Heavy duty shocks

[jeepmedic46]

I have a 05 f150 supercab. I want to put heavy duty shocks on. Still has the original shocks. I will be pulling a horse trailer with 2 drafts in it, also getting shavings and grain. Looking for recommendations on what type to get.

 

[bloodyWEST]

for a general, all around good shock, i like Rancho 5000s for a cheap shock($50 each)
Bilsteins are very good, better than the Ranchos, and probably last longer than Rancho, i think they are about $100 each.

$100/each price range, your options are almost endless, including rancho 9000s which are adjustable.

 

[Heloflyboy]

I would go Bilsteins over Rancho 9000. I run the 9000 on my truck and think they were a huge waste of money. I will be getting Bilsteins soon. Just my opinion.

 

[brianjwilson]

Loved the bilsteins on my ranger, on my f150 with 35s hauling a cabover camper and on my jeep. That's my recommendation!

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Bilstein is the best bang for the buck.

 

[Buliwyf]

Another vote for Bilstiens. They work well.

BDS's optional monotube shocks are also good. But cost as much as the Bilsteins. Many good choices, but stick strictly to monotube nitrogen shocks.

 

[Desert Dan]

Maybe so new HD springs or air bags?

 

[Buliwyf]

Maybe so new HD springs or air bags?

That's also a good idea.

Isn't a F150 completely overloaded with 2 draft horses in a trailer, or at least the wrong choice?

We had to get rid of our last F150 for similar reasons. That would give my F350 a work out.

 

[1stDeuce]

I put a set of Gabriel Ultras on my truck (from Autozone I think) and they work great! With the camper in the back of my truck, it rides perfect now, but it is a little stiff empty. That's the tradeoff, and it doesn't go away. Unloaded ride did get a bit firmer, but not so much that it's annoying. Or you can spend twice as much on Rancho shocks, or three times as much on Bilstien shocks. If you find that the tail squats a lot when towing, a set of airbags would probably do wonders.
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[jeepmedic46]

I'm going to be putting a set of HD springs on as well. I won't be pulling them around all the time. Unfortunately a heavier truck isn't in the cards yet. I'm working on putting together a horse powered only farm and all the money is going towards that.

 

[4x4junkie]

I would go Bilsteins over Rancho 9000. I run the 9000 on my truck and think they were a huge waste of money. I will be getting Bilsteins soon. Just my opinion.

This.
Finally rid of those things entirely (the 9000s)

Another I suspect may be good for a tow rig are KYBs. They're actually a bit more stiff than Bilsteins (consequently a little more harsh too), however should give good control of the load.

 

[chilliwak]

Bilsteins are light years ahead of Ranchos. I wore out a pair of Ranchos in 2 years. You can get Bilstein 5100s for $76. Also you can get Bilsteins in the right height for your lift and you can order them with super high pressure off-road load settings... No Brainer!:drool:

 

[jeepmedic46]

My truck is still stock height, I will check out the Bilsteins. Hopefully my taxes come in soon so I can put them on with my tires

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

I ran Rancho 9000s for about a year. DID NOT like them. Replaced them with Bilstein 5100s...much better. But (and I'll catch flack for this) the shocks I really liked on my truck were Monroe Magnums. Twin tube, not monotube, but controlled roll slightly better than the Bils. Just another option. :sombrero:

 

[1meanz]

I have Bilsteins HDs on my Tahoe and I pull a loaded car trailer fairly frequently. I have not regretted it once, they transformed the truck. Bilstein is a large OEM supplier and I feel their R&D and product quality is superior to any aftermarket brand like Rancho or Monroe.