New shocks on F-250 oh wow! RS9000XLs

[netaq]

I installed a set of Rancho R9000XLs on my F-250 while visiting my parents. What a difference towing on the return leg of our trip! No more feeling like a cork on the end of a cane pole when going over bridge expansion joints, etc.

My wife is 32 weeks pregnant and couldn't tolerate any more of the bouncy ride.

I was apprehensive about dropping $400 on a set of shocks, but they turned out to be a worthwhile investment compared to the FX4 junk that came installed on the truck.

[modern_family]

netaq wrote:
I installed a set of Rancho R9000XLs on my F-250 while visiting my parents. What a difference towing on the return leg of our trip! No more feeling like a cork on the end of a cane pole when going over bridge expansion joints, etc.

My wife is 32 weeks pregnant and couldn't tolerate any more of the bouncy ride.

I was apprehensive about dropping $400 on a set of shocks, but they turned out to be a worthwhile investment compared to the FX4 junk that came installed on the truck.

Where did you buy from? Are all 4 shocks the same, or do you have to request 2 front and 2 rear? After reading many threads on this and many other forums regarding shocks, I feel I am ready for an upgrade.

[Cummins12V98]

I replaced my factory shocks at around 15K. ALL factory shocks are junk right out of the box. I went with the blue and yellow Bilstien's. Made a huge improvement all around.

[OH48Lt]

On my 2005 F250 SuperDuty, the OEM Ranchos worked well, but at 45K they were ready to be replaced. Put a set of Monroe HD on them, those were pure junk. Took them off in a week, put Bilstien 5100's on. Great shock.

The OEM shocks on my present 2011 F150 are getting sloppy at 42K miles, those will be replaced in the spring with Bilstiens.

[rhagfo]

AlmostAnOldGuy wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:

alexleblanc wrote:
I put some Bilstein 5100's on mine within the first week I got it, much improved over stock, never though of using rancho's though. They seem to be priced similar, might have to try a set on the next truck.

You've already got a great shock in the 5100. Personally I think Bilstein are better than Ranchos.

It sounds like the OP has good results with his choice of Ranchos. Appreciate if you could tell us why you prefer Bilstiens. When I go to replace my shocks I will likely be deciding between Ranchos and Bilstiens and would like a little more information, especially of you have used both.

Thanks,
Stu

I am also very happy with the Bilstien 5100's on my 01 Ram. Ranchos are also a good shock just personal choice.

[AlmostAnOldGuy]

N-Trouble wrote:

alexleblanc wrote:
I put some Bilstein 5100's on mine within the first week I got it, much improved over stock, never though of using rancho's though. They seem to be priced similar, might have to try a set on the next truck.

You've already got a great shock in the 5100. Personally I think Bilstein are better than Ranchos.

It sounds like the OP has good results with his choice of Ranchos. Appreciate if you could tell us why you prefer Bilstiens. When I go to replace my shocks I will likely be deciding between Ranchos and Bilstiens and would like a little more information, especially of you have used both.

Thanks,
Stu

[N-Trouble]

alexleblanc wrote:
I put some Bilstein 5100's on mine within the first week I got it, much improved over stock, never though of using rancho's though. They seem to be priced similar, might have to try a set on the next truck.

You've already got a great shock in the 5100. Personally I think Bilstein are better than Ranchos.

[mhsmith]

Some manufacturers are recommending replacement around 50,000miles. I did this with my last vehicle for a total of 4 sets( one OE, other three Monroe Reflex). Nice thing is that the ride remains more consistent. Also less wear on other front end parts as the suspension components remain closer to their design operating limits during compression and rebound.

[720Deere]

modern family wrote:
Does my 2011 have the same shocks that you replaced? I drove all big 3 before purchasing my f350. The ride in Chevy and dodge were both " less bouncy" , .. I know, it is a 1 ton truck, but I did feel it could be better. Good to know it was a difference. The truck has 55k miles on it, I was gonna wait till 75k or so got replace. Is that too long?

It seems to be hit or miss with the OEM shocks. Guys report near total failure at less than 10,000 miles and others are still functional at 60-80,000 miles. On my 2006, they had failed long before 50,000 miles. On the 2011, I just replaced them at somewhere around 50,000 miles and although all 4 shocks still took quite a bit of effort to compress, New shocks were a huge improvement.

[alexleblanc]

I put some Bilstein 5100's on mine within the first week I got it, much improved over stock, never though of using rancho's though. They seem to be priced similar, might have to try a set on the next truck.

[ggadwa]

My 2012 F350 6.7L LWB SRW FX4 had the worst shocks of any of the numerous Ford Super Duty Trucks that I have owned. At just over 4,000 miles I decided the ride was so bad I had to do something. I ordered up and installed 4 RANCHO R9000XL shocks. But the amazing thing I found was that three of the 4 OEM shocks had gone flat. I may well have been justified in taking them to my FORD dealer for a beef with FORD. However,the last thing I wanted was another set of FORD FX4 OEM Shocks. The RANCHO 9000XL shocks have been great for the past 9,000 miles. I adjust them for the Truck Camper Load vs. empty bed adjustment and I they have provided an excellent ride in either case.

GARY

[FishOnOne]

modern family wrote:
Does my 2011 have the same shocks that you replaced? I drove all big 3 before purchasing my f350. The ride in Chevy and dodge were both " less bouncy" , .. I know, it is a 1 ton truck, but I did feel it could be better. Good to know it was a difference. The truck has 55k miles on it, I was gonna wait till 75k or so got replace. Is that too long?

It's more of a personnel decision on when you should change your shocks based ride quality. On my last Super Duty I replaced the factory shocks at 165k miles.

[modern_family]

Does my 2011 have the same shocks that you replaced? I drove all big 3 before purchasing my f350. The ride in Chevy and dodge were both " less bouncy" , .. I know, it is a 1 ton truck, but I did feel it could be better. Good to know it was a difference. The truck has 55k miles on it, I was gonna wait till 75k or so got replace. Is that too long?

[720Deere]

The Rancho labeled shocks with the FX4 package are horrible at best! I switched to the 9000XLs back in the Summer and couldn't be happier. Even with the rear shocks only set to #4, the ride with the trailer is 300% better. I haven't tried stiffening them up any further because I always forget to change the setting when towing the trailer. They are well worth the money!

[FishOnOne]

Good report... I agree the stock shocks have become junk.

BTW... That's one good lookin rig! :B