The load adjust shocks are about $25 more for a pair (compared to shocks alone) compared to $150 for a new set of leaf springs. If you need new shocks anyway, its a very economical option to get the load adjuster shocks with the helper spring.
The mounts were designed to carry load from the air shocks. Unless Monroe was extremely foolish, they wouldn't design their load adjusters to put more stress on the shock mounts than the factory air shocks, or they'd be exposing themselves to a ton of liability.
Alright now this is just getting out of hand. Bad or half truth info has run rampant lately. Enough of the half a** uneducated advise being thrown out there. I'm going to offer some thought on this last post. To the OP, I'm sorry your thread has become cluttered with all this, but it is important to the next person down the road that stumbles upon this.
"$25 more for a pair"
Really? For what brand/model? Shocks range from $15 to $2000. Depending on what your use is. Just throwing out a number like that is ridiculous.
"Compared to $150 for a new set of leaf springs"
Really? New or used? If new, do you have a link for them? Last I looked the cheapest set of new were over $300, and the Deavers I wanted were over $700. Call a dealer and ask what they want for a new set of stock leafs, HAHA! If you meant a new set of used stock packs, that's high. I can find em all day for $50. Geography can make a diff here, so I will let that go.
"The mounts were designed to carry load from the air shocks."
Really? Are you an engineer for Ford? Because you say so, everybody should feel safe, and take your word for it? Are you ready to be held liable for your statement, in case of a failure that ends up in someones harm, possibly a child?
Have you ever looked close up at the stock upper mount on a non air ride or a air ride equipped vehicle?
Can you tell me the difference in the mounts? Do you know the gauge of the stamped metal?
Do you know if they are riveted, bolted, spot welded or bead welded to span the frame? I can.
You believe that the engineers made the upper mounts strong enough, just in case some aftermarket company decided to make a load assist shock that will take weight off the leaf springs they designed to handle the weight? Really?
Speaking of... Monroe just made the parts, they didn't sell them, or install them in your vehicle. They have waivers built in every part they sell that holds them not liable for any damages incurred by YOUR decision to use them in your vehicle, and under your conditions used, and for what purpose you used them in. Next time you buy a new shock, read that little piece of paper inside the box. They have no idea what your going to use them on, when they made them. They tested and marketed them in vehicles equipped from the factory to use them safely, and mostly robotic arms in a test lab, and that's that. There is no liability to them for your mistake of improper install. Just because a company sells them or lists them under your vehicle, does not mean you should use them, it just means the data base shows the measurements, and the dimensions fit your vehicle, nothing more. It's listed on an algorithm software. Do you think that a company such as rockauto.com would be liable for damages incurred from a part failure? No, they will tell you your responsible for the research, and the proper install of the parts they sell. They will direct you to the manufacturer. Remember that liability waiver from them? Yeah, It's on you the consumer to actually use common sense and research on your own for your own safety and the liability falls on your shoulders for your actions. Make any sense yet?
If I was to use these rear spring over load assist shocks, I would replace the rear upper mount with a stronger mount. A carbon steel sq tube of 1/4"x1.5", spanning the width and bolted/welded to the frame.
As tempting as a 10 min install, instant repair sounds using these type of shocks, I would never install them to repair a set of sagging leafs, as I would just replace the leafs with good sets.
