need help with shocks

[rockymtredneck]

i need some help with shocks. i have standard front and rear shocks from les schwab on my truck. i have gone through 3 sets of fronts in 4 months and i cant seem to figure out what is causing them to fail. it has cost me 2 sets of tires and i have to do something quick cuz im getting ready to replace them, any ideas and suggestions on new shocks would be great. thanx yall

[caryt]

The les schwab shocks are the worst shocks I have ever seen...even makes Rancho look good! Get Bilsteing last shocks you will buy.

[vetmxrider]

Here’s a second vote for Bilstein shocks. I have been very pleased with how the shocks work. My truck rides better and they have already lasted twice as long as my original equipment shocks. The shocks rebound damping was also a big improvement over stock.

[rockymtredneck]

thanks guys. im going ahead and buying a set or belstein 5150 series shocks and hopefully i can keep a set of tires on longer than a couple of months. thanxs for the advice exspecially since i was gonna go with the rancho series. good call. alot better shock for the about the same price.

[ckanderson]

Originally Posted by rockymtredneck

thanks guys. im going ahead and buying a set or belstein 5150 series shocks and hopefully i can keep a set of tires on longer than a couple of months. thanxs for the advice exspecially since i was gonna go with the rancho series. good call. alot better shock for the about the same price.

5150 shocks are good.

buy the right shocks once and use them for a lifetime

[ALR1955]

Just ordered a set of Bilstein's for my truck. The Ranchos I have on the truck right now are giving a horrible ride. Guy I talked with at Bilstein said there would be a noticeable difference. I'm really hoping he is right - my teeth are starting to loosen up from the ride!! LOL

[Matt0987]

I put Bilsteins on my Excursion this weekend. What a major differnence. But then I was replacing factory shocks w/ 85,000 miles on them.

I also replaced the steering damper. It makes a major difference on control in a turn.

[oneton]

I put the recommended Bilstein models all the way around my truck. The fronts were great, but the rears were a few inches shorter than stock. Although I admit the ride is noticeably much better, the rear also noticeably hits the hard stops on the rebound very frequently. I actually had to raise the frame ever so slightly to install the shocks. I thought I would have to compress them to install them.

Has anybody else experienced this with the same type truck (2wd CC dually)??

I did double and triple check the model numbers with what is recommended for my truck.

Any suggestions??

Thanks in advance.

[Matt0987]

I had to compress mine.

[dwelch1]

Originally Posted by ckanderson

5150 shocks are good.

buy the right shocks once and use them for a lifetime

whats up with the 5150's are these a better model # ?? it looks like 2818 and C296 for my 04 F250

[caryt]

Not any better just a small reservoir and more $$$. Stock truck just use HO's..unless you don't like the color.

Cary

[ckanderson]

Originally Posted by dwelch1

whats up with the 5150's are these a better model # ?? it looks like 2818 and C296 for my 04 F250

they have that small reservoir on the side. helps with heat management

[dwelch1]

what about the steering stabilizer? is it worth replacing also? I have 95K on my truck, I think new shocks will help the ride.

[Matt0987]

Stabilizer. Yes. Deffinately.

I just replaced mine with the shocks. I had 85K on mine. It was worn. Turns are not nearly as scarey as before.

I went with the Rancho because of availability and name branding.

[wlrottge]

Most shocks in the US are made by the same company; Heckthorn. Monroe = Rancho = Rough Country = Sky Jacker = .........