When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have read through many of the shock replacement threads and just need a bit of clarification.
I have a 2003 Eddie Bauer 2WD with no air suspension. Over 100K miles.
I saw one thread that mentioned needing to compress the spring to get the shock, yet other threads didn't mention it at all.
I have also been trying to decide what to buy and it seems to me that the Bilstein at tire rack is the least expensive choice at $84 for the rear. The Monroe Sensa Trak or whatever its called runs a little over $100. I am correct in that the Bilstein is the cheapest shock out there?
I saw one thread that mentioned needing to compress the spring to get the shock, yet other threads didn't mention it at all.
If you're talking about the thread I think you are, the compression of the spring was so a spacer could be inserted under the spring to give the rear end a bit more lift. Other than that, the only reason to ever have to compress a spring to install rear shocks is if the rear axle is hanging down unsupported.
If you're talking about the thread I think you are, the compression of the spring was so a spacer could be inserted under the spring to give the rear end a bit more lift. Other than that, the only reason to ever have to compress a spring to install rear shocks is if the rear axle is hanging down unsupported.
I would try shockwarehouse.com for shocks. If the Bilstiens are the cheapest, you scored, they are probably the best shocks availible for the truck. I wouldn't pay more for a Monroe, no way, no how.
I would agree Bilsteins are a great shock. I have used them on several vehicles. But I recently changed all the shocks on my 2002 2wd xlt and went with Pro comp ES 6000's. I paid 140.00 for the set of four shocks from 4wheelparts.com. Delivery was free as well. I was very pleased with the service and the product.
Post #4 in that thread mentioned "coil over shocks" which are a shock with a coil spring over them that is a part of them (see picture below); they're not the same as a regular shock. So to answer your question, unless you're installing "coil over shocks" you will not have to compress a spring.