I have a 1998 F150. It is in excellent shape cosmetically and mechanically. It rides really well and smooth. I have 160k miles on it. I have never replaced the shocks on it. However, it rides well. A buddy of mine told me that I should have replaced them with new ones a while ago. I really don't see the need if it rides well, unless I am missing something. Opinion?

 

Bounce the front and rear end of it. If either bounce about 2 or more times after you let it go, yeah. They do need replacing. Otherwise, you're fine.

 

I do Agree. My. 2000 F150 Triton has197,000 miles and the original shocks are Great

 

Recently had to replace my rears as they were in pretty bad shape. Back end of truck would bounce bad, and I had to soak the threads in PB blaster just to get them off! With an old "Motorcraft" logo stamped in the side of the shock, I assumed they were original. Not bad for 170,000 miles.

 

Like stated above, if you are experiencing excessive bounce, you should replace them. The bounce is ruff on your front suspension and rear springs. Also, shocks are a very low cost item especially if you DIY. They are also not much work so I say, when in doubt, replace em.

 

Thanks for the replies. I think I am going to wait awhile. I have no bounce and ride is not stiff. Why fix something that isn't broken, lol.

 

True dat. Only exception would be is if you planning to put a ome life on it... might need some different shocks then!

 

Hey guys I decided to swap them. It doesnt look like a tough job. Also I got them at Advanced Auto part, online. If you use discount code TRT30, you get a 30 percent discount.

 

Shocks are a pretty loaded question if you ask me. It all depends on the road conditions where you are driving. People out west won't have to replace shocks nearly ever compared to me living in Northeast Ohio. I have rough roads filled with potholes and all kinds of bumps and everything else. Shocks will wear out a lot faster when they are constantly working themselves. One way to tell if the shocks are back is drive the vehicle for about 15-20 minutes and then get a heat gun and get a temperature reading from the frame and then a temp reading from the bottom of the shock. The shock bottom should be 5-10 degrees warmer then the frame due to the working of the piston inside. If they are the same temperature as the frame, then the shocks aren't doing their job therefor they are bad!

 

I would if they're original. 4 skyjackers ran me like $120,I of course broke my old off road shocks.. lol.