Bilstein Shock installation question.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 273
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From: New Mexico
Bilstein Shock installation question.
I apologize in advance for this rookie, dumb azz question, forgiveness being asked for in advance here goes. I just received my Bilstien shocks for my F350 (Front and Rear) and I’m unsure which direction the blue boot should go, at the top or bottom. It has holes in the boot to suggest it should face down to allow any water to drain out however nothing is indicated in the directions or on the shocks. Please advise, Jeff in NM…OUT
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Joined: Jan 2005
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I was confused when I got mine. The boot goes at the bottom so basicly upside down from the way every other shock is. I had to call Bilstien cause I couldnt get them to fit the wrong way... They go on easy when you install them the right way! Good luck!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
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From: 21791
body down. boot up. that is stock configuration. now i see that someone with bilsteins posted above me. wonder why bilstiens are different.
Last edited by PowerstrokeJunkie; Jan 19, 2006 at 08:05 PM.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 577
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From: Georgia
When I lifted my F350 with the 4" Superlift kit and the Bilstein shock upgrade, the fronts mounted body up and boot down but the rear shocks did not come with boots over the shaft which was mounted down. Why the fronts had boots and the rears did not is a mystery to me. Go figure.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: New Mexico
After driving 75 miles (or so) with the Bilstien's installed I’ve come to the disappointing conclusion that they are not worth the money!!! They have not improved my 2k’s, LB, Crew’s ride or handling performance noticeably. At $65.00/Shock Its my opinion I would have accomplished the same ride/handling (+/-) for $45.00/Shock and still had the same lifetime warranty plus keeping $80.00 in my wallet for my next fill-up. These are just my seat of the pants thoughts.
Jeff in NM...OUT
Jeff in NM...OUT
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Columbia, MO
I wonder why the Bilstien's are different?? 
My Rancho's went in with the boots up. Did Bilstien give any reason as to why the design is for the boots to go into the down position? I wonder if it's to try to keep water and debris from working their way into the seals by having the seals facing down?
My Rancho's went in with the boots up. Did Bilstien give any reason as to why the design is for the boots to go into the down position? I wonder if it's to try to keep water and debris from working their way into the seals by having the seals facing down?
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: New Mexico
That would be my guess as well, the boots have three 1/8 holes at the bottom, suggesting that was the intended engineering design. Bilstein’s are a German manufactured/engineered product, I worked for a German based company for 9 years, they over engineer and over-think the hell out of everything. Jeff in NM...OUT
Rather Be Floatin
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Marble Falls, Tx.
Skeetshooter is you truck a 4x4? I have a 2wd and have been thinking of ordering Bilstiens since they are so highly recommended on this site. My truck is a 2003 7.3 psd, crew cab, short box. I have also heard good things about Rancho RS-9000's but they are way, way expensive and I dont think I will need to be adjusting my ride quality plus its another $100.00(???) for an in the cab control unit. If the Bilsteins dont provide a better ride what are other options??
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Columbia, MO
Originally Posted by blueeyes2478
Hey jtharvey
where did you get the rancheros for your truck.I called they and they said that didnt make it for my truck.
where did you get the rancheros for your truck.I called they and they said that didnt make it for my truck.
Who did you call that told you they didn't make them for your truck? Rancho's application chart shows that they make them for the 2003 F-350, and they don't show any designations for a difference between a DRW and SRW. I don't know if the shocks are different on a dually or not. Mine is a SRW. Anyway, here's the link to Rancho's application chart, see page 24 of the chart:
http://www.gorancho.com/products/app...005_shocks.pdf
If you didn't call Rancho direct, you might give them a call on Monday and get the specific part number for the shocks you'd use. Then call your favorite retailer and order them by part number.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
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From: Columbia, MO
Originally Posted by blueeyes2478
I called them direct,but maybe the person didnt know what he was talking about.Thanks for the link.
More than likely though, you may have just talked to someone who didn't know what they were talking about.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 112
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From: W. Babylon, N.Y.
I have an F350 CC, LB, Dually. I put my Bilstein's in a month ago. What a differance. They are great. I had them in a 98 Explorer Sport and I didn't like them. But in my dually they are great.