blue thunder06

Adding longer "taller" shocks won't raise the truck, that is what springs are for. Only coils, torsion bars, leaf springs affect ride height. Shocks are made for when you hit a pothole or a speed bump so you don't feel so much of the harsh up and down movement. Hint hint why they're known as "shock absorbers" adding new and taller struts will raise the height because the strut has a taller coil "spring"

If you wanna replace the shocks for a smoother ride go for it. but your wasting your money if your getting them to raise ride height

Rusty Luck

Thanks! I'm unsure if I need to change my shocks? The truck has 66K miles on it, mostly highway but went down a mile of ranch road twice a day for the past 4 years.

blue thunder06

Look at them and do a visual inspection, some shocks get a shiny spot on it. I'd say that's not a problem, but if you see fluid leaking out of the top or if you see any dents replace them. The best way to test them would be taking the shocks off and physically compressing them yourself, if it's easy to compress or retracts slowly replace them

blue thunder06

And to answer your question, I did mine at about 80k and they were not in the best condition but needed to be replaced. It wasnt hard to do them i just took my time, its alot easier if you have a swivel adapter. Costs 12 dollars at lowes. And our trucks don't have spark plug wires, they are coil on plug or "COP" one coil at o'reilly runs give or take 50 dollars. I wouldn't replace those if they don't have to be replaced. But a set of OEM motorcraft plugs is about 20 dollars

Rusty Luck

Thanks Blue, good info. I think I'm gonna get a HBS 2 in leveling kit and wait on the shocks and spark plugs.

blue thunder06

Good choice, not a problem. Always willing to help

SuzukiRider

Shocks should typically be replaced 50-60k miles. Shocks and struts are one of these thing you dont notice as they slowly wear over time. The wear actually wear quicker than the front, which most people do realize.

Blown Ford

Not exactly. First our trucks do not have shocks up front. Our trucks use a Macpherson style strut and spring setup. The strut holds the upper and lower spring bases. Performance struts are sometimes built with multiple settings for the spring base allowing the installer to raise or lower the vehicle ride height by 1-3" from stock.

Rusty Luck

What kind of shocks should I look at?

blue thunder06

While that is true I'm speaking automotive theory in general, but the rear shocks could be replaced.