KYB's were terrible. Put the stockers back on. I think I'd go with Bilstein 5100's, had them on previous truck and were worth the price.

 

Hello, I have Bilstein 5100s in the front, set at stock height (no lift). I'd probably like a softer/smoother front ride eventually but am a little apprehensive about installing coil overs as I don't know how they would effect handling while towing. Ford uses a few different coils depending on configuration and obviously that effects GVW/Payload. Obviously replacing the rear leafs would be a bigger issue, but what is known about transferring weight back to the front via a WDH with aftermarket coil overs?

Thanks

 

I used Fox. I changed them because I hated the wobble of the OEM shocks. I went with Fox because, they are aluminum, and they are progressive valving.
Ive had Bilstein 5100 before and didnt like them at all because, they looked like garbage after 1 winter, and they are digressive valving.

BTW I changed mine at 40,000 miles and one of the rear shocks was already bad....

 

Had procomps on 2002 F350 and they were stiff but did well off road
"Upgraded" to Bilstiens 5100 on the 2002 F350 and they were horribly stiff. Regret that "upgrade."
Had Fox on another leveled F250, rode solid, firm ride but not stiff, great cornering manners but expensive.
Have adjustable Ranchos on the current F350 and they are great. Best riding SD to date. The tuning ability is great and I'll get a set for the F150 sooner or later. Just being able to tune front to back is a huge plus.

Get adjustables if you can afford it. Fox, Rancho, etc.. you'll love being able to soften the ride for long road trips or stiffen them up for towing. With adjustable shocks being a reality, I have no idea why more people don't go that option. They drop coin on rims but cheap out or limit their options on shocks.

 

Bilstein 5100

 

Well that is disappointing, I've had good luck with KYBs in the past. I don't want it to ride stiffer than it already does so I'm hesitant about Bilsteins. My current FX4 shocks are absolute garbage, harsh on small stuff yet still wallows on big stuff.

 

I changed my OEM shocks to Fox 2.0's during the first month with my 16 xlt shorty crew. The OEM shocks caused the rear end to side hop when driving over slight bumps in the road...it was IMO dangerous from the factory...the new Fox shocks ended this side hop and stabilized my truck.

 

Did you just do the rears?

 

Can you share your experience with the Halos in front? How big was the improvement over the oem set-up? Did you add upper control arms?

 

I went with the Bilstein 5100's all the way around. I did set mine at the full 2.1" in the front. I was debating between these and the Fox 2.0 setup. Two things had me choosing the Bilstein's. One was price. Two was they are not rebuildable. I'm not interesting in having shocks rebuilt, I'd rather buy new. With the Fox's they are rebuildable which is nice if you like that option. Also, they are aluminum so they shouldn't rust. However, I've been through four winters here in Iowa and no rust on the Bilstein's yet. They are zinc coated on the 5100's, so that's much better than Rancho paint or other shocks that are just painted.

I'd love to head from someone that has had multiple shock brand setups on the same truck to tell about their experience.