How much do those guys charge to change your shocks? Whatever it is, they are underpaid! Just finished up on my 09. What a PITA job that was. Anyhow, all done now with nice shiny new Bilstein Comforts.
jor
The front, driver’s side shock is my favorite, how about yours?
Larry
The front, driver’s side shock is my favorite, how about yours?
I tackled the top driver side using the multi-wrench I've posted about previously. Feeling superior for conquering the toughest part of the job, I proceeded to break the lower front driver shock mount by torquing the nut 'to spec'.
1 Dorman 31001 kit later, I torqued it to 'feels about right'.
Amazon.com: Dorman 31001 Shock Bolt Kit - Universal 1/2-20 Universal Fit :... (https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-HELP-31001-Shock-Bolt/dp/B000COB5BM/ref=asc_df_B000COB5BM?mcid=79ce265390283281bb6a6738f9cb521f&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693394827787&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12269108840742009989&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9198685&hvtargid=pla-569705430653&psc=1&hvocijid=12269108840742009989-B000COB5BM-&hvexpln=0)
Rich
I tackled the top driver side using the multi-wrench I've posted about
Rich
The multi wrench Rich recommended is the tool to use on the front shocks top bolts.
AIMIXUN 52 in 1 Universal Socket Wrench, Stainless Steel Professional... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D59YB5L4/ref=sspa_mw_detail_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWwp13NParams#immersive-view_1752975705832)
Larry
Anyhow, all done now with nice shiny new Bilstein Comforts.
Jor, which brand/model did these new Bilstein replace? When you have a minute could you please give a review? Thank you.
I wasn't getting anywhere with the multi wrench tool on the front shocks, so I quickly grabbed my cordless reciprocating saw. In under thirty seconds that top bolt was cut and the shock could be removed. A massive time saver.
The front, driver’s side shock is my favorite, how about yours?
I found the right rear to be a bit of a challenge. Not much room up there on the top notwithstanding the convenience hole Ford put in the floor. For the fronts, after trying a number of solutions, I ended up with a 3/8 ratchet and an 11/16 socket. Not too bad. The biggest problem I had with all four was getting the bottom of the shock on the peg. I ended up raising the chassis enough to get them in place.
which brand/model did these new Bilstein replace?
Here are photos of the old and new numbers.
please give a review
I haven't taken it for a test drive. We're planning a trip to the NW so I need to take it down for fuel and LP. I live on a 1.5mi poorly maintained dirt road so I'll get a taste of the new shocks but I'll need to get it on the road before I can compare them to the old.
jor
I haven't taken it for a test drive. We're planning a trip to the NW so I need to take it down for fuel and LP. I live on a 1.5mi poorly maintained dirt road so I'll get a taste of the new shocks but I'll need to get it on the road before I can compare them to the old.
Checking back to see if you have sufficient information for a review. 🤞🤞🤞
Follow up … thanks for your post down below 👏.
Checking back to see if you have sufficient information for a review.
We're heading to the NW in a week or two but in the meantime I did take it out to get fuel (can't exercise the genny with no gas in the tank!). I noticed the difference on the washboardy road out of our neighborhood and it drove fine on the paved road (50 mph) to the gas station. I didn't notice any difference in the handling which was already great imo. I'll report back on our trip when I get some miles in.
My old shocks were still working well although one (lr) had begun to leak (45K miles)
jor
When our LD was new, I had a chance to change and compare the stock shocks to Bilstein Comfiorts that LD had tried and rejected. I also acquired a set of near new set of regular Bilsteins. The Comforts rode the same as the stock shock.
I liked the Comforts on the rear of our 24' LD. I now run the regular Bilsteins on the front and Comforts on the rear.
The Bilsteins wear like iron. I replaced them at over 100,000 miles due to the rubber bushings wearing out; the shocks were still usable and had no oil leaks. Well worth the money.
Fort Bragg, slowly heading south toward home.
Larry
When you have a minute could you please give a review?
Put about 4500 miles on these babies. Here's my review:
Handling: No change. It was excellent with the originals and remains so with the new ones.
Ride: Surprising to me, there is a big difference in comfort. These shocks round out those pavement breaks and smooth out the washboard roads.
I would not have replaced the original Bilsteins except for the fact that one began to leak. Turned out to be a good upgrade.
jor
Jor, did you change front and rear? TIA
From the part numbers above, yes.
Rich
As Rich noted:
Front: 33-187563
Rear: 33-176840
$129 each. Best price I could find. Also, O'Reilly's offers a military discount.
jor
Bilstein shocks have larger, somewhat soft rubber bushings that compress with use. It is recommended to retighten the shocks' top bushings after 10,0000 miles or so to take up the slack.
Failure to do this can lead to a much shorter bushing life. By keeping the bushings tight, you can expect 100,000 miles of life for the shocks..
When loose, I notice more up and down or a floating sensation of the suspension when going through bumps.
Larry
Good tip! Would not have done that. Thanks.
jor