I have a full size TV, a 2012 F150. At 75k miles, I need new rotors and brake pads. I just put on new Michelins and my tire guy says I should replace the shocks and as a side benefit, the truck would even tow better. I just ordered new brake rotors and pads. From all my web searches and Youtube, it should be a relative easy replacement and I save hundreds of dollars over having my favorite shop do it. While at it, I will be replacing the front struts and rear shocks. Again, the fantastic help from Youtube shows that I should be able to replace the shocks myself, again saving hundreds.
I also used the savings to buy top quality parts and still wil save hundreds.
But here is my delimema. And I hope others here can help me make up my mind based on their knowledge and experience.
Many, if not most late model full size trucks (at least Fords) use springs around the shocks, known as "struts". To replace only the shocks requires the old springs to be removed and added to the new shocks. This can be a very dangerous process for the DIY'r and also requires special tools. This also builds up the labor cost. So many are going to a full, spring mounted strut assembly and replace everything, including the hardware. The benefits of the average person being able to do the repacement himself are many fold.
While doing my research, I found only two brands (excluding the very high end systems) that offer the complete strut assemblies for my TV. Monroe and Rancho. To me and backed up by my research, the Monroes are ok, but give a similar ride compared to OEM parts. But I want more then that. The Ranchos only come in a front lift configuration as opposed to original high configuration. This gives the truck a level "rake".
I like the idea of making the truck appear level versus the factory set front angle downward. The minimum unit I can get would move my front end up 2 inches. This is an issue for me because when I hook the CT up, the tonque weight lowers my back end and then gives me a level ride. So if I run the Ranchos with a 2 inch lift, I would theoretically raise the front 2 inches higher again when towing. I do not think I want that.
So here is my question. Have any of you changed out your front strut assemblies and if so, what are your thoughts afterwards? Oh, and I also read many Ford forums and did not walk away with a suitable answer.