Which Shocks - Besides Bilstein B6

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Dec 21, 2020 | 11:08 PM

AZStang

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 48

Likes: 1

From: Tucson, AZ

Which Shocks - Besides Bilstein B6

I recently installed Addco sway bars and Bilstein B6 shocks front and rear on my 2000 E150. Van has 49,000 miles and new Michelin tires as well. The new parts made a huge improvement to the handling on smooth roads. It now goes around corners and down the freeway without feeling like it's going to spontaneously tip over. However, the roads here are far from smooth and it sounds like the van is going to rattle to pieces and the dash sounds like it's going to fly out over every bump. I assume it's the shocks. Everyone raves about the Bilstein's but I need to try something else. What's the recommendation for a smooth ride? The stock Motorcraft seemed fine so may go back to them. Thanks.

Dec 22, 2020 | 04:36 AM

JWA

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 21,253

Likes: 1,656

From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

What's your problem with Bilstein shocks---too expensive for you?

If so then find the cheapest ones you can, install them and repeat as needed somewhere in the near future.

Dec 22, 2020 | 11:09 AM

Hank85713

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 2,414

Likes: 22

From: Tucson USA

I have read that Monroe shocks work well particularly the rv ones. Yes folks like high dollar stuff but I've also read about guys buying them and then taking them off a short time later. So do what you think is best, yes there are cheap ones out there but that does not mean they are are all junk IMO. BTW Ive used the monroes from sears (when they still existed) on my ranger, also had them on a F250 and got good service from them.

Dec 22, 2020 | 11:40 AM

AZStang

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 48

Likes: 1

From: Tucson, AZ

No, no issue with the cost as I’ve already installed them and am now looking to replace them. The Bilstein’s made a huge improvement in the handling but the ride quality over rough pavement went down dramatically. I’m willing to sacrifice some handling for better ride quality on rough roads.

Dec 23, 2020 | 04:47 AM

JWA

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 21,253

Likes: 1,656

From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Without offense I always laugh at anyone seeking "better ride quality" on rough roads in ANY vehicle, vans and trucks especially. If you achieve a softer more "comfortable" ride you lose handling and cargo control which are far more important to me. My van runs a bit heavy anyway so using Bilstein short wheelbase motor home shocks along with companion Hellwig front and rear sway bars gives me the handling I prefer. That's the one area I won't compromise.

The Ohio roads are in the worst condition I've seen over 55 years of driving so yeah I don't have the sofa-on-wheels "comfortable" ride but its not like there's no suspension what so ever either.

Dec 24, 2020 | 07:17 PM

95 E350

5th Wheeling

Joined: Oct 2019

Posts: 46

Likes: 4

FWIW Bilstein has a facility in Poway, CA just outside San Diego. in years past, you could send your shocks in and for a small fee, they would retune them more to your liking., i have not sent any in for a few years now, and now that they have they have their adjustable shock line covering so many application, i do not know if they still still offer that service. certainly worth asking tho'...

i also wonder, assuming we are talking about the van in your signature, if the mobility conversion added extra weight to the van such that in its 20yrs on the road, the springs themselves have become a contributing factor to your rough ride... additionally, i assume you confirmed the part number for the E150: F 24-184816 R 33-017204

i don't know what customer service is like these days, but i never had anything less than stellar service from bilstein

Dec 27, 2020 | 11:45 PM

BigJC

Cross-Country

Joined: Jan 2019

Posts: 52

Likes: 0

Are the newer tires the same load rating and ply count as what came off? I wager, in large part, what you're describing is more a function of load rating and corresponding psi vs the shocks.