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Old 12-29-2006, 08:22 PM   #1
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Question TV Shock replacement recommendations

All,
I've got a 2005 F-150 4X4 SuperCab with 5.4L and about 16k miles. The truck rides well but "floats" when going over undulating roads (surface streets and Interstate). I want to stiffen up the suspension and improve handling for both the TV and TT.

The local parts store recommends Bilsteins and says that there are very few choices for a truck this new. JC Whitney has a couple of options but I'd like to hear from anyone out there in AS land who has a recommendation.
Thanks,
FT

P.S. I've searched the threads here and most of the TV shock questions are a couple of years old.
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Old 12-29-2006, 08:28 PM   #2
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Bilsteins seem to be pretty good. A number of new trucks come with them from the factory and I have then on my sedan.

I got mine from shox.com at the time a few years ago, they had the best price on them.
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Old 12-29-2006, 08:29 PM   #3
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Bilsteins.
Try shox.com
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Old 12-29-2006, 08:41 PM   #4
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The other option I would say is KYB, another great shock that has found its way from import racing in the 70s to mainstream vehicals of today .Carquest auto parts stores have drop Gabriel and now offer KYB for most all vehicals .


Scott
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Old 12-29-2006, 08:49 PM   #5
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I have replaced shocks on two of our trucks we use for towing with bilsteins. One a 3/4 ton the other a 1 ton and they helped alot but the old ones were wore out. I don't know how much difference you are going to noticed with new shocks with such few miles on yours.
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Old 12-29-2006, 08:49 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scottanlily
The other option I would say is KYB, another great shock that has found its way from import racing in the 70s to mainstream vehicals of today .Carquest auto parts stores have drop Gabriel and now offer KYB for most all vehicals .


Scott

Are the KYBs the adjustable ones?
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Old 12-30-2006, 11:02 AM   #7
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hi fordtruck...

the shocks may make a difference, but i'd do 2 other things first...

-check air pressure in the tires....what are you running?
just a few psi difference can be equated to higher spring ratings.

-add a rear anti sway bar with polyurethane bushings,
and consider a larger/stiffer bar on the front,
or at least change the bushings from rubber/butyl to polyurethane...

imo you will notice tire adjustments and the anti sway bars more than shocks and the modificationn is much easier to do...

i'm sure lots of guys on the ford truck forums have dealt with this issue too...

cheers
2air'
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Old 12-30-2006, 12:50 PM   #8
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Rancho 9000s

Hey there Ford Truck,
You may wish to investigate the Rancho 9000, manually adjusted shocks with a lifetime guarantee. Once my factory shocks wore out on my previous TV, I installed the Ranchos. They worked great even though I didn't get to test out the lifetime bit. The only problem is getting under the TV to dial in the settings prior to towing the Airstream. Rancho also makes some that you can dial in from inside your TV, howeve; all the air lines, possibility of problems and added cost didn't seem practical to me. Once my current shocks get spongy I'll go back to the Ranchos. Bilsteins are a great procuct as well. Good luck with your decision and Happy Trails
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Old 12-30-2006, 01:27 PM   #9
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Rancho 9000 or Bilstein..

Hi FordTruck,

For non-adjustable I'd go with Bilstein...

For adjustable the Rancho 9000 work very well.
I used the Ranchos on my previous truck with a cab-over camper. I set them on soft (# 1) when the truck was empty, and on firm (# 5) when I hauled the camper. They really made a difference.
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Old 12-30-2006, 02:11 PM   #10
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I installed the Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks and a Hellwig rear sway bar. Ordered the shocks from Sam's Off Road - had a good deal, buy 3 get 1 free. The OEM shocks were junk. Big difference with the new ones. The jury's still out on the sway bar. I think any quality aftermarket shock will make a noticeable difference.
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Old 12-30-2006, 02:21 PM   #11
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Have you thought about talking to a dealer or after market truck place about adding a leaf or two to the springs. May be a better more cost effective long term solution...?
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Old 12-30-2006, 03:03 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ganglin
Have you thought about talking to a dealer or after market truck place about adding a leaf or two to the springs. May be a better more cost effective long term solution...?
IMHO, Air Bags are a good choice because you can let the air out for a smoother ride when your truck is unladen, and you can add air for better load handling. Air Bags will NOT increace your payload capacity.

I used Air Bags on my previous truck/cab-over camper with very good results.
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Old 12-30-2006, 07:47 PM   #13
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Edelbrock!
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Old 12-30-2006, 10:05 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidz71
Edelbrock!
Didn't know they made shocks.

How do you like your Mag-Hytec diff cover Craig?
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Old 12-30-2006, 11:26 PM   #15
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KYB are good shocks but in my experience too stiff. Air bags help support weight but not dampen the suspension movement. Bilsteins are the only choice. Most factory off-road suspensions, Toyota, GM, Dodge Power Wagon, etc. use them. I have had them on Two Saabs (factory installed on our Turbo), two Jeep Cherokees and one Dodge pickup.
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Old 12-31-2006, 12:01 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie
Didn't know they made shocks.

How do you like your Mag-Hytec diff cover Craig?
The Edelbrock shocks have been around for a few years and have special valving. You might look up their info. Bilsteins have always been good as many early Chevy Z71 truck owners have found out.

The Mag-Hytec diff cover is one of the smartest additions you can make for a towing vehicle. Once you replace it, it is so easy and quick to drain the fluid at the intervals you feel comfortable with. To borrow an advertisement phrase, "It's so easy, even a cave man can do it." Thanks Geico.
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