shocking!

wiredgeorge · 04-30-2022, 09:12 AM

I know many prefer Bilstein shocks but they are really pricey. Monroe has made shocks for many many years... anyone using Monroe shocks which are far less expensive? I only use my truck to tow my camper and don't put a lot of miles on it. Currently have Rancho shocks and they have likely been on the truck long before I purchased it and don't perform as well as they probably did many years ago. I am also familiar with KYB shocks from my motorcycle background. They are also quite a bit more affordable than Bilstein:
KYB 565091 MonoMax Gas Shock.

I know some of you have more disposable income than I do so it is unlikely I can be talked into spending $300 plus for shocks. Experience with Monroe or KYB? Last, I want to keep my truck at stock level.

**JRTJH** · 04-30-2022, 09:47 AM

I used Monroe "Monroematic" shocks (the yellow ones with the lifetime warranty) for years and never had a problem with them. Honestly, I can't tell you why I currently have Bilstein shocks on my truck other than reading all the forum "advice" it seemed like an improved shock... To my "uneducated butt" the ride with Bilsteins is the same as the ride with Ford OEM and the previous truck's ride with Monroematics....

And, on Amazon, it's $147 for all 4 Monroe shocks vs $324 for Bilstein....

So, if they fit your truck and your wallet, I'd be inclined to "install yellow rather than silver".... But you won't get those fancy accordian dust shields with Monroe"

locomech · 04-30-2022, 10:47 AM

I recently replaced the rear shocks on my F-150 with the KYB gas monoshocks. I purchased them from Rock Auto for $155 including shipping and tax. They were easy to install and did not change the height of the truck. The KYB's feel a little stiffer but then after 89K miles I would expect the firmer ride with the newer shocks. I have not had the opportunity to tow the camper since the install but it has to be an improvement over the old stock shocks.

**sourdough** · 04-30-2022, 11:47 AM

George I think you'll have to make a choice

;

I've used Bilsteins for the last several years, Ranchos before that and Monroes "back in the day". Used KYB on bikes but that was long ago as well.

In real life I don't know that you get that much more for a Bilstein other than name. I do know I've never had an issue with one and they don't leak, get weak or anything. Ranchos were primarily on off road vehicles but I used them on my truck as well. They were good. The 9000? adjustable shock wasn't worth the extra premium IMO. Used Monroes quite a few years ago with no problems but I didn't use them on my truck that towed so not sure how that would go. They seemed OK as well. Monroe has been making shocks, all kinds of them, for as long as I can remember. I can't imagine you could go wrong with set as long as they were designed for your truck and towing. They make all levels of them along with price ranges so picking the right one would be important. I figure if yours are worn pretty good any of them will feel like a great improvement

wiredgeorge · 04-30-2022, 01:59 PM

I could always take the red dust covers off the Rancho shocks for the cool factor.... Will wait till my missus latest project is paid for; new bath/shower faucets in both bathrooms and a new vinyl floor in the guest to match the stuff in the main part of our home. Probably go with Monroe. Thanks

wrvond · 04-30-2022, 02:27 PM

It is unlikely your Rancho's have degraded performance wise unless they are leaking, in which case Rancho warrants them for life. Have you tried changing the setting on the little red knobs?

wiredgeorge · 04-30-2022, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrvond

It is unlikely your Rancho's have degraded performance wise unless they are leaking, in which case Rancho warrants them for life. Have you tried changing the setting on the little red knobs?

I didn't know there were little red knobs. I am not keen for crawling under the truck.... when I was younger that seemed like something that might make sense. These days, not so much. Might take a look at it if I get feeling frisky. Thanks!

**sourdough** · 04-30-2022, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrvond

It is unlikely your Rancho's have degraded performance wise unless they are leaking, in which case Rancho warrants them for life. Have you tried changing the setting on the little red knobs?

Aren't the RS9000 the only Rancho adjustable shocks? The others won't be adjustable. I only had one set of RS9000s but took them off after about a year..I just couldn't get the to feel right. Went back to the RS5000.

**flybouy** · 04-30-2022, 04:34 PM

I've got the adjustable Rancho's on my truck. I crawled under and adjusted them a couple of times and couldn't tell enough difference to make it worth the effort.

rhagfo · 04-30-2022, 09:42 PM

Well put Bil’s on our 2001 Ram 2500 towing heavy, and they made a big difference in the bounce at bridge transitions!

notanlines · 05-01-2022, 03:41 AM

What John ^^^^ said. I couldn't tell the difference between Bllstein and FoMoCo.

**JRTJH** · 05-03-2022, 07:29 AM

Here's an article on the "5 best shocks" for an F350 (based on somebody's opinion) https://mechanicguides.com/best-shoc...50-super-duty/

wiredgeorge · 05-03-2022, 09:24 AM

The Monroe shocks shown on that chart John are Monroe Gas-Magnum and there are a zillion models of that shock based on front or rear and SRW or DRW or 2WD or 4WD. This is on top the changes based on model year. I will dig out what fits and order. Cost to install at the Rio Medina NAPA is $190 as I am not going to do this myself. Thanks for all the help!

**JRTJH** · 05-03-2022, 12:19 PM

When I changed my OEM shocks for Bilstein's a couple years ago, the front shock top bolts were rusted to the nuts and would not release. I wound up using an impact wrench and a pipe wrench to literally "twist the top bolts off the shock housing"... The bottom bolts and the rear shocks were "straight forward easy to replace".

Except for the top shock attachment bolts the entire job took only about 20 minutes. I spent longer gathering all the tools and mentally preparing to lay on the creeper than in actually doing the work.

DominickP53 · 05-03-2022, 03:39 PM

I’m shocked! All this conversation about shocks. New to me. Should I consider changing my OEM shocks on my 2020 F350? Fact of the matter, I don’t what’s on there now? Maybe the previous owner changed them ? How do I know what I have? Sorry, I’m not a wrench. Are upgrading shocks a big deal on a newer truck? Not that I’m looking to spend any more bucks. Big thirst for learning.

wiredgeorge · 05-03-2022, 03:44 PM

My truck was a work truck since 2006. It doesn't have the original shocks but have no history. Shocks usually are good for about 50K miles depending on quality. A 2020 doesn't need new shocks.

**sourdough** · 05-03-2022, 03:46 PM

George I've changed out a lot of shocks and like John said it's pretty quick and easy. I won't do it any longer since I tore up my arms and shoulders and you may be in the same boat. NAPA seems pretty proud of their work at 190; my local tire shop does them for me for 30 a corner - reckon they'll negotiate.

Good luck on finding the ones you want/need.

**flybouy** · 05-03-2022, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DominickP53

I’m shocked! All this conversation about shocks. New to me. Should I consider changing my OEM shocks on my 2020 F350? Fact of the matter, I don’t what’s on there now? Maybe the previous owner changed them ? How do I know what I have? Sorry, I’m not a wrench. Are upgrading shocks a big deal on a newer truck? Not that I’m looking to spend any more bucks. Big thirst for learning.

Shocks typically fail by leaking hydraulic oil from the piston seal. The quality of the OEM shocks depends on the manufacturer. Your Ford should have shocks installed by Ford. Don't know who makes them for Ford. Replacing them before they fail is a personal choice. Some folks prefer a stiffer ride, or more control so they replace them with aftermarket.

Some OEM shocks are junk, some are very good. If your satisfied with how the truck rides and handles then there's no need to change them.

**sourdough** · 05-03-2022, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DominickP53

I’m shocked! All this conversation about shocks. New to me. Should I consider changing my OEM shocks on my 2020 F350? Fact of the matter, I don’t what’s on there now? Maybe the previous owner changed them ? How do I know what I have? Sorry, I’m not a wrench. Are upgrading shocks a big deal on a newer truck? Not that I’m looking to spend any more bucks. Big thirst for learning.

Only you know what shape your truck is in but if it was used normally and not abused in some hard work type business those OE shocks should be fine. Crawl under the truck and look at them. They may have some dirt, maybe mud on them but there should be no oily, greasy looking mess on them. Make sure they are straight and something hasn't bent one, although I think you would know that the first time you hit a bump.

MotownJG · 05-03-2022, 04:45 PM

Buying parts for your vehicle or trailer are always a compromise between what you can afford vs what you see as the next best thing available online.

I ordered Bilstein 4600 series shocks off Amazon to replace the OEM originals on my used 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel.Total $320.

For me, the Bilsteins were the best thing I ever did on my 2WD Dodge Ram diesel truck which tows my Keystone Cougar 5th wheel. I'd buy Bilsteins again.

So keep researching, asking questions. Only you can decide what you can afford, and make a decision that's best for you. Was it a bad choice? A good one? You'll never know until you choose one way or the other.

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