F250 Shocks

[Nonrev59]

I’ve had my 2017 F250 CC 4W for a year. Not too impressed with the Ranchco shocks. Looking at getting a 30 ft 5W later. Not getting into the airbag discussion yet but asking the peeps opinion on just standard shocks or what people are using instead of Fords stock shocks. Thought I could use Bilestein 5100 but shop said not for stock truck. Truck is stock height. Thanks in advance.

[Laredo Tugger]

I had a 2016 F250 CC SB 6.2L 2WD and towed a 27 ft. TT and then a 35 ft. 5er. I have since upgraded to a 1 ton SRW Diesel for the 5er.
I had the Roadmaster Suspension System installed and was very satisfied with it. The system works with your existing leaf spring configuration and was excellent for side to side load shifting.
RMc

[Badbart56]

Honestly, with all the trucks and cars I've had over the years, replacing shocks with various brands, I can't really tell an advantage with any of them over stock. I put Rancho's on my last F350 and they were no better or worse than stock. It's your money, suit yourself.

[jsmith948]

Bilstein 4600's on my f250. Work really well.

[itat]

For my 2016, I know you can get Bilstein 5100 shocks for stock height. I’d be surprised if you can’t for the 2017. The 4600s are going to be the same performance-wise but they are bright yellow. The 5100s look nicer IMO. My stock shocks are still fine at 35,000 miles (56,000 km). I’m not convinced the Bilsteins would be much better than stock if the stock shocks are still performing OK. You’d have go to a Fox shock or something else in that price range for better performance. I’m not that rich!

[JRTJH]

I put Bilstein 4600's on my 2013 F250 gas truck and plan to install the same shocks on my 2015 F250, probably next spring/summer. The OEM shocks on the 2013 didn't hold up as well as the ones on the 2015 truck. So far, they seem to be working well enough to not focus on replacements yet. But when I do, it'll be Bilstein 4600's....

[cpaulsen]

Fox on my F250......all the way around.

[Javi]

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/shock.../2wd-f250-f350

This is what I've always used to replace the Factory shocks..

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Javi

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/shock.../2wd-f250-f350

This is what I've always used to replace the Factory shocks..

Good advice!

[sourdough]

I've bought lots of different kinds of shocks over the years and I can't say I can tell a LOT of difference; and, we are talking about premium shocks, not Monroe etc. I've bought lots of Rancho's; 5000, 9000 etc. and they are pretty good but used them for off road, etc., not towing. Just installed Bilstein 5100s on this truck and, honestly, can't tell much difference from the OE shocks at 65k. I replaced them due to the concern of the wear on the OE shocks from towing the RV. Don't know that the OE shocks knew the difference.

[Ken / Claudia]

My experience is that on smaller vehicles. They make a big difference. When I changed out factory to Ranchos on a Nissan it was night and day in ride when cornering and stopping fast. They stopped all the bouncing of the front end at a hard stop. The vehicle did not bounce during a fast tight turn as it did before. I upgraded to f150 did the same upgrade without any real noticed difference. Did it again with a f250 and again with the f350. None really made a difference in the ride. There are better shocks no doubt, but to expect a change in the ride. None for me. Remember what shocks are made to do, control the bounce. A 1 ton does not bounce like a little import truck etc.
I have Bilsteins on the trail blazer and again that ride is so damn soft they made a little difference. Putting on heavier ply tires made a bigger ride difference. So, I believe better shocks are better and I buy them, will you get a better handling truck with a load, a stiffer ride? Maybe others experience is different on a large truck then mine.

[FlyingAroundRV]

The OP didn't specify what they were unhappy with the Rancho shocks. IME what makes a big difference is wheels and tires. The greater the amount of unsprung weight there is, the harsher the ride will be and response to potholes is harder.
Having said that, I'm aware that shock absorbers is an area where professional racers spend a lot of time and money, to wring that last bit of performance out of the car. I don't believe road cars are that finicky, nor driven to the edges of their performance like race cars. I also believe that pickup trucks are even less critical of minor changes, given the wide range of loading conditions they're subject to.

[Retired Copper]

Check out the Ford owners forum if you get a chance. I like Bilstein and I can usually tell a difference. The problem is the last time I checked they only have the front shocks ready for the 2017 and up Super Duty. The bushings need a larger hole for the bigger bolts being used. Most of those guys are using Rancho 9000 and Fox.I am holding out for the Bilstein`s for the rear.