so im still debating about shocks. I've run across some money, but have been wondering how drastic of a difference factory and the 5100s are to eachother. tasca parts has everything for around 200 bucks, while shockwarehouse will run me around 400 for all four 5100s. is it worth buying the bilsteins for their superb quality, or just put stockers on for now and save up for my suspension lift? i really did like the comfort of the factory ride when i first got the truck, but i would like some opinions.

thanks guys

 

Love my 5100s...truck never rode so good!

 

I just replaced my stockers with regular bilsteins. At 70k the stockers were completely finished. I like the ride with the bilsteins even though they are heavy duty. All of my buddies run bilsteins and love em. I think that they will also outlast any other shock.

 

well there's where my problem lies. I'm planning to lift it within the next year and possibly replace the shocks at the same time if the lift allows. thats why im going back and forth in spending 200 bucks now, or 500 for the bilsteins but replacing them anyway. im tryin to be financially smart about it, but with all the stuff i wanna buy, thats kinda hard. lol

 

Well... As I was a bit short on $$ at the time, I got some Reflex shocks/struts to replace my OEM ones. I have 172,000 miles on it, and the previous owner never replaced them (bought @ 145,000mi) So, the stockers were complete garbage. Rear passenger was bent and locked in place (doesn't move AT ALL), fronts were shot and bent, tie rod end was egg shaped and fell apart 45 mins after we took it out. So, I lucked out of a potentially sh**ty situation. Goes to show though, change them and inspect everything every once in a while...

2005 F-150 Screw 4x4

 

yeah im going to get them changed. im just tryin to figure out what id like to do with them. since i live on a ranch, the stockers have been through their paces. especially with 90 pounds of rubber and metal on each shock at 98,000 miles