Shock absorder install: up? down? or ???

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Sep 22, 2004 | 09:02 PM

DS02F250

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From: Ventura County, CA

Shock absorder install: up? down? or ???

Just received my set of 4 Explorer ProComp ES3000 shocks and ES2000 steering stabilizer and 5 black boots. I looked up under the truck front and rear to see how the shocks go in, but something in the back of my head is telling me I've seen threads/posts here on FTE that say you should put the rears in upside down? (ie, with the fat part on the bottom and the boot at the top)? Or, do I just install them as the stock shocks are mounted?

Where does the steering stabilizer shock go? Not sure I'm even going to use it, but I'm sure at least a handful of FTE'rs will give me the pro's and con's on that (please!).

So, in what position do I mount the new shocks? Front: fat part up, boot down? or vice-versa? Rear: (same question)?

Thanks everyone! And sorry about yet another "dupid" kwestshun from yours truly!

Daryl

Sep 22, 2004 | 09:15 PM

02superstroker

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From: Dallas

I would imagine you should install those just as you would the stock shocks. The threads you have seen here talking about mounting the shocks upside down was probably for bilstein shocks.. because they are designed for that position.

Sep 22, 2004 | 09:19 PM

DS02F250

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From: Ventura County, CA

Got it, thanks! Any advice on the steering stabilizer???

Daryl

Sep 22, 2004 | 09:25 PM

npccpartsman

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From: Stuttgart, Ar

Bilstein rear's install upside down??? could you please explain? My instructions didn't say squat about upside down.

Sep 22, 2004 | 09:40 PM

02superstroker

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From: Dallas

Quote:

Originally Posted by npccpartsman

Bilstein rear's install upside down??? could you please explain? My instructions didn't say squat about upside down.

the 5100's do.

Sep 22, 2004 | 09:47 PM

Yeti

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From: IN FRONT OF YOU

02 is correct, the 5100's Bilsteins mount boot down or housing on top, how ever you want to look at it.

As far as I know, they are the only of the self shock that mounts that way.

Sep 22, 2004 | 09:56 PM

n578md

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From: Allen, Tx

I've got the same ES3000 and both the front and back are installed top-down. (Fat side down). Here's a (link to a) pic where you can see the rear ones:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=54895&width=0

You can't see the front ones real good on this picture but you get the idea.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=50828&width=0

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Sep 23, 2004 | 07:37 AM

Ricks_Red_03

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From: So. IL

Shocks

NPCCPARTSMAN
I talked to the Bilstein off road dept when I installed my 4 HD shocks. They said the boot goes down and you should be able to read the sticker on the shock if it is mounted correctly. I am not exactly sure why they designed them like that though.
Rick

Sep 23, 2004 | 07:46 AM

#10

DS02F250

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From: Ventura County, CA

n578md and sulconst2,

n578md,
Thanks for the links w/ pix. A picture says a thousand words, right? So, for me, being able to SEE exactly how they should go in is the clincher. I understand how they go in now, so thanks again.

Sulconst2,
I didn't think I had a steering stabilizer on my 2WD, but there's also ALOT I don't know, so thought I better ask to be certain. I'll inquire about the stabilizer kit (hardware) then make a decision if I even need/want it based on the fact that I'll be going to 285/75's from my current 235/85's in a few months (+/-)... Many thanks for the pointer

Daryl

Sep 23, 2004 | 07:53 AM

#11

569104

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From: Mountains of NE CA

The theory for the "upside down" shock is to minimize unsprung weight...move only the lighter shaft rather than the heavier housing over the shaft...the lighter the suspension is the easier it can react to the changing conditions...however for non-racing vehicles it really doesn't matter much. I have bilstien 5100's and like them a lot.

Sep 23, 2004 | 03:19 PM

#12

howarda

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I have the Edelbrocks on my truck and they go in "upside" down, that is rod down because the super duper special IAS valve needs to be at the top. Don't know if that is a concern with what you have or not.

Sep 23, 2004 | 08:08 PM

#13

npccpartsman

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From: Stuttgart, Ar

I guess I didn't know that was the "top" as I always put the boots up--the front ones will only go one way. hmmmmmm--sho got me tankin now--lol. Maybe I need to turn my back ones over--I have the HD Bilstein's--maybe I should call customer service and find out. What ever way they go--they sure helped the ride.