Best replacement shocks for Air Ride rear

[DrStang]

I've got an 08 Limited short wheel base 2wd with HD tow package, Tekonsha brake controller and just over 135k miles that I'm freshening up. Read up on all the options for front shocks from Bilstein 4600 OEM replacements to 5100's from the F150's to Rancho Quicklifts but not finding options for replacement shocks to keep the stock Air Bags. There seem to be specific Motorcraft part numbers for every possible combination of wheel base, drive type, wheel size and suspension option, and then all aftermarket shocks say something along the lines of "except air".

Think I want to do either 5100's or 4600's up front and would like to replace the rear shocks and keep the Air Bags. I will be hauling stuff from time to time and towing a light race car trailer or utility trailer, but nothing near max tow capacity.

Anyone find any good replacement shocks to keep the stock Air or are there any modifications to make something like the Bilstein 4600's work with the Bags?

 

[valenrandy]

Did you ever find an answer to your question? I'm finding myself in the same situation about replace the rear struts with in the air bags.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

mine is gen 1, however replaced rear bags in '11, and compressor too that threw it's rod. Ordered the kit from Arnott.

 

[gixer2000]

I haven't found any decent shocks yet but there is an option to raise the rear with the bags of your looking to do that. Look in the suspension section and it's one of the first threads

 

[DrStang]

I never found an answer but am getting closer to needing to replace the shocks. The air bag level ride setup is still working, so I'd really like to try to keep it. I'm going to try to see if I can find a local store with the Bilstein 4600's in stock that will let me compare to when I pull the rear shocks.

At $100 a pop I'm thinking about just having the 5100's ready to go on up front and then hoping can make the 4600's work in the rear.

 

[bloodhound]

I never found an answer but am getting closer to needing to replace the shocks. The air bag level ride setup is still working, so I'd really like to try to keep it. I'm going to try to see if I can find a local store with the Bilstein 4600's in stock that will let me compare to when I pull the rear shocks.

At $100 a pop I'm thinking about just having the 5100's ready to go on up front and then hoping can make the 4600's work in the rear.

I have never found an aftermarket rear strut that allows you to keep your air bags. Only the Motorcraft ones are available.