new shocks
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New User
Joined: Nov 2006
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new shocks
I have a 2000 ford expy and the ride is very bouncy and i think it is time for new shocks but i have only had the truck for a week and i wasn't sure if that's just how they ride. The dealer wants 450$ to replace the shocks. But if that's how these trucks ride then im not going to replace them. If anyone could help that would be great.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
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From: SE Texas
It shouldn't be "bouncy",but since they have a short wheelbase-they tend to be more sensitive to changes in pavement elevation. If you've got more than about 80K miles on the vehicle-then it's probably in need of some good shocks.
JL
JL
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
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From: Blue Hill Township
Do them yourself. When we replaced shocks on the Expy it was $130 for parts. Shocks are easy to do too. The only one that was a pain is the rear drivers side because the fuel tank is in the way. You can reach around it though.
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Dj, Just got finished about an hour ago changing my shocks. Really not too difficult. I put on a set of Pro Comp ES9000's. They were $106 shipped to me. I will however say that I am not just blown away on my first ride after installation. Still seems to be more body roll than I was hoping for. I might look hard at a Helwig sway bar for the rear.
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Im on my 3rd set of shocks on my 2001. at 50k miles i did the cheapest Ranchos...garbage. at 60k miles i did the midpriced Ranchos(RSX i believe), a little better but still not great. Im now on my 3rd set at 85k miles, and basicically what im here to say is there is no reason to even think of using anything but BILSTEINS. I put on Bilsteins and a Helwig bar 2 weeks ago and my EXPI rides twice as nice as the day I pulled her off the lot in 2001. Unbelievable ride, couldnt ask for more.
I realized when i put the Bilsteins on that both sets of Ranchos I used had metal to metal contact, and it made moise after a while. They also look thin, weak and cheap next to the Bilstein shock. I got my set of 4 for $239 on shockwarehouse.com, cant beat it.
I realized when i put the Bilsteins on that both sets of Ranchos I used had metal to metal contact, and it made moise after a while. They also look thin, weak and cheap next to the Bilstein shock. I got my set of 4 for $239 on shockwarehouse.com, cant beat it.
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Freshman User
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Mook, Did you put the Helwig sway bar on at the same time as the Bilsteins and what is your impression as to how much difference it makes in the overall ride situation? Thanks.
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one day apart...i did the shox saturday, which improved the ride and noise level 1000%, and did the bar the next day, and where i really feel like i notice the bar is at high speeds cornering. On he highway doing 75, and I decide to change lanes quickly, or go around a bend, I feel no roll, and very comfortable sticking to the road. im sure its a combo of both the shox and the bar....and i run 285 tires helps too.
I also replaced my front swaybar links and bushings with all moog parts, which are far better than the stock rubbery junk, i think that is helping my cornering too. Im thrilled with this whole set up, i coulnt expect an SUV of this size and weight to handle any better than this setup is.
I also replaced my front swaybar links and bushings with all moog parts, which are far better than the stock rubbery junk, i think that is helping my cornering too. Im thrilled with this whole set up, i coulnt expect an SUV of this size and weight to handle any better than this setup is.
Last edited by MOOK929RR; Nov 14, 2006 at 05:35 PM.
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I put a Helwig sway bar on 2 weeks ago and noticed a huge difference in cornering manners.
Bilsteins went on this past Saturday and I couldn't be happier. The drunk elephant has sobered up. Drives 100% better than it did when I bought it at 18K miles.
Bilsteins went on this past Saturday and I couldn't be happier. The drunk elephant has sobered up. Drives 100% better than it did when I bought it at 18K miles.
New User
Joined: Dec 2005
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The results in this thread are pretty consistent with my experience too. I put new anti-sway bars (F & R) and Bilsteins on my '97 with LSS when it was almost new. They were done at the same time so I can't compare them as components but I assumed the rear shocks were responsible for smoothing out the little bumps & ripples that were magnified into the passenger compartment. And the beefier bars settled out some of the 'unbalanced' feel that came in the slightest of turns. Before them any turn of the steeting wheel off center left you wondering how much more tip was coming. After there was still sway, but it didn't come in until you were cornering and it made the steering feel much more sure.
Enjoy,
Enjoy,
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 689
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From: VA
Originally Posted by djexpy00
that's what i thought but do you think 450$ is a good price to have them replace the shocks or am i better off doing them myself
Shox.com has pretty good prices. I bought a lot of shocks from them. They're $249 for four with free shipping, assuming you don't have air suspension.
Last edited by 2000Expy; Nov 15, 2006 at 08:55 PM. Reason: additional info
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I got the sway bar from suspensionconnection.com and the shocks from performanceproducts.com.
I did the sway bar in about an hour. The top bolts were somewhat difficult to reach but not that bad.
2000Expy is correct about the bushings for the front. I ended up trimming one of the centering lips from the bushing on top of each side. Once you see them you'll understand. That gave me just enough of a thread to get the nuts started.
If you have someone to help you, you could work yourself.
I did the sway bar in about an hour. The top bolts were somewhat difficult to reach but not that bad.
2000Expy is correct about the bushings for the front. I ended up trimming one of the centering lips from the bushing on top of each side. Once you see them you'll understand. That gave me just enough of a thread to get the nuts started.
If you have someone to help you, you could work yourself.