new shocks

ticopowell · #1 Mon, March 28th, 2011, 11:16 PM

So i got my oil changed for free from the dealer today and they said I need new shocks... so what does anyone know about them that will help me buy them? I do plan on towing a little, but nothing too heavy, and I still want a decent ride, but the ability to go off road and have fun.
They quoted $700 for both front and back, $400 for the front, $200 for the back, and the rest was tax and labor. that sound right?
Thanks for the help!

***Jackpine*** · #2 Tue, March 29th, 2011, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ticopowell

So i got my oil changed for free from the dealer today and they said I need new shocks... so what does anyone know about them that will help me buy them? I do plan on towing a little, but nothing too heavy, and I still want a decent ride, but the ability to go off road and have fun.
They quoted $700 for both front and back, $400 for the front, $200 for the back, and the rest was tax and labor. that sound right?
Thanks for the help!

I've not had to change mine on my truck, but the price sounds about right to me. One thing though, a dealer will tell you your shocks need changing if they detect a leak during a service visit. They will always change them in "pairs" on the same axle, even if only one is bad. In my opinion, they are being a bit too "proactive" here. If you do the "bounce test" - (push down strongly on each corner of the vehicle and see if it settles in one rebound), your shocks can wait.

Of course, I've seen vehicles going down the road bouncing up and down like they were on "jelly", and those vehicles are totally unsafe. I've never seen a shock just suddenly "fail" due to total loss of a seal (about the only way they can fail I think). Mostly, they just start "seeping". I think you can put off service as long as you keep a close eye on things (the bounce test).

Going off road puts additional stress on things, so DO keep that eye on them if you follow the "delay" advice. I don't think towing is much of a factor.

A shock is used to dampen out the "springiness" in the suspension, so it doesn't just continue to oscillate up and down after a bump. Other than that, it has no real effect. A shock does not actively support the weight of the vehicle. But, a corner or an axle that is bouncing without being damped effects your control adversely.

And, if anyone disagrees, PLEASE don't be afraid to add your opinion. I've gone both ways in the past, changing them at the first sign of seepage and waiting till I had more money.

- Jack

ticopowell · #3 Tue, March 29th, 2011, 12:38 AM

Thanks for the advice, I will have to go check for seepage tomorrow when it's light, I think ill wait to replace them either way because I can't really afford it now... :/, I can do them myself at the shop on base so that should save some money.
Any reason why the front ones are double the price of the back ones? I would think that the back need to be better because of the variable weight above them compared to the relatively unchanging weight of the front of the truck... but that's just my thoughts.
Any specific brands work better than others?
Thanks again!

***Jackpine*** · #4 Tue, March 29th, 2011, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ticopowell

Thanks for the advice, I will have to go check for seepage tomorrow when it's light, I think ill wait to replace them either way because I can't really afford it now... :/, I can do them myself at the shop on base so that should save some money.
Any reason why the front ones are double the price of the back ones? I would think that the back need to be better because of the variable weight above them compared to the relatively unchanging weight of the front of the truck... but that's just my thoughts.
Any specific brands work better than others?
Thanks again!

I've never changed my own, but I'm certain the labor is more involved on steering axles. I don't really think the fronts and rears are different - am I being naive here?

I don't have any brands to recommend either. Motorcraft is a sure bet, but I imagine any of the major brands will do as well in this case.

- Jack

ticopowell · #5 Tue, March 29th, 2011, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackandJanet

I've never changed my own, but I'm certain the labor is more involved on steering axles. I don't really think the fronts and rears are different - am I being naive here?

I don't have any brands to recommend either. Motorcraft is a sure bet, but I imagine any of the major brands will do as well in this case.

- Jack

I put in a leveling kit myself (highly recommended to anyone that wants one), it came with really easy simple directions on how to take out the front shocks/strut assembly, then the shop here should be able to help getting the actual shock out of the spring area (gotta love my non technical terms). I guess the fronts might include the costs of the whole thing, not just the shocks inside... easier install that way though, but idk if it's worth the extra $100 per shock to do it that way... sure hope someone who knows more than us chimes in...

roary · #6 Tue, March 29th, 2011, 11:47 AM

My buddy just changed his 05 shocks out and his fronts cost over a $100 more than his rears did. I THINK he said it was something to do with the fronts being struts and not just regular shocks.

He also took and put the 4x4 shocks on the back for a little extra support as he regularly tows with his. He purchased the shock/struts at O'reilly's for about $350 total cost.