Curious about changing only the rear shocks....

[quangdog]

I've been looking for some good way to tell just how much of a difference a suspension upgrade will make, and all the reviews I've run across are so... subjective... it's really hard to tell.

I have a 2019 Lariat FX4, and I will take this off road up into the mountains to do some hiking/backpacking/camping, as well as just to go play on the offroad trails available in my area. I find the on-road ride to be fine, if a little stiff in the rear, but there is quite a bit of wallowing. For example, when I pull out of my driveway at an angle over the curb, the truck will rock back and forth 3-4 times before finally settling down. I'd like a ride that feels a little more planted, but don't really want to break the bank to get it.

So, will it make much difference if I only swap out the factory FX4 rear shocks for the stage 2 Fox shocks available at Level 3? I see they are on sale right now, so I'd pull the trigger if I could be convinced that it will help settle down the body roll a bit.

If it matters, I'd also like to get a 2.5" RC leveling kit for the front, but have hesitated to do so if I really need to replace shocks in rear and coilovers in the front to get a better ride.

I'm not a crazy offroader and I'm not looking to build a massive overlander. I don't necessarily want bigger tires or wheels... just a less wobbly and stiff ride that will still perform well off road.

Happy to hear opinions - especially if you have only swapped out the rear shocks.

Thanks!

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[quangdog]

And quick follow-up question: If I replace only rear shocks, should I take the truck in for an alignment? (I assume no, but I'm a novice with swapping suspension bits)

 

[P. A. Schilke]

And quick follow-up question: If I replace only rear shocks, should I take the truck in for an alignment? (I assume no, but I'm a novice with swapping suspension bits)

Hi Kimball,

No need to realign for rear shocks only.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[outdoorphotog]

I put just the rear Eibach's shocks on, made a huge difference for me. When there is no weight in the bed, it rides 100x nicer. I wish I had done the upgrade months ago.

 

[quangdog]

I put just the rear Eibach's shocks on, made a huge difference for me. When there is no weight in the bed, it rides 100x nicer. I wish I had done the upgrade months ago.

My new Fox 2.0 rear shocks should arrive tomorrow... Can't wait to get them on. Thanks for letting me know how yours turned out!

 

[Mellow]

My new Fox 2.0 rear shocks should arrive tomorrow... Can't wait to get them on. Thanks for letting me know how yours turned out!

They made a big difference for me... no more bouncy rear end when you hit a bump on the hwy. It's how it should have been from the factory. Can't give you any off road comparisons as I don't have a need to do that but I have to think it will also be better.

 

[outdoorphotog]

My new Fox 2.0 rear shocks should arrive tomorrow... Can't wait to get them on. Thanks for letting me know how yours turned out!

I am sure they will work great. Someone was asking in another thread for the most "Bang for your buck mod", i think the rear shock replacement is the most bang for the buck mod I have done yet.

 

[aeroshots]

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[RCMUSTANG]

I replaced the rears with Fabtechs and the valving matched the front FX4 fronts. I'm happy with it. The rears were to stiff stock.

 

[Langwilliams]

I just changed my rear shocks to Eibach's an did a test run an to me it's night an day better. Rear feels solid, firm an controlled. No more busy bouncy feel. For $200 this is the best mod I've done.

 

[Cape Cruiser]

Langley I did the same and I agree,big difference. I still might do the fronts also.

 

[Langwilliams]

the Eibach shocks feel heavier an more solid than the stock ones

 

[Langwilliams]

the front feels fine to me Cape I'm now afraid to change it since I like the ride lol. I'm looking at the eibach front's. I might buy a set of used take off fx4 struts to take to a shop with the eibachs to have assembled so I can just swap them out at home.

 

[outdoorphotog]

the front feels fine to me Cape I'm now afraid to change it since I like the ride lol. I'm looking at the eibach front's. I might buy a set of used take off fx4 struts to take to a shop with the eibachs to have assembled so I can just swap them out at home.

I just bit the bullet and ordered the front eibachs too...

 

[quangdog]

My rear shocks arrived yesterday, but life has been too hectic to get them installed yet. Possibly tonight, more likely this weekend. Can't wait to feel the ride difference.

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