Help with Shocks

[chukarchaser]

I need help with which brand of shock's to replace on my pickup.  I have a Ford F350 C/C 4x4 diesel that has a 3000lb camper on it half the year and the other half of the year it is my hunting rig.  everything on the truck is factory stock size and I have no desire to lift it, I just want to know which brand would provide the best overall ride, stability and handling.  I appreciate your input.  thanks

[2labs]

Same truck minus the c.c. Haul 3800 lbs. camper.  Run  billstiens and been really happy with them. The ride empty is a little harsh. Some off that is the toyo G rated tires tho. Don't think you can go wrong with billstiens .

[irishevox]

billstein are really good.. Skyjacker makes some ones as well stock and modified

[chukarchaser]

Thanks guys, any ideas on who installs Billsteins?

[KFhunter]

Is it because the camper is rocking and rolling?  New shocks won't do much to stop that.


Air bags will be the best bang for your buck to stop the sway,  followed by heavy duty rear sway bar.

http://www.hellwigproducts.com/products/big-wig/the-big-wig/

http://www.truckspring.com/products/Firestone-Ride-Rite-Air-Spring-Kit---Rear__RR2550.aspx

[2labs]

Thanks guys, any ideas on who installs Billsteins?

It's a pretty easy do it yourself job. Took about 15-20 min a shock.

[irishevox]

Thanks guys, any ideas on who installs Billsteins?

It's a pretty easy do it yourself job. Took about 15-20 min a shock.

 

[chukarchaser]

Thanks again.  I have the air bags on the back, and am only planning on doing the front original shocks which I am pretty sure wore out.

[irishevox]

if i wasn't on deployment i would swing by and help you out

[HntnFsh]

The biggest help on my truck when hauling the camper was Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. Cranked them up with the camper on and really cut down on the sway. Backed them off when no camper  on and really smoothed out the ride.

I had air bags on before doing the Ranchos. They helped. But the Ranchos made the biggest difference. Especially for the front. I put the ranchos all the way around. Love em!

[thinkingman]

The biggest help on my truck when hauling the camper was Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. Cranked them up with the camper on and really cut down on the sway. Backed them off when no camper  on and really smoothed out the ride.

I had air bags on before doing the Ranchos. They helped. But the Ranchos made the biggest difference. Especially for the front. I put the ranchos all the way around. Love em!

This is a good point.
For the range of load handling you are needing, an adjustable shock may be a better idea.
I have Bilstein 5100's all around and like them a lot, but my car doesn't have to handle a 3000lb range of duties.

[chukarchaser]

great points, I like the idea of the adjustable.

[6x6in6]

I too have the Rancho 9k's. And air bags.  And a rear sway bar. And a camper that weighs close to 5k when fully loaded.
I do the same as HntnFsh.  Twist them up to 9 when loaded.  Turn them down to 2 when unloaded.
I also have added extended length overload spring bump stops to replace the factory bump stops, which are worthless as they never contacted the overload leaf tips.  These made the biggest difference in ride stability when loaded. 

[JackOfAllTrades]

I've had Bilsteins on my F250 FX4 for the last year. Happy with them. I also like the Rancho 9000's.
It is not difficult to replace shocks.
 
-Steve