How do you know when the shocks are going bad on a truck?

I've got 77,000 miles on my f-150 4wd and I'm going to be putting new tires on. Thought about doing the shocks while I had the tires off...

How long do shocks on a truck last for? (I don't off-road much, and when I do, its not rugged off-roading, just driving down logging roads, etc)

Aside from the obvious (fluid leaks from the shocks), you can try the "jump up and down on the bumper test"
After you quit jumping, the truck continues to bounce more than a couple times, you could benefit from new shocks.

Nik, I was told a good way to test is to take one off and see if you can manually operate it. If the shock compresses and doesn't come out readily, or comes out very slowly, it's time for new ones.

My F150 had to have em changed at 70K, I noticed the steering wasn't quite as responsive when going over bumps, etc. A buddy of mine owns a tire place and told me to remove a shock and test it by hand. I just unbolted the lower bolt and yanked it out of the mount. It was finished.

New shocks = like new handling!

Good luck, Sean.

It doesn't do this... If I bounce it, and then bounce off, it stops immediately...



This I definetly have noticed... around a bumpy corner at low/moderate speed the truck is starting to break loose over bumps and then catch immediately.

Nik,
Justification reasons:
1. Even if your stock shocks are not bad, an upgrade to a premium shock will make a big difference in ride and handling.
2. At 70,000 miles, the ride quality has probably deteriorated quite a bit, but it happens gradually, so you have nothing to reference it to.
3. Changing shocks while the tires are off saves labor.
4. Good shocks will help those new tires last longer.
5. Premium truck shocks are cheap!!! (compared to bike shocks)

Wait, You're single. You don't need justification reasons. :grin:

As Mac would say "God damn RIGHT!"


I think I'll do the shocks also.

Thanks!

Yea, what RR said....

You will really notice the difference. Are they the original tires too??
I know the last time I did just tires, the old ones were shot. It felt and handled so much better. If you do both, you will think you got a new truck!

I usually change mine every 30k or so. I usually get the Gabriel VST gas shocks. A set for my Cherokee or F150 at the local parts store is easily under $100. Do them yourself. You don't even need to pull the tires on an F-150.....at least I don't on my 2wd F150 or on the Cherokee.

Steve

If you take shocks off and test them by hand, the resistance to rebound is what counts. Shocks are made to compress relatively easily then damp the spring rebound quickly. If you want to go premium, go Bilstein--usually around $50-60 each for trucks. These are the best, no comparison to domestic shocks.
MikeG

Nik---go get some Bilstiens for it I think they are around $60/ea---herehttp://www.shox.com/---they are an awesome/long lasting shock, OEM on Mercs, bla, bla, bla

nik .. i was in a similair situation. the shocks on my jeep grand cherokee didnt feel like they needed replacing ... but after a rough trip up to the Flat Tops Wilderness in CO, I could tell I needed new ones. went with Edelbrock IAS and OMG! better handling, decreased body roll, give a smooth hiway ride, but are not too plush when it's time to go offroad.