Which shocks?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 425
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From: Fate, TX
Several of the other sites I frequent have had posts on the Bilstein issue. I'm surprised it hasn't hit here before. I checked and the threads go back over a year. Will, that's good here about the KYB's I might try a set of them.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 36
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Originally Posted by RanchRodsTX
Several of the other sites I frequent have had posts on the Bilstein issue. I'm surprised it hasn't hit here before. I checked and the threads go back over a year. Will, that's good here about the KYB's I might try a set of them.
Worn out, certainly, I have a car on which they gave up the ghost at 150,000+ miles, but that's it.
I can't comment on the failure you had since I haven't seen the part, but the notion that Monroe builds a better product than Bilstein is laughable at the very least.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 425
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From: Fate, TX
Fat Pat, The vehicles in question had less than 20,000 miles on the shocks. I did not say that Monroe was better than any other shock. Both of my Bilstein shocks broke at the same place (threaded shaft) and the others that I am aware of also broke at the same place. If Bilstein had of stepped up and replaced the shocks, no issue. But they chose to play the "abuse" card. These were both stock vehicles, no lift and no engine mods. I have had one Monroe shock failure in 23 years of both using and installing them. Monroe instructed the jobber to replace the shock, no questions. That's a reputable business! Off this forum I will be glad to direct you to the other site threads regarding this problem and also send you a pic of a faulty shock. PM me your e-mail!
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 36
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Originally Posted by kaised
I've got a set of Bilsteins for sale, they were on my 96 for about 6 months before I lifted it. PM for details.
You can go to AJ USA to price what new Bilsteins would cost you versus buying ones only in use for six months.
I'm likely to purchase some BE5-6528-H5 and BE5-6527-H5 which are 5100's for a six inch lift early next year.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 425
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From: Fate, TX
I got a buddy who has the Edelbrocks on his 250SD. They are sweet and I can tell you it takes a real man to compress them. I liked them but don't know any use history on them because his were only a couple of months old.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 67
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From: Bar-B-Q Capital
Thanks RanchRods, I am curious about them. I hear good things about them but not much from Ford owners. Just wondering what everybody uses on their Bronco...
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,388
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From: SE Texas
If you buy the "cheapie" shocks for $15-$20 at the local parts store, they normally don't last but a year or so. Most of the major brands of offroad shocks like Rancho, Skyjacker, etc. run about $35-$40, and most have a lifetime warranty. I'm very rough on shocks, and have broken a bunch of the Monroe Magnum's and Bilstein's. I have never in 20+ years broken a Rancho shock. The RSX is good for street use, the RS 5000 is firmer for more offroad use, and the RS 9000X is the adjustable version. I have the RS 9000X shocks on my work truck (Z-71), and feel that they are the best value at around $80/ea. No experience with the EDL IAS. The 84 Bronco has Skyjacker Hydros, about like the RS5000 in firmness.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 94
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From: south eastern Pa.
I am on my 2nd set of shocks an my 95. I have a quad set up in the front.I had the Monroes the 1st time,they were alright,better than the stock.This time my friend who ones a perf. shop told me to try the Rancho RSX's.I was a little unsure because I had 5000's on a prev. Bronco.After hearing him say what some of his other customers comments. I bought them.I will never evn try another shock.They are awesome.I also stick mainly on the asphalt jungle now and the shocks never bother me.They are self adjusting.They have improved braking over rough pavement,no ABS shudder anymore,corner and handles better, and when I do hit the dirt ,they don't dissappiont. My brother also has them on his 03' f-150 and 02' Lightning.This is his 4th set on that truck, and he loves them.I know I sound like a spokesperson for Rancho, but I have had 3 Bronco's and probably 10 sets of shocks on lifted and non -lifted vehicles.These,IMO, are the best.They also don't cost an arm and a leg.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 279
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JustShootMe84 - Well said, "You get what you pay for" I ran the ford shocks on my 96 EB for a good 100K mile, have 40K on the KYB's, not a leak of fliud or a droop. Folks think thier saving a few bucks up front, but the time and effort and added cost down the road to replace a cheapo is never worth the up front savings. IMHO
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 82
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From: Boston transplant to Nash
bilsteins are hard!
i have a 96 xlt and six "bils" in it. this thing rides HARD. It Handles unbelievable, though. i put 60000 miles on them and my ride makes more noise now than ever before.
i am thinking of going back to stock, because they where designed for the truck
i am thinking of going back to stock, because they where designed for the truck