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Bilstein OEM replacement shocks
Reviews Views Date of last review
4 2250 Wed April 30, 2008
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Recommended By Average Price Average Rating
100% of reviewers None indicated 9.3
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Description: Since our inception over 40 years ago, Bilstein has been a unique and driving force in the automotive suspension industry. From racing and testing in Formula 1, NASCAR, SCCA, Rally, and Off Road to original equipment on BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota and GM trucks, Bilstein Gas Pressure Shock Absorbers haven proven to be the best.

If you've never experienced the exhilaration you feel when driving a vehicle equipped with Bilstein Shocks, you're in for a pleasant surprise. You'll soon discover there is, quite literally, nothing like it. Unbelievable control. Precise handling. Ultimate performance. And incredible comfort.

Most conventional shocks are made with shock bodies cut from a piece of steel tubing, stamped internal parts and compromised tolerances.

In contrast, Bilstein's shock bodies are precision formed through a unique seamless extrusion process. This provides superior strength along with high finish tolerances that are usually associated with surgical instruments. The finished body is then mated with a solid, induction hardened steel chrome plated and polished shaft, machined valving components and highest quality seals. Combined with extreme attention to detail, Bilstein provides you with the closest thing to a hand built shock available today.

Conventional shocks slowly lose efficiency and eventually fail over a period of time causing excessive tire and suspension wear. Bilstein Shocks continue to deliver optimum performance for life.

Of all your suspension components, nothing works harder than your shock absorbers, making it critical you pick the right ones for your vehicle. Bilstein Gas Pressure Shock Absorbers are the least expensive, fastest way to dramatically improve the ride, handling and control of your vehicle. Plus, with Bilstein's lifetime warranty, you may never have to purchase shock absorbers again.

www.bilstein.com
Keywords: Bilstein shocks


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celly
Not a wannabe


Registered: July 2004
Posts: 3130
Review Date: Thu January 19, 2006 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Superb ride
Cons: Pricey (you get what you pay for)

I was in the market for shocks for my '99 Eddie Bauer soon after I traded in my '00 Sport on it. I had Monroe Reflex shocks on the Sport and they were decent for the most part. I found them to be a bit harsh at times and wanted to try something different. I was giving the Rancho 5000 and 9000 a serious look. The 5000 seemed to be a great all round shock. 9000 looked nice too, but I didn't think I'd need the adjustability of the 9000 and certainly didn't want to pay for that option (Bilsteins are cheaper than 9000s).

I read nothing but great things about Bilstein no matter where I looked. To make matters worse, they're as rare as the dodo here in Canada. Not much in the way of distribution channels up here. I spoke with the guy who did my exhaust work (Flo-Pro) and also put the Reflex in the Sport. He had a connection in a city a few hours from here and that guy brings them in from the US. Took several weeks to get them, but I was in no rush.

I got the Bilsteins put on the same day my EE swaybar was installed. What a transformation! Bilsteins are firm like the reflex, but not harsh. They are definitely a great combination of plushness combined with a firm ride. Definitely a massive improvement over OEM.

I'm told these are the last shocks I'll ever need. I'm sold on that concept!

------------------------------
1999 Eddie Bauer, 5.0L V8, AWD-> click here for my registry
Don't just talk about it, REVIEW it!

 
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rizzjc
Scubajoe - Radio Mod


Registered: July 2005
Posts: 1921
Review Date: Tue January 24, 2006 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: handling, direct replacement
Cons: stiff ride

I always hated the stock, but was too cheap to replace them. Towing my boat I was sagging a good bit, and am low anyway, making things worse. Looked into several solutions and the Bilsteins kept showing up. I NEEDED new shocks, so there was nothing lost replacing them first.

My truck handles MUCH better, and doesn't "slide" across the road when it hits a rough spot. It's a stiff ride, but it's a truck! And I'd trade the softer ride anyday for the improved handling.

I always hear that Bilstein stands behind their product 110%, so I think these shocks were well worth the investment for the minimalist that I am when it comes to putting money into "upgrades" for my vehicle.

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Joe, N1LVN

'97 XLT AWD V8 STOCK
Amsoil Synthetics throughout. Amsoil Ea air filter. Bilsteins. Scanguage.

Search ExplorerForum

 
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cherrybomb
Elite Explorer


Registered: April 2005
Posts: 211
Review Date: Wed November 28, 2007 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Excellent handling and smooth highway ride
Cons: A bit harsh on choppier streets

A WAY over due upgrade to my explorer. The old shocks could be easily compressed by hand, with hardly any resistance, not sure they were doing anything at all.

With the new Bilstiens the trucks handling is drastically improved, and the ride is as soft as any luxury car I've been in when the road is smooth. When things get a little rough, the ride suffers, but these shocks make sure that all the wheels are getting traction, and the explorer drives straight and true.

One other note on handling. I replaced these before installing the upgraded rear sway bar. While the two together are an EXCELLENT package, just these shocks alone made a drastic difference, probably enough to satisfy anyone not looking for optimal handling performance, but just after a smooth and safe ride.

------------------------------
Check out my Elite Registry

Check out my blog

 
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Squirrelmaster
Wannabe Elite Explorer

Registered: March 2004
Posts: 53
Review Date: Wed April 30, 2008 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Great lasting shock with a much better ride
Cons: A bit pricey

I decided to replace my shocks right at 30,000 miles on my '04 Sport Trac as I thought the OEM's were dead (which they were, which is pathetic for a truck with this low of miles that leads a nice pampered life). I'd used another, cheaper brand before on my '95 Explorer, but I felt like spending the money this time and get what I really wanted. Given my previous experience with Bilsteins, which were met with good results, I was sure I wouldn't be disappointed - and I wasn't. The ride is much better both in handling and road feel, and though some may not like the increased stiffness, I much prefer it to the floaty feeling of the stock shocks. My only negative thought towards the shocks is the price, which may keep these out of reach for some, but if you have the money, these are definitely worth it.

 
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