FordExcursions.com Forums
Ed Bellman
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• Kettering, OH, USA |
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• Registered on 12/19/2003 |
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• 8 posts |
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 Posted:3/25/2004 12:09 |
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I bought my X with 50k on her and am at 52-53k now. Having no basis for comparison, I think the ride is too rough and bouncy even for a truck-based vehicle like the X - i.e. shocks are shot. What kind of mileage is everyone getting out of their factory shocks (I'm 90% sure mine are still factory)? What are good replacements, Bilstiens? I don't do much towing if that makes a difference.
TIA,
Ed
Sorry, just realized I was still in the Gas Engine forum, mods feel free to relocate this post!  |
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MONGO
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• Sandwich, IL, USA |
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• Registered on 1/3/2003 |
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• 210 posts |
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 Posted:3/25/2004 20:32 |
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The stock (junk) shocks only good for about 12K. Everybody has their preference. I went with the Bilsteins and I don`t regret it. Some go with Eldelbrocks, Rancho 9000`s even Monroe`s. Anythings better than stock crap.
Part #`s Front Back
Bilseins BE5-6208-HO BE5-6209
Edelbrock IAS ED33225 ED34225
I don`t have the #`s for the Rancho`s on hand. 
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RS-TX
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• Little River, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 11/22/2002 |
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• 298 posts |
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Posted:3/25/2004 21:36 |
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I replaced my stock shocks with Bilsteins at around 50k miles. I can't say that the ride improved a lot, but it did help control the "bounce", like when turning and hitting a dip. Much less side-to-side rocking.
Gas or PSD doesn't matter (part numbers not withstanding) when it comes to shocks. Most any aftermarket is going to be an improvement.
Welcome to the site!
Rick
2004 VW Jetta TDI |
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MONGO
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• Sandwich, IL, USA |
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• Registered on 1/3/2003 |
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• 210 posts |
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Posted:3/25/2004 22:05 |
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Part #`s for the Ranch 9000X
Front RS99267
Back RS99266
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wct_ny
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• Rochester, NY, USA |
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• Registered on 3/4/2004 |
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• 22 posts |
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Posted:3/31/2004 06:36 |
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I know i am being a bit lazy here by not searching for posts on this topic.. but its early in the morning and I am not quite awake yet.. 
any comments on benefits/negatives of using adjustable shocks vs a product like bilstiens? I heard some quality issues arise with adjustables as a function of design... but that information is only 1 guy's opinion... The RV forum I use leans heavily towards bilstiens... I am a new owner and will be doing the standard shock replacement along with rear ant-sway... I only have 17K miles on my 02. I was planning on bilstiens, but had 2nd thoughts thinking adjustables would give me mroe flexibilty when towing vs daily commutes..
thanks
Bill
Bill T
Rochester NY
2002 "X" V10- 4x4
3 teens, 1 wife, 1 great dane, 2 cats |
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RS-TX
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• Little River, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 11/22/2002 |
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• 298 posts |
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Posted:3/31/2004 07:30 |
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Well, when I was looking for shocks, I went through some of the same questions. I got the Bilsteins based on three criteria.
1) I'd never read anything bad about Bilsteins. Some guy might say he wasn't impressed, but he never mentioned anything wrong with the shock itself.
2) Much like a new toy, I figured I would play with the settings for a little while and then just leave them at one spot. That would negate getting adjustables.
3) KISS. More moving parts means increased chance of something breaking.
The final kicker for me...the yellow color of the Bilsteins goes with my white/tan X better than the red Ranchos  
Rick
2004 VW Jetta TDI |
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E. Long
 
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,228 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:4/1/2004 11:10 |
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I have adjustable Rancho shocks. I also had these on my Bronco when I was offroading a lot. Since I've installed them on the Excursion, I've never changed the settings. 2 in front, 3 in the rear. It's a pain to crawl underneath to switch the knobs (if you don't have the in-cab controller...an extra $200-300, I believe).
I'm at about 60,000 miles on these Ranchos, they are still good. My next set of shocks will probably be Edelbrocks or Bilsteins. No matter which way you go, Rancho, Edelbrock, and Bilstein are all much better than stock. As far as adjustability goes, take it from someone who has them and never uses the feature, not worth the extra money if you don't use it! Now, if you tow a lot or go offroading a lot and need the adjustability, I would say, definitely go with the adjustable Ranchos.
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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Matthew Crump
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• Omaha, NE, USA |
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• Registered on 8/22/2003 |
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• 16 posts |
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Posted:4/1/2004 12:39 |
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I used the Monroes, mostly for cost reasons. They are completely adequate for the way we use the X (70% highway, 25% town, 5% off road) and are way better than the factory shocks. I can't compare them against the other aftermarket choices, but haven't been disappointed.
Matt |
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85MH325
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• Eastern, IA, USA |
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• Registered on 3/20/2004 |
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• 54 posts |
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Posted:4/1/2004 19:12 |
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I just ordered a set of Edelbrocks for my X. I'm waiting for them to arrive. The blurb on their website is very impressive, but I've never had any before. I just put Ranchos on my Toyota truck, and I've always put Ranchos on my old FJ 40s and FJ 60s so it'll be interesting to see how the Edelbrocks do. BTW, I got the Edelbrocks for $69/corner with free shipping... not bad I thought!
Anybody ever used the Edelbrocks?
Roger |
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rozett
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• Limington, ME, USA |
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• Registered on 1/10/2003 |
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• 163 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:4/1/2004 21:39 |
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Many folks had great things to say about the Rancho 9000s. But I just don't do the kind of driving that would warrant adjustable shocks. So I have gone with the Rancho RSX. They should be delivered in a few days, along with the Hellwig sway bar. I bought everything from JC Whitney. The shocks were $53/corner and the Hellwig was $135. But my last JCW catalog had a 15% off coupon. So I made out pretty well. 
//bruce
2000 Excursion Limited V10 4x4
ART brakes, Rancho RSX shocks, Hellwig rear sway bar, SD grille, V10 badges, Sylvania Silverstars, clear corners, and Bridgestone Dueler A/T REVO 285s. |
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