Shock recommendation
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New User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Central Indiana
Shock recommendation
I'm looking to replace the shocks on my 2002 Expedition XLT 4WD with 60k miles. It does not have the load leveling suspension. The suspension is stock as the day it was new. Tires are Michelin LTX on 16" wheels.
This is my primary driver in a mix of highways and sometimes crappy city streets. I'm looking for decent handling that won't flop around in the corners and a ride that won't shake out the fillings in my teeth. My other car is a VW GTI, so I appreciate a firm ride.
What are the group's recommendations? Should I go with Bilsteins? The shop where I'll likely go to get the work done wants to sell me Monroes. They are certainly cheaper than the Bilsteins, but will I be happy with them?
Thanks for your input!
Bob...
This is my primary driver in a mix of highways and sometimes crappy city streets. I'm looking for decent handling that won't flop around in the corners and a ride that won't shake out the fillings in my teeth. My other car is a VW GTI, so I appreciate a firm ride.
What are the group's recommendations? Should I go with Bilsteins? The shop where I'll likely go to get the work done wants to sell me Monroes. They are certainly cheaper than the Bilsteins, but will I be happy with them?
Thanks for your input!
Bob...
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 93
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Bilsteins for sure.
I was in the same boat as you at 62k miles on my '01 5.4L XLT 4x4. I was pleasantly surprised that the orig stock shocks lasted that long, but was told by some friends (and by this board) to try the Bilsteins.
You will notice they're more firm than stock, but in much the same way as your GTi suspension differs over a stock Golf/etc. Firm but tight and controlled.
I'm now at 105k, and they're still working great. The 1 "complaint" (if I had to come up with one) is the fact that the shock bushings wore out last month. It started sounding and feeling kinda' like when my rear sway bar links had worn out, so I was surprised to find out it was the shock bushings.
My dealer replaced them for a small fee, and I was back to running just as smooth and as tight as before. A little more pricey than Monroes, but a worthwhile choice if you ask me.
Hope that helps,
Tim G.
ex-'89 GTi 16V
I was in the same boat as you at 62k miles on my '01 5.4L XLT 4x4. I was pleasantly surprised that the orig stock shocks lasted that long, but was told by some friends (and by this board) to try the Bilsteins.
You will notice they're more firm than stock, but in much the same way as your GTi suspension differs over a stock Golf/etc. Firm but tight and controlled.
I'm now at 105k, and they're still working great. The 1 "complaint" (if I had to come up with one) is the fact that the shock bushings wore out last month. It started sounding and feeling kinda' like when my rear sway bar links had worn out, so I was surprised to find out it was the shock bushings.
My dealer replaced them for a small fee, and I was back to running just as smooth and as tight as before. A little more pricey than Monroes, but a worthwhile choice if you ask me.
Hope that helps,
Tim G.
ex-'89 GTi 16V
New User
Joined: Sep 2007
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I replaced my 2000 expedition original shocks with Carquest Bruiser shocks. I do not like them, they ride alot firmer. To the point you feel like you are driving a 3/4 ton truck. I wish I would have gone to Bilstein or Reflex by Monroe.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
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I replaced with Rancho
I could not locate Bilsteins locally (I don't like mail ordering), and I was anxious to replace my front shocks (still need to replace rear). I visited the local Pep boys and purchased a set of "Rancho". I found them Easy to install and I am very happy with the improved handling...probably do a lot better when I replace the rear. I will never go back to a set of Monroe (replaced those on my Ranger and Explorer in the past).
2001 Ford Expy 4x4 XLT (133Kmile on Engine - 46 miles on rebuilt transmission) Mich. M/S
2001 Ford Expy 4x4 XLT (133Kmile on Engine - 46 miles on rebuilt transmission) Mich. M/S
Last edited by BaitGuru; Sep 14, 2007 at 09:56 AM.
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Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
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Bilsteins are highly recommended, and I made every attempt to locate them stores... and I would like to try them on the rear (maybe replace the front next year) as a buddy of mine strongly suggested them (he has them on his wife's F150 4x4, and plans to replace the Raches on his F250 Diesel 4x4 with Bilsteins). Are they available in any of the autostores?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 242
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From: Gt. Falls, MT
I have had several sets of Ranchos and have been satisfied with them, as for the Monroe Reflexes- I recommend them and currently use them. The Ranchos are made bu Monroe, the Carquest Bruiser mentioned above is made by Gabriel if my memory serves me correct. Bilsteins are great shocks, but I am not willing to pay for them. By all means do not put a cheap shock on your vehicle, it'll cost you in the long run.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 292
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From: Las Vegas
Here's the thing; if you are going to replace anything on a veh., then when possible update to a superior product. That being said, Rancho does make some good stuff. For example, their 9000 line of shocks are nice, but you need to utilize their in cab adjustability to really get the best out of them. That goes right back to cost! This set up will be more than the Bilsteins, but now you have something that is adjustable.
Bottom line, for a true "Performance" shock that is completely 100% vehicle specific, then Bilstein is your shock.
Bottom line, for a true "Performance" shock that is completely 100% vehicle specific, then Bilstein is your shock.
New User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23
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I changed my 1997 4x4 Eddie Bauer to Monroe Reflex at 36,000 miles (now 180,000 miles) and noticed a world of difference. I put them on my 2000 F-250 Crew Cab 4x4 TD at 22,000 miles much softer ride. Both vehicles have towed a lot. Six years ago they were one of the best out there, not sure about today.
Too many Fords to mention.....
Too many Fords to mention.....
