. I went to visit the dealer where I purchased and the service manager told me unless my shocks were leaking, no need to replace at this time. He said likely around 100K, assuming no leaks. Said the Rancho shocks that come with this truck are very good. Saved me a bit of money. I am getting the alignment done. I mentioned the Bilstein's and he agreed that is a great replacment when time comes.