Colby450xc

That video basically just said the Bilstein's hold more oil. Same basic principle as motor oil, the more the better. The more oil there is the cooler the shock will be and the longer the the oil and seals will last. Big bux will buy you some shocks with rezzies that will last even longer and have more oil. Fluid and seals break down due to to heat and use over time, it also matters whether the shocks are set up for the correct weight of the vehicle.

jmm1990

if you are using an adjustable shock as a leveling kit which is why you would buy the rancho or the 5100 then the OEM coils would be too short there are also a bunch of places who offer fully assembled bilsteins that’s how I bought mine or you can take it to an auto shop for a small fee I’ve had a few set of ranchos but this last time I wanted to give bilstein a try and IMO the bilsteins are the superior product

16IngotFX4

@jmm1990 , he's probably on another set of shocks now as he was having this discussion 8 years ago -did you happen to catch the posting date?

Atlee

At 97k miles, I still have the OEM shocks on my 2014 XLT SCAB, 3.5EB, 4x4, Max Tow, HDPP (2286# Cargo capacity). 163" WB. It also has a 4800# RGAWR, and 8200# GVWR. Thing is, it doesn't ride or handle like it needs new ones even today. It does handle so well, I'd hate to change it by putting new shocks on it.

mraz72

go for new rears, so easy to do on you own and improves the trucks handling