Strut/Shock - when do replace?

[SmoothJ]

Besides the slight boat feeling since I am in a truck, I don't think the stock strut/shock are doing a bad job (especially with the slightly higher rate springs on the Platinum) but I wish it was better. That being said, when does everyone recommend replacing them? I have only 34K on the truck, so I feel I am about 1/2 way through its normal life (~50-60K).

If doing a replacement, what is recommended and has it been tested with the different spring rates?

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[RSMLightning25]

In my experience with gas F150's the stock shocks didn't last pass 50k and might have been bad before then. If this were a gas truck I could toss plenty of recommendations but things seem to be more limited with the Lightning? I know the Eibachs have been tested for this platform and it seems many shocks that fit the front of the gassers work here for the most part. I can't say much about the rears other than the Eibachs.

 

[21st Century Truck]

I have 71.5 thousand miles on my Lightning and have been wondering the same question... but so far there's no corner pogo effect yet when I push hard on any corner.

 

[AZT9]

Just installed Eibach on all 4 corners. It’s a world of difference

 

[AZT9]

Replaced the stock suspension @ 85k miles and 2 of the 4 shocks were blown and leaning fluid upon inspection when removed

 

[RSMLightning25]

Very nice! Did you do the install yourself or have a shop take care of that?

 

[AZT9]

Driveway install

I will say those Eibach springs are stout!!

And clocking is key!!!

 

[RSMLightning25]

Can you explain the clocking part? Are you referring to the top hat orientation?

 

[21st Century Truck]

I just self-installed new Eibach shocks (only shocks) on my rear suspension. Due to time, the front suspension will have to wait a bit although I have Eibach front shocks in hand. WARNING for DIYers: the rear (only rear) shock bottom bolts and nuts are throwaway items, not reusable, and they need torquing to a very high 380 foot pounds which requires a really, really large torque wrench.

To answer the OP's question when to replace shocks - BOTH my OEM shocks were easily compressible with one hand once they were out of the truck, with a really slow, creeping-slow rebound.

We don't baby our Lightning and it does now have 77 thousand miles, but still... a 7-year old could easily compress either of the rear OEM shocks now. Meaning = the rear shocks are completely worn out at 77 thousand miles.

Of course, the Eibachs are a much better quality shock and they should last for far longer. FYI I set the Eibachs which are adjustable for lift during installiation, at zero lift as I have no interest in lifting or leveling the truck. I actually like the retro 1970s rake the Lightning has.

Hope this info helps others here.

 

[AZT9]

Can you explain the clocking part? Are you referring to the top hat orientation?

Sorry just noticed this question. Yes the coils need to be oriented to properly seat in the top hat and still
Bold back into the truck

 

[RLXXI]

Had just over 2k miles on my other truck and found a blown rear shock. Was in the process of putting a lift kit on and shocks to fit that so I didn't bother with warranty. Parts are a crap shoot mostly, it's the human factor.

I sure hope these last a while.

 

[RSMLightning25]

Sorry just noticed this question. Yes the coils need to be oriented to properly seat in the top hat and still
Bold back into the truck

No worries and thanks for the reply.

 

[21st Century Truck]

So today I (finally) had access to a lift and assorted indoor workspace and tools, and finished the Eibach shock replacement therapy for my now-80k Lightning ER.

I am very very happy after this mod, for two reasons:

1. The Buick-like driving behavior the truck had since it was new is now completely gone.

2. The two front shocks were also completely worn out just like the rear ones had been back in early November... actually, beyond worn out.

Based on some technical reading, tech advice from a member here (Thanks Woody!) and tech advice from the chief mechanic at the Fort Knox Auto Craft shop where I did both rear and front shock swaps, I did the job without pulling off the tie rod connections and without pulling off the disc brake plates, which made the job far easier and less complex.

Of note, I kept the OEM shock height (i.e. the lowest groove ring on the Eibach shocks, front and rear) and kept the OEM springs.

The truck drives now better than when it was brand new.

As the Eibachs are pressurized shocks I am certain I will get far more useful mileage out of them than out of the cheapie OEM shocks.

Just because I was already in there and because the truck mileage is at 80k, I also replaced the OEM end links with Moog greaseable end links. I thought of also replacing the upper control arms with SPC units, but in the end, didn't.

 

[RSMLightning25]

Glad to hear this. I have the shocks and just need to get them installed. I'm over the floaty ride even though it's really smooth.

 

[COrocket]

Did the Eibachs at 30k miles and the stock ones didn’t have too much oil leakage - but they were very easy to compress with one hand as others have mentioned. It’ll be interesting to see how long the Eibachs last in comparison

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