Reason I ask is my 2005 F-150 Supercrew is making some sounds over dips that I suspect to be suspension related. It got me to thinking how long can you expect shocks to last on a truck. I only have 62K miles on it but what is the typical longevity for shocks? What brands would make good replacements? My truck is 2WD so I don't need anything off-roading rated.

 

6 years and 60k isn't bad. The stock shocks are not the best anyhow, and you could be seeing some wear on them. What exactly is the "noise" you're hearing?
Are you seeing and hearing any other symptoms? Like additional vibrations through the truck after hitting bumps/bridge expansion cracks/railroad crossings.
For a 2wd application, check out Monroe, KYB, and Bilstein offerings. You should be able to get all 4 corners for about $350, or less if you can find them on sale. Bilstein will be a touch more expensive.

 

no other symptoms that I've noticed. The noise is kind of a clanking with a ever so slight feel to it when it happens. It usually happens when I'm pulling out of my steep driveway or going up or down a bank at an angle. It's happened for about two months now and seems to be getting gradually worse. Nothing major but I'm just curious. Steering is great and the ride is unaffected.

 

If the ride is unaffected, then it might not be shocks.
How are you tires wearing? A previous vehicle of mine would make an audible metal on metal noise and it was worn ball joints.
Have you checked the suspension (linkage bolts, control arm bolts, etc) for anything that might be loose? It could be a number of things, and worn bushings could also be on that list.
Honestly, hard to say with 100% certainty without being there.

 

I had a noise like this on my truck at 82,000 miles and the problem was the front swaybar links were worn out. Replaced them and everything was fine after that. 110,000 miles on my truck now and still have the original shocks.

 

A lot of these newer coil over shock systems seem to last a lot longer than the older shocks. I remember in the 90s replacing OEM shocks with just a little over 12k. Now manufacturers reccomend replacing your shocks between 50-80k depending on the make/model.
BUT! If it aint broke do not fix it comes into play when it comes to some things such as shocks. you may also be coming into shocks starting to fail and the noise is just the start. I would go with KYB or Bilsteins for these types of shocks. If you decide to change them. The KYB is a popular brand at Car Quest and I have bought them for less than generic Monroe for a lot nicer product. I just hope KYB hasn't dropped their quality.

 

sway bar links was my other suspicion. I'm going to get under the truck this weekend to have a look. After taking a little more careful notice of the noise over the last two days the sound is more prominent when I'm going over uneven ground while turning. That might make the case for sway bar links a little stronger?

 

I think you're onto something there!

 

That's exactly when mine made the noise....when I went over something like uneven ground. I suspect you have the same problem I had. Good luck! Let us know what you find.

 

Thanks replaced mine with Moogs today, no more knuckle cracking noises!

Thanks