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has anybody else seen or had trouble with the bilstien shocks that ford is putting on the levell II ranger's I have havd my ranger for 2 months and the shocks leaked fluid all over the place, i finally had them replaced today.
Thanks,
Joe Foster
Originally posted by fosterj2000 has anybody else seen or had trouble with the bilstien shocks that ford is putting on the levell II ranger's I have havd my ranger for 2 months and the shocks leaked fluid all over the place, i finally had them replaced today.
Thanks,
Joe Foster
That's odd. I was looking for new shocks for my '99 Ranger. Everyone said stay away from Rancho and Trailmaster. I bought Bilsteins (they were expensive) and I just put a set of four on my truck last weekend. I LOVE them.
I figured if they are good enough to use on the new Level II package, they'd work for me. My factory shocks were already getting worn out at 72,000 miles. These Bilsteins have a lifetime warranty, so I never have to worry about anything. So far, no problems...they are awesome.
Could it be that the OEM Bilsteins that Ford is using are slightly different in quality than the ones I just bought from an aftermarket company?
Greenpus, Why do they go out, and it wasn't the front ones it was just the back ones. I had them replaced but with new bilstiens was that a mistake?
Thanks,
Joe Foster
I don't know. I have heard a lot of people with the FX4's complaining about the Bilstiens that ford is using. I have not heard anyone complain about the ones bought aftermarket from Bilstien. I would imagine the batch of shocks that bilstien built for Ford was built to Ford specs and that batch may for some reason have a few bad shocks. I have aftermarket Bilstiens on my truck and I would recommend them to anyone. Would I buy them from Ford. Probably not.
Get them replaced under warranty and in the future only buy the aftermarket ones.
Originally posted by fosterj2000 Greenpus, Why do they go out, and it wasn't the front ones it was just the back ones.
I would agree. It's got to be a Ford specification that is causing those Bilstein problems. Because if you talk to anyone who seriously knows suspension mechanics, they'll tell you Bilstein makes the finest shocks in the world. Also, GM, Toyota, and numerous other companies have used Bilstein in their 4x4 pickups for years with no problems like this. So this is something that has to be related to Ford.
If you have an FX4 and you have trouble with the factory Bilsteins, replace them with a set of Bilsteins from a performance store. It'll cost you, but it'll be awesome in the long run.
If you don't have an FX4, don't be discouraged to buy them. I put my set on last weekend, and I LOVE them so far. It made a HUGE difference in ride quality.
Just an update. I went to the dealer today and looked at an FX4 Level II, and YES they have different Bilsteins on them than the ones I just put on my truck myself.
My Bilsteins look completely different, and have different boots and everything on them. The ones Ford is using have got to be the problem.
That really does not mean much because Bilstien changed the look of their shocks several months ago. It is the same shock but it has different boots and it is painted different color. I believe the blue and yellows are a thing of the past when it comes to the stock replacement shocks.
Originally posted by WXboy
My Bilsteins look completely different, and have different boots and everything on them. The ones Ford is using have got to be the problem.
You don't understand. I bought a set of Bilsteins two weeks ago, and they shipped to ME from the manufacturer. I put them on one week ago. They look completely different than the Bilsteins Ford has on the FX4 trucks. Different markings and all.... I think Ford must have specifics for ride quality that they are trying to meet, and the "made for Ford" Bilsteins are crapping out on people.
Before the FX4 came out, I had NEVER heard a single complain in my life about Bilstein shocks. I'm sorry you guys are having trouble with them, but I promise, Bilstein normally builds quality stuff!
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