Redraider1005

Guys, I may be way off here but I thought that the 4x4 off road package & FX4 trucks included Rancho shocks.

I picked up my 2013 Lariat 4x4 w/off package last week and the shocks are solid black with no markings on them that I can see. They have a really cheap looking plastic dust cover on them, instead of a rubber boot.

Is this normal? They seem to ride pretty good except for some rear wheel hop hitting bumps when accelerating.

Are there better options out there, without dropping a G on Fox Shox?

Can you replace the front shock only and run the stock coil or do you have to buy the coil over as a complete system?

Thanks for any feedback!

RES4CUE

No, they do not come with Rancho.


It depends on what you plan to do with the truck, if you plan to do road mostly and light offroad, Bilstein 5100's are popular. You can reuse the front springs and replace the shock. They are valves really nice. I would replace the rears also.

You can get all 4 for about $340 shipped but then you have to factor in labor to change them out which I paid dealer $295 to do the fronts and have an alignment done. I did the rears myself.

Redraider1005

Damn, I thought they came with Rancho's. I wouldn't have had the dealership put a front end level if I knew they didn't. I knew alot of people run the bilsteins and use them to level, but I figured I would just go with the spacer because I didn't what to just ditch the ranchos right away.

RES4CUE

Yeah, it's pretty sad that the "offroad" package doesn't really come with offroad shocks. Lol

ccwbrd

Don't worry! They did you a favor those Rancho shock were crap. Buy a set of Bilsteins or something else better.

Lord-of-Ford

FX4 came with Rancho shocks in the early 2000s as well as some speculate Ford didnt use actual Rancho shocks but only the name. Not sure what happened but most likely due to some cost issue Ford dropped Rancho. Currently Ford uses Motorcraft 4x4 shocks for FX4.

So upgrading always comes to how much you can afford to spend. Most would agree that 5100s are good all around shocks and def better than stockers. Fox is great but the difference in ride from Bilstein and Fox is not nearly as huge a leap as stock to Bilstein!

Redraider1005

Ok next stupid question, are all the Bilsteins height adjustable?

Would i be able to get a set that fit in my stock coils and keep my ready lift level up front, or is it ditch the ready lift and use the Bilsteins to level?

I really like the stance my truck has now but would like some better shocks.

lhsnbsaoa

iTrader: (1)

I'm jumping in this as I'm curious too

Watt-maker

Or off-road tires or real skid plates. Oh well.


OP- you would be better off just using the 5100s instead of using the leveling spacer as well. When using a spacer with the 5100s, you run the risk of over-extending the front suspension.

rdkev

yea i was looking at my sticker again the other day... saw the "off road shocks" on there... looked at them next time i went out and LOL'ed.