I installed my 5100 kit this morning. To my surprise the stock left front shock was filthy. At first I assumed an oil leak, but there wasn't oil and crud anywhere other than the lower spring perch. Upon further inspection the shock was blown.

Only 34k miles on the truck. Seems short lived. This common?

 

I don't think that's super uncommon. I just swapped out my OEM suspension at 15k miles and one of my rear shocks was blown and the rest I don't think were too far behind. Also, just to put this out front, I don't go beating the crap out of my stock suspension either, the OEM stuff just doesn't hold up.

 

don’t beat mine either. On a couple rainy days I’ve taken my son out wandering forest service roads in 4H. Never any real off-roading or mudding.

 

Bilstein shocks are rebuildable. They are generally very reliable.

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/techn...ledge/service/

 

For what they charge to rebuild/service I could buy a new one.

 

Ford's stock shocks/struts are crap. If they weren't blown by 35K, I'd be surprised.