New Bilstein's Installed!!!
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 146
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From: Cumming, GA USA
New Bilstein's Installed!!!
Just wanted to add my experience to the great shock absorber debate. I just installed new Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks on my 1999 F-250 4x4. I'm ordered the Bilstein Heavy Duty OEM replacements for my truck from Off Road Warehouse in CA. They had a great deal on the shocks and shipping.
I installed them myself and it was very easy. It took about an hour for all four. That included removing the spare tire to access the top nut on the rears. You don't have to remove the spare, but it made it a lot easier.
Well, after the install, all I can say is WOW!!! I can't believe that my old shocks were that bad! These new shocks make the truck drive and ride better than I remember when new! Needless to say, I am very pleased with these shocks.
I have heard that the factory shocks were pretty crappy (and I don't disagree...) but I also tow a 30' Coachmen TT which didn't add to their longevity. I can't wait to see how the Bilstein's affect the ride and handling when towing.
I'm sure that Edelbrock and Rancho make good products as well, but I just wanted to say that you can't go wrong with the Bilstein's.
Best regards,
Jeff
I installed them myself and it was very easy. It took about an hour for all four. That included removing the spare tire to access the top nut on the rears. You don't have to remove the spare, but it made it a lot easier.
Well, after the install, all I can say is WOW!!! I can't believe that my old shocks were that bad! These new shocks make the truck drive and ride better than I remember when new! Needless to say, I am very pleased with these shocks.
I have heard that the factory shocks were pretty crappy (and I don't disagree...) but I also tow a 30' Coachmen TT which didn't add to their longevity. I can't wait to see how the Bilstein's affect the ride and handling when towing.
I'm sure that Edelbrock and Rancho make good products as well, but I just wanted to say that you can't go wrong with the Bilstein's.
Best regards,
Jeff
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Joined: Jan 2003
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New Bilstein's Installed!!!
Thanks for the post, Jeff. I've been putting off getting my Bilsteins for a long time and reading that post was enough to push me over the edge. Everyone seems to agree with you so what the heck. I've got the 285/75/16 Bridgestone Dueler M/T's (like you), so that's even more reason for me to go for it based on your results.
The part numbers I ordered, for anyone else looking into it, are 2818's and 2819's for the fronts and rears respectively on the 4x4. And they still have the shipping deal from here .
I've heard of confusion on which end is which (top vs bottom) on some brands. Guess that wasn't an issue with the Bilstein's?
The part numbers I ordered, for anyone else looking into it, are 2818's and 2819's for the fronts and rears respectively on the 4x4. And they still have the shipping deal from here .
I've heard of confusion on which end is which (top vs bottom) on some brands. Guess that wasn't an issue with the Bilstein's?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 146
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From: Cumming, GA USA
New Bilstein's Installed!!!
Hey Heerburger,
Welcome to FTE!!!
I read quite a bit before installing them regarding "which end is up." What I was able to determine is that with the Bilstein's (and others possibly) it really doesn't matter. I found one thread where Kreg Donahoe (owner of "The Edge" lift kits) said that it will not affect the shock's operation by installing either "boot up" or "boot down". He did say that he preferred "boot down" only because there was less chance of dust and dirt collecting on the shelf or ledge where the piston rod enters the body of the shock. I installed mine "boots down" and don't see any problem with it.
Best regards,
Jeff
Welcome to FTE!!!
I read quite a bit before installing them regarding "which end is up." What I was able to determine is that with the Bilstein's (and others possibly) it really doesn't matter. I found one thread where Kreg Donahoe (owner of "The Edge" lift kits) said that it will not affect the shock's operation by installing either "boot up" or "boot down". He did say that he preferred "boot down" only because there was less chance of dust and dirt collecting on the shelf or ledge where the piston rod enters the body of the shock. I installed mine "boots down" and don't see any problem with it.
Best regards,
Jeff
