Bilstein Shock

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Oct 20, 2004 | 01:43 PM

Peter Nikols

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From: Montreal, Qc

Bilstein Shock

Hi all,

I am going to be changing my shocks before winter and would like to know if anybody has tried out a set of Bilstein shocks on their F-150. I have a really bouncy ride. It's really getting to me.

I was told Bilsteins are a very firm ride and this was confirmed to me after feeling the difference between a brand new set of Edelbrocks vs a new set of Bilsteins on an '98 Expedition. The Bilsteins were a lot firmer and more stable.

Last edited by Peter Nikols; Oct 20, 2004 at 02:26 PM.

Oct 20, 2004 | 03:24 PM

fordguy21

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From: Portsmouth,VA

I just put some blisteins on all around on my 1997 4.2L f-150.

I was changing them just to change them but when I got the stock motorcrafts off I found out they were completly shot.

I like them because of better control, stability, lot firmer ride
Others say different, but I like how they ride

Peace of info: To tighten up the shocks you will need an allen wrench and a offset open ended wrench, because the shocks don't have a nut to hold the piston from turning like the stock shocks.

Oct 20, 2004 | 04:18 PM

superrangerman2002

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From: South Dakota

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordguy21

Man, I hope you won't have to take them off....

I've heard good things about Bilistiens, but IMO, they cost way to much.

I went with Monroe Gas Magnums, because I wanted a heavy duty shock more so than ride. That and I have super secret ways of getting a good deal on car and truck parts...

Oct 20, 2004 | 05:03 PM

kingfish51

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Yeah superrangerman2002, I am over on this one too. I agree that Bilsteins may be a little over priced. I have used Monroes, Gabriels and Bilsteins. I think the Bilsteins were a bit firmer, but that is tough to tell as they were on different vehicles. I do know that the Monroes and Gabriels lasted for me about the same as OE shocks. They were ready to replace at about 30k. The Bilsteins I had were still good when I traded the truck for a new one. They had about 40k on them. Once I get a few more miles on my truck and Bilstein makes shocks for it, I will use them again.
Also what's this super secret way to get parts cheap, or if you tell me are you going to have to shoot me?

Last edited by kingfish51; Oct 20, 2004 at 05:06 PM.

Oct 20, 2004 | 08:25 PM

superrangerman2002

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From: South Dakota

My wife buys my parts for me through where she works....I cannot say more than that...

Black helicopters are now hovering over my house....LOL

I will say this, what I paid for mine was approx what 1.5 Bilistiens cost.

Oct 20, 2004 | 08:49 PM

fordguy21

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From: Portsmouth,VA

They may or may not be overpriced but with a warrenty that states as "long as you own your truck" (as long as you keep your receipt) they may just may pay for themselves.

I'm @ 66,8xx miles and just changes orignal shocks, If they are as good as they say I should not have to buy shocks for the rest of the trucks or a least the originals motors life.

Oct 21, 2004 | 08:02 AM

superrangerman2002

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From: South Dakota

I think you guys are getting me all wrong. I LIKE the Bilistien shocks, but I feel that there are others out there that are just as good, maybe even better for the price.

FWIW, my oems got had roughly 90K on them, (yeah they were getting pretty bad), and there are many shock makers that offer lifetime warranties, Sensa-tracks come to mind, and I believe that the RS-9000's also have the same warranty. I do know that my Monroe gas magnums do as well.

If I were to spend the kind of money on Bilistiens, I would probably go with the Rs-9000 Ranchos just because it is an adjustable for everyday riding, and for towing.

IMO, any of the higher priced shocks are going to work well.