Shock replacement suggestions?
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 339
Likes: 24
From: Eastern Central VA
Shock replacement suggestions?
My new to me 02 Excursion 7.3 Diesel 4x4 is in need of rear shocks. I would swear that they are the original looking at them.
It currently has Monroe Reflex struts in front. Should I put Monroe Reflex struts in the rear and call it a day? I don't know how new/old the fronts are either.
I have never towed anything heavy but would like the flexibility to do so in case I need to. I would like a shock that is great on road trips as well and for what it is worth helps the vehicle be the most stable on the highway even at the expense of harshness.
Thanks for any advice.
It currently has Monroe Reflex struts in front. Should I put Monroe Reflex struts in the rear and call it a day? I don't know how new/old the fronts are either.
I have never towed anything heavy but would like the flexibility to do so in case I need to. I would like a shock that is great on road trips as well and for what it is worth helps the vehicle be the most stable on the highway even at the expense of harshness.
Thanks for any advice.
Last edited by Y2KW57; Jul 10, 2024 at 01:28 PM. Reason: Removed color tag artifacts from post content being copied over from another sub-forum, to render post readable in Dark Mode.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 187
From: NoVA
Do you have the part numbers for the shocks? I got KYB Monomax shocks, but they are too soft and bottom out even when going on speed bumps.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 339
Likes: 24
From: Eastern Central VA
Thanks, I went with the 4600s.
These are what I went with based on my search for year/fuel/driveline when searching on the Bilstein website...
Bilstein 24-185462 24-185479 compatible with 2000-2005 Ford Excursion 4WD 4600 Monotube Gas Shocks https://a.co/d/0hyZDoMC
Based on the above post, are these not direct bolt ins? I am confused there.
Thanks.
These are what I went with based on my search for year/fuel/driveline when searching on the Bilstein website...
Bilstein 24-185462 24-185479 compatible with 2000-2005 Ford Excursion 4WD 4600 Monotube Gas Shocks https://a.co/d/0hyZDoMC
Based on the above post, are these not direct bolt ins? I am confused there.
Thanks.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 214
Likes: 25
You will either have to extract the 't' fitting from the rear upper mount to install them, or buy adapter brackets that will allow the double-eyelet style shock. You will see when you take a look - it won't bolt right in. I chose to get the adapters so that I could install an actual bolt in the upper eyelet and use upgraded hardware for the mounting bracket also. I didn't like the feeling of those two little bolts holding the entire shock in place when towing a 10K camper.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 214
Likes: 25
https://oneupoffroad.com/excursion-u...-shock-mounts/
These are the ones I went with. Also works with the 5100s - so no problem with fitment or shock travel as you will give up a little from the thickness of the bracket.
These are the ones I went with. Also works with the 5100s - so no problem with fitment or shock travel as you will give up a little from the thickness of the bracket.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 339
Likes: 24
From: Eastern Central VA
@2002 Limited...Is it hard to extract them? Also, I read to have an extra set of nuts or bolts ready because things break? Do you or anyone else know where to get these? Seems like a possible pain in the neck.
I am a bit annoyed that these units aren't truly plug and play although they are advertised as such.
I am considering the brackets that you mentioned but I am scared that they won't make it in time.
Thanks!
I am a bit annoyed that these units aren't truly plug and play although they are advertised as such.
I am considering the brackets that you mentioned but I am scared that they won't make it in time.
Thanks!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 214
Likes: 25
When you get the old shock off, all you need to do is pull the 't' fitting out of the upper mount. It should come out of the old eyelet. Then with some persuasion you can slide it into the rubber eyelet on the top of the new shock. I personally have never re-used shock mounting bolts, though not because I've ever had one break, just on principle. Either way, use lock tite on the mounting bolts when they go back in. I'm not sure if there is a difference in the eyelet size between the stock and new shock which would necessitate getting the adapter (the old 't' fitting won't work in the new shock, for example). Apparently there is enough of a market to produce the adapter that they do it I guess. What kind of time crunch are you under?
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 339
Likes: 24
From: Eastern Central VA
@2002Limited
Thanks for all of this. Time crunch would be this Friday. The Bilsteins will be arriving then. I am also unsure as to whether or not the stock "T" fitting will fit. The answer might be somewhere in this forum but I have not found anything that popped out at me yet.
Thanks for all of this. Time crunch would be this Friday. The Bilsteins will be arriving then. I am also unsure as to whether or not the stock "T" fitting will fit. The answer might be somewhere in this forum but I have not found anything that popped out at me yet.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 1,406
From: Oologah, OK
my '02 Excursion shocks have have the label "Reflex" on them, no other info.
don't know what brand they are, a diesel shop installed them 2 years ago...
did a search and now know they are the Monroe brand.
I will say this, they are HARD AS A ROCK, those speed bumps in Parking Lots?
Avoid them at all costs, they will ruin your vertebrae.
Upside, I have towed 2 tractors, and a car and a Cargo Trailer loaded to 7000 lbs, without a Swaybar installed on the trailers from Price, Utah to Tulsa, Oklahoma without incident.
it never swerved, left or right. Stable as a rock.
side note:
tires are Michelin 285/75R/16 LTX Defender street treads.
I hate the noise from AT tires, still have them, but they are stored.
don't know what brand they are, a diesel shop installed them 2 years ago...
did a search and now know they are the Monroe brand.
Reflex Monotube Shock Absorbers
Specifically engineered to provide better handling, control and performance for light trucks and SUVs, Monroe Reflex monotube shocks feature a high-pressure gas to provide additional spring rate, helping to maximize damping efficiency and control.
Specifically engineered to provide better handling, control and performance for light trucks and SUVs, Monroe Reflex monotube shocks feature a high-pressure gas to provide additional spring rate, helping to maximize damping efficiency and control.
Reflex Shocks & Struts
I will say this, they are HARD AS A ROCK, those speed bumps in Parking Lots?
Avoid them at all costs, they will ruin your vertebrae.
Upside, I have towed 2 tractors, and a car and a Cargo Trailer loaded to 7000 lbs, without a Swaybar installed on the trailers from Price, Utah to Tulsa, Oklahoma without incident.
it never swerved, left or right. Stable as a rock.
side note:
tires are Michelin 285/75R/16 LTX Defender street treads.
I hate the noise from AT tires, still have them, but they are stored.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 633
Likes: 142
From: Staten Island, NY
I just installed them last week, yes they bolt right up. 03 4x4 V10. Stock hight