Bilstein Shocks
PMS: an obsession
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Kamloops
German engineering was enough to sell me on them. Less than 1000 on mine but I do like them so far. They are pretty particular to who distributes their product I have been told, so I assume they go for quality over quantity? If you liked your Monroe ride, then stick with em for the lifetime warranty. I'm sure you could spend the money on something more fun?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
I've always figured a shock was a shock and new was better than old. I've heard so many good things about the Bilsteins I was just wondering if the ride was that much better than the Monroe.
I imagine kennedyford and the others stick to locally available stuff, since they don't exactly like their trucks to sit still long enough for mail order warranty exchanges, but thanks for considering my tuck a low mileage model.
I imagine kennedyford and the others stick to locally available stuff, since they don't exactly like their trucks to sit still long enough for mail order warranty exchanges, but thanks for considering my tuck a low mileage model.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Follow up to my own question and for future reference. I did order the Bilstein shocks.
I drive rough gravel roads, combined with sometimes even rougher city roads. I drive around 45k per year, and 3 weeks ago ran over a 4" x 4" that was shot into my lane at 5am doing about 60 mph. Other cars around so I couldn't swerve, I just puckered and ran right over it. No flat tire, and no funny popping noises, no noticeable ride quality issues. I recently noticed that tire cupping and making a bunch of noise cruising down the road so I pulled the front shocks. Not as bad as others I've seen, but the side that hit the 4x4 extended slower than the other side.
Went to Autozone to find out what I could get locally and now, and ended up with Gabriel Max Control. A quick spin to town and back confirmed I have needed new shocks for more than just the 3 weeks.
My advice to all is follow all the shock manufacturer's recommendations and replace your shocks every 50,000 miles. I've done this in the past and not always noticed a huge difference, but I think it's worth it as far as routine maintenance goes to keep the ride quality good.
I drive rough gravel roads, combined with sometimes even rougher city roads. I drive around 45k per year, and 3 weeks ago ran over a 4" x 4" that was shot into my lane at 5am doing about 60 mph. Other cars around so I couldn't swerve, I just puckered and ran right over it. No flat tire, and no funny popping noises, no noticeable ride quality issues. I recently noticed that tire cupping and making a bunch of noise cruising down the road so I pulled the front shocks. Not as bad as others I've seen, but the side that hit the 4x4 extended slower than the other side.
Went to Autozone to find out what I could get locally and now, and ended up with Gabriel Max Control. A quick spin to town and back confirmed I have needed new shocks for more than just the 3 weeks.
My advice to all is follow all the shock manufacturer's recommendations and replace your shocks every 50,000 miles. I've done this in the past and not always noticed a huge difference, but I think it's worth it as far as routine maintenance goes to keep the ride quality good.
PMS: an obsession
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Kamloops
Thought I would update as well, just over a year and here are my results.
I had to replace a completely broken rear shock last winter. It broke at the top of the cylinder and bounced against my frame in extreme cold temperatures. I hunt a lot, so off road my truck does go. Washboards the works. No pavement queen here, but no major abuse either. Shock was replaced under warranty. Well, one year later and maybe 20K miles MAX and all 4 of my fronts are leaking pretty bad. Pretty sure that isn't supposed to happen, so I am making a call right now with regards to warranty. Not sure I would go with the Bilstiens again since I do go off road, and will look into other options for sure. Any suggestions if the warranty doesn't come through for a good all around off road duty shock that still provides a nice ride?
I had to replace a completely broken rear shock last winter. It broke at the top of the cylinder and bounced against my frame in extreme cold temperatures. I hunt a lot, so off road my truck does go. Washboards the works. No pavement queen here, but no major abuse either. Shock was replaced under warranty. Well, one year later and maybe 20K miles MAX and all 4 of my fronts are leaking pretty bad. Pretty sure that isn't supposed to happen, so I am making a call right now with regards to warranty. Not sure I would go with the Bilstiens again since I do go off road, and will look into other options for sure. Any suggestions if the warranty doesn't come through for a good all around off road duty shock that still provides a nice ride?
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,158
Likes: 0
From: Paramount, Ca
Did you say 4 shocks in the front? What kit is that, which bilsteins. I have always liked how bilsteins ride but do know that their factory shocks are valved to weak. Probably so people won't complain but I really love how the 5100's are on my truck and the sports rod on my car.
PMS: an obsession
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Kamloops
Did you say 4 shocks in the front? What kit is that, which bilsteins. I have always liked how bilsteins ride but do know that their factory shocks are valved to weak. Probably so people won't complain but I really love how the 5100's are on my truck and the sports rod on my car.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 366
Likes: 6
From: Webster, Texas
I took off the Bilstein 5100's
But my truck is pretty heavy; CC LB 4x4, lifted, and I occasionally tow a heavy Fifth Wheel. They did not support the Fifth properly at all and in general I found the ride way too mushy for my purposes. I actually paid more to 4Wheel parts to have the 5100s removed and had the big silver adjustable Ranchos installed and no complaints on those after more than 60K.
Infidel
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 2
From: Elkhorn WI
A lil OT but does anyone know which part #/series Ide have to buy to get bilsteins on all 4 corners of my F250? 4-5" lift(not sure exactly) Ive found the 5100's but it says FRONT ONLY??? Which go on the rear? Thanks guys
Not a liberal...
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,635
Likes: 4
From: Cut & Shoot, Texas
I have a 4" lift and run Bilsteins. I do not have the part number handy but will go and crawl under the truck to get it for you. It will have to be tomorrow though. Am sick with a stomach bug and this is the first time that I have been out of bed today.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,730
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From: SE Wisco
I put the Bils on my truck a year ago and didn't notice much of a difference. I do know that the stock shocks were trashed after 100k though! It felt like I was driving the bass boat when I had the trailer on!!!
The moral of the story, I think I will get over the counter NAPA shocks next time. The Bils are nice and didn't cost much more than NAPA shocks, but I hate waiting for mail order stuff.
The moral of the story, I think I will get over the counter NAPA shocks next time. The Bils are nice and didn't cost much more than NAPA shocks, but I hate waiting for mail order stuff.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 331
Likes: 1
From: fl
I changed out my stock shocks @ 50,000 mi and put on the yellow Bilsteins. I buy mine @ Autozone and they have a no hassel warranty. I usally get 75,000 mi or better on the Bilsteins. Right now I am on my 3rd set and due to swap out. BTW I just paid for the 1st set . I think they're a great shock. But I do not go off road.
Note; if you call Bilstein direct, a customer service rep will figure out which is the best shock for the amount of your lift. (at least they did for me and friends in the past)
Note; if you call Bilstein direct, a customer service rep will figure out which is the best shock for the amount of your lift. (at least they did for me and friends in the past)
