For no particular reason except its winter and I have no other projects going on. I have thought to change out my rear shocks in my 05 F350 dually. The market is slightly overwhelming and frightening and to boot the last thing I want is a new shock to get all rusty in a few months because I made a bad choice.
I am not looking for anything particular just figuring they must be getting tired as all they have done is carry heavy loads.
Posted 2010-01-03 6:03 PM (#114814 - in reply to #114803) Subject: RE: Rear Shocks Change out Suggestions?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
X2 on Bilsteins. I've had them on a truck for 7 or 8 years (150,000 miles) and they are fine... the boots cracked on them in the last year but that really doesn't cause a problem.
Posted 2010-01-04 9:44 AM (#114843 - in reply to #114803) Subject: RE: Rear Shocks Change out Suggestions?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
There are a couple of types of shocks that work well for "street" trucks.
The common two tube, low pressure type of shocks that are supplied as OEM equipment, are available in upgraded versions. Monroe has many variants that feature fluid reservoirs that are almost double the OEM specifications in their "Magnum" and "Sensatrac" series. These are relatively inexpensive shocks and are quite reliable for street and towing usage.
A heavier duty shock is a high pressure gas charged monotube design. These are rugged units and will hold up better to the constant pounding of rough roads, and heavy trailer loads. They won't fade as quickly as the two tube reservoir designs when they heat up. They commonly feature nitrogen pressures of 200#-300#, and have a smaller fluid reservoir than the larger two tube design.
The Bilstein "Heavy Duty" shocks and the Monroe "Reflex" series share the monotube gas charged construction. These are upscale shocks that will give an excellent ride under varying conditions, and especially shine when the road becomes rough and the loads are heavy.
Most OEM shocks are shot before the owners realize they are worn out. Most will need replacement before 50K are reached, sooner with bad roads and heavy trailers. It is wise to check them every so often. You might be surprised to find the rebound restriction has failed. If your truck doesn't corner as well, bounces after the bump, and mushes under a load, chances are they need replacement.
Posted 2010-01-04 10:27 AM (#114844 - in reply to #114803) Subject: RE: Rear Shocks Change out Suggestions?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 795 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Let me throw something else in on Gard's notes. We werew all typically taught to check a shock by bouncing on one corner, and if it oscillates more than 1.5 cycles, replace the shock. With a HD truck, most of us don't have enough "posterior" to make any cycles! In a HD truck alignment shop it is customary to check a shock by relastive heat. As in- drive the truck normally. As soon as practical after stopping, feel the shock absorber. Normal shock operation will generate a degree of heat. If you feel uneven distribution from side to side, then you have found weak shock(s). You can also feel for oscillations just before a stop when loaded, as they will increase as the shocks weaken. The industry generally agrees with Gard in that 50K on a factory shock is considered worn out. And yes- most replacements are lifetime guaranteed, but don't think they last that long. If you keep it long enough, any shock will eventually wear out.
Rear Shocks Change out Suggestions?
