Best Replacement Shocks for towing

[DanTheMan97]

I've got a 2005 xlt that I use for both my daily driver & work. Roughly 80-90% of the time is towing a car hauler which has an empty weight of roughly 2000lbs & gets loaded with anywhere between 2000 and 5000lbs on any given day.........Now before you guys get your ******* in a bunch, I know these are not technically made for constant towing of this weight and blah blah blah...... I do plan on probably buying a Diesel F=250 eventually. Anyhow, one of the stock shocks appears to be leaking oil & ride isn't what it should be. What brand/etc do you guys suggest? I want something that'll put up with the abuse from both Michigan roads & heavy load. Thinking about buying entire strut assembly.

 

[Hamfisted]

The Rancho assemblies always get good reviews and their spring rates can probably handle the load on the rear a bit better than other options.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...on,strut+/+coil+spring+/+mount+assembly,15174

 

[outdare]

Wait till October. Rancho usual runs a sale in October. I think it is buy three get one free or a rebate if some kind.

Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk

 

[DanTheMan97]

So, you guys think something like this would be a good replacement?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YJTEEG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

[Hamfisted]

Yeah those should work fine. Rock Auto has 'em for about $150 each. The adjustable valving is nice. You'll appreciate that later on.

 

[DanTheMan97]

Well, I got the passenger side changed out Friday night. Only problem I ran into was the bottom bolt not wanting to come out. Almost like the thread was getting hung up, would slide back and forth easily just refused to come out all the way. Ended up just cutting the bolt off and pushing it out the opposite side. Hardware store was luckily still open so I just bought a 3/4 bolt, little tight but was able to pound it in. Now just to do the driver side.

 

[Nic Fowler]

Have you been happy with these? Did they make a difference in towing?

 

[RichardH]

I have a dumb question for the OP.

You mentioned these were not supposed to tow this weight FT.

If all fluids are up-to-date, cooling systems in order, your not flogging it and OD is disengaged to keep in power band, why would your truck not be considered a good candidate?

Sure it's nice to have a 6.7 powerstroke or any diesel 250/2500 and up, but if the above conditions are met, I don't see a problem... It's not ideal to be at the limit but I thought '03 and up w/ 5.4 with load leveling are rated at 8900#. I have '03 5.4 EB, verified may tongue/tow rating with and without load leveling.

BTW, good job on the install - looks great. Unfortunately I do not have input on the shocks issue...

 

[Jdizzle]

Well, I got the passenger side changed out Friday night. Only problem I ran into was the bottom bolt not wanting to come out. Almost like the thread was getting hung up, would slide back and forth easily just refused to come out all the way. Ended up just cutting the bolt off and pushing it out the opposite side. Hardware store was luckily still open so I just bought a 3/4 bolt, little tight but was able to pound it in. Now just to do the driver side.

View attachment 27054

How does it tow with the Rancho Quicklifts? Does it squat a lot?