Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 245
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From: Central Mass.
Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
I'm glad to hear the Bilsteins are lifetime warranty. I understand your reason for getting them but since they have no adjustability is why I got the Koni's. Shocks DO wear and since Bilstein has none they seem to be stiffer than Koni's because the valving is set that way to compensate. I'd rather get the better ride from day one and then adjust (3 positions) when necessary. Good luck-both are considered good quality.
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17
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Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
Ok, I'm a newbie to this forum and to the world of Expy's. I bought mine used and it runs great.. How would one know if the shocks need changed?? It had 112,000 on it and I have had it for about a month.. I couldn't tell you if it still has the original shocks on it or not.. I know I can sit in it and rock it back and forth..??
Thanks..
Thanks..
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 689
Likes: 1
From: VA
Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
I don't believe that a shock manufacturer sets a shock up to compensate for wear. Nevertheless, if Bilsteins last, then they don't need to compensate them for wear in their adjustment. The purpose of adjustment is not for wear, but for performance in difference situations. Don't buy adjustable shocks so you can adjust for wear, because for one thing the fluid and gas will eventually start leaking out of the seals as they wear....and you can't adjust for that.
1997'Exped: If they haven't been changed, then you probably should do it now.
As far as the ride of Bilsteins, you can read my previous assessment. When I say slightly firmer, I don't mean significantly firmer, but only slightly. I would expect this from a shock that is superior to the OEM crap.
1997'Exped: If they haven't been changed, then you probably should do it now.
As far as the ride of Bilsteins, you can read my previous assessment. When I say slightly firmer, I don't mean significantly firmer, but only slightly. I would expect this from a shock that is superior to the OEM crap.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 245
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From: Central Mass.
Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
You are correct that the Koni's are adjustable for it's "performance or valving settings". But it is also per Koni's website for "extended" mileage reasons. Since my expy has lower springs the spring rate is now changed (firmer) and that allows me to change the Koni's to adapt to this. Also since I just ordered Pirelli Scorpion tires I'll change the shock settings. The Bilsteins are top notch also.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 689
Likes: 1
From: VA
Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
My wife seems to be happy with them. She drives the Expy everyday. She noticed the improved control right away.
I understand your use of adjustable shocks for you custom suspension. I believe for my stock suspension and usage, the nonadjustables are adequate.
I have one tire that is quite worn, I believe partly from worn shocks. I have lifetime balance and rotation, so I've been doing that. Are mileage warranties usually honored on SUVs?
I understand your use of adjustable shocks for you custom suspension. I believe for my stock suspension and usage, the nonadjustables are adequate.
I have one tire that is quite worn, I believe partly from worn shocks. I have lifetime balance and rotation, so I've been doing that. Are mileage warranties usually honored on SUVs?
New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 24
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Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
I need to replace my shocks and want to use the buy 3 get one free deal at summit. How difficult are they to intall? Would save alot of $$ buying them online, but I'm not sure about the install.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 689
Likes: 1
From: VA
Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
I got mine installed. I needed a little help on the front ones because the threaded end was a bit short unless you compressed the rubber bushings a little to get the nut on. I had a friend help me; we were able to compress the rubber by hand enough to get the nut started. I found it odd that Bilstein didn't make the threaded section of the rod longer, but nevertheless we got it on. Regarding the rear shocks, the bolt at the top does not require that you secure the nut with a wrench, as it is welded to a clip that holds it in place and keeps it from spinning. It took me about a half hour to finally realize this since I could not see it well. It does make perfect sense though. The bottoms are self-evident. It's a bit frustrating 
your first time, but keep at it you can do it. Which shocks did you buy btw?
your first time, but keep at it you can do it. Which shocks did you buy btw?
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3
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Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
I just bought the Edelbrock IAS shocks for my 2000 Expedition.The truck does not have the air suspension option . I'm a little nervous now after hearing some of the horror stories in this thread. I got the fronts installed without too much trouble but I am stumped on how to get the rear drivers side upper mounting bolt removed. There isn't much space up in there to get at the bolt. On the frame side the bolt is so long that it almost touches the frame so I can't get my 18mm box end wrench on the nut and when I use the open end it just wants to slip off. The other end of the bolt is up near the gas tank with a couple hoses kind of in the way which makes for a real confined space with little room for leverage. Is there some trick to removing this bolt that I am not aware of ? I don't really do much auto repair (obviously) and this shock thing would have been a breeze if not for the location of this shock mounting bolt. Thanks in advance for your response.
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 689
Likes: 1
From: VA
Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
If you read my previous post carefully you will notice that I say there is no need to use a wrench on the nut. All you have to use is an 18mm socket on the bolt. I recommend using a breaker bar with the socket first to get it loose, then use the ratchet. I used a long extention with my socket, and had to hold the extention so the sockets would come off the bolt at an angle. It ain't easy without a real lift. Now I jacket the rear up and used jack stands, and a rolling dolly to lay on. Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 190
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From: New Jersey
Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
How about Bilstein shocks???? I heard alot of people raving about them and have friends who swear on them on there trucks but noone seems to mention these. I have a 98 XLT and order front and rear sets last week from www.offroadwarehouse.com but havn't recieved them yet, they had the best price that I seen fir $62 each. Has anyone used these and how are they. The truck is used for highway and city 90% of the time????
New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 21
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Shock Absorbers - Recommendations
Has anyone had any experience with Gabriel Gas Ryder LT or Pro Ryder LT shocks on an Expy? I'mm looking to replace shockes on my '00. The Gabriels sell for between $20 and $30. I've used Gabriel struts on a Mustang in the past and had really good results. Unfortunately, didn't own the car long enough after the change to tell how long they would last. Just curious, I've never seen these mentioned on this or any other board.