I have a 1995 F150 4.9 2wd with 84,000 miles, I don't know how old the shocks are, how often do you need to change them? I ask because come fall I am going to college in Fargo and I want to be sure I have everything good and ready to go.

If I need to change them, what do you guys think about RanchoRS5000's?

 

Does your ride suck? A bone jarring ride, squeaks and rattles develop when shocks fail. RS5000's have served me well on my Bronco.

 

Depends on the vehicle and the conditons it is used under. If you live in a salt state with rough roads, 40k-50k. Highway driving you can get 100K plus from a set of shocks.

 

Bounce the corner down by standing on it and jumping off. It should sink and return to normal with minimal or no oscillation. I like my RS5000's a lot.

 

Are they adjustable to different settings? And if so what would you guys recommend for mostly city and some highway driving? And what about for running gravel and logging trails? What about Heckenthorn Hydro 8000's are they any good?

 

I would recomend the bilsteins if you can swing them. Lifetime warranty, and excellent performers in every vehicle I have driven/ installed them on(understatement). I liked the Rancho 5000's my sisters truck had (also a 4.9 f-150), but three bushings were gone in less than 25K miles, I've also heard the same thing from several dakota(my previous love) owners. there is another shock thread in the 97 up forum w/ my experience w/ bilteins on my 99 here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ad.phpt=231025.

No, experience w/ the Heckethorns, but almost anything is better than stock. from the sound of your 2nd post the Bilsteins are the way to go.