New Shocks, New Truck - Ford Shock Upgrade
Maybe we're getting older, or maybe it's the fact that we get to testdrive brand-new vehicles with plush, comfortable rides so often, but we recently discovered how rough the ride had become in our '97 F-350. The 16½-year-old shocks were rusted, corroded, and seized in place. Up front, the worn-out factory units were doing such a poor job soaking up inputs from the road that we feared they no longer had any travel left in them. Worst of all, the deteriorating ride quality made us not want to drive the truck.
| new Shocks New Truck Ford Shock Upgrade shock Comparison
With one of the best names in the shock absorber industry, Bilstein's products are known for their long-lasting durability, great ride quality, and wide range of availability. The company even supplies many of its shocks to OE manufacturers. Seeking the best ride quality possible, we contacted Bilstein for a front and rear set of its 5100 series units and installed them in an afternoon. This is a simple, affordable, bolt-on upgrade for those of us still holding on to our older trucks.
Night-and-Day Difference
The truck's new ride quality is the best it's ever been. We still know we're driving a leaf-sprung 1-ton, but we don't notice every little inconsistency in the road anymore, and the truck absorbs the impacts of bigger bumps exceptionally well. Perhaps the best part about this upgrade is that it makes for a more pleasant overall driving experience. Our '97 F-350 feels like new again.
Parts List
Product:
Vendor:
Part Number:
Price (per):
Bilstein 5100 series shock (front)
Summit Racing
33-187297
$85.95
Bilstein 5100 series shock (rear)
Summit Racing
24-185530
$85.95
Total: $343.80
