IA_F150

Several months ago I bought a 1999 F150. It is a 4x4 Off Road with the 5.4L. I've never towed with it but I have verified the trailer wiring (lights) is functional. In a couple weeks I'll be towing a 5x8 U-Haul trailer about 400 miles empty and then about 400 miles with around 2000-2500 pounds in it. I've hauled some building materials in the bed before and it squatted a bit.

I'm thinking it would be a good idea to replace the shocks before the trip but I don't want to get shocks so stiff that the ride will be uncomfortable with daily driving. I will probably only tow a few times per year with this truck, but drive it to work daily. I'd like to go with Monroe shocks if possible because they had awesome customer service when I had an issue years ago and I haven't forgotten that. Any suggestions??

brulaz

Ranchos and Bilstein are two other shocks that I've heard positive things about on this forum. Not sure, but think Rancho makes one that is adjustable, so when you've got the extra load you can stiffen it up. Dunno which would fit your model Ford though.

Cal3bCart3r

I have recently purchased (for my truck) the Rancho RS5000, has a comfortable ride on road and handles well offroad. I was going to get the Rancho RS9000XL but didn't want to drop the cash (the one with 9 setting, soft to hard, for highway and towing rides).... I give rancho a thumbs up BUT i have also heard good things about Bilstein shocks!

IA_F150

And do you tow with them at all?

tomb1269

Shock are not for weight capacity i.e. squatting. If your truck tends to bounce to much when you hit a bump then you need shocks, and then I would get a good set. If there current ones are good leave them. If you'd like some better performance shocks thats a different story.

Mike Up

What about off road shocks and how they do for towing. Never seen any information on this but Chevy trucks with their Z71 Off road package can't upgrade their tow package. Chevy has a dedicated trailering suspension and shocks.

So it looks like in many situations, you don't want an off road shock for heavy towing, at least with Chevy.

IA_F150

I ended up with a set of adjustable Rancho shocks. I'll likely take them on some light off-roading Sunday and then on a long towing trip next weekend. I'll let you all know how it goes.