Ford Explorer Sport Trac Ford Ranger Mazda Navajo Mercury Mountaineer Message Board
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Ford Ranger Mazda Navajo Mercury Mountaineer Message Board - For Enthusiasts by Enthusiasts


Ford Explorer Generation Guide

2013 Ford Explorer Forums Elite Membership Chat Room My Posts Reviews Explorer Photo Gallery

Notices

  Home · Search · Member List · Register  

Home » Product Reviews » Suspension for Stock Vehicles « Previous Product  · Next Product »
28419monroe.jpg
<
284192shocks.jpg
·
421456001.jpg
>

Bilstein OEM replacement shocks
Reviews Views Date of last review
6 12164 Fri February 26, 2010
spacer
Recommended By Average Price Average Rating
100% of reviewers None indicated 9.5
284192shocks.jpg
supersize


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


Author
Post A Reply 
celly
disturber of the peace


Registered: July 2004
Posts: 6857
Review Date: Fri January 20, 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!

------------------------------
'99 EB
5.0 AWD, Torque Monster Headers, 1" Trick Flow UI spacer,
Custom Volant based CAI (incl C&L MAF body),
SCT XC2 w/Henson tunes, Flo Pro catback, EE swaybar & airdam, Morimoto HID projector retrofit (4300K), Bilstein shocks, Powdercoating by Turdle, Amsoil everywhere, other stuff.
Quote:
I didnt even waste my time to read that, nor will I, however I read some of it.
I, I, I, Me! Me! Me!,
Craigslist Scams for Dummies, Don't Be a Wannabe.

 
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
rizzjc
Scubajoe - Radio Mod


Registered: July 2005
Posts: 3247
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.

------------------------------
Joe, N1LVN

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

Search ExplorerForum

 
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Visit rizzjc's homepage! Find more posts by this user  
cherrybomb
Elite Explorer


Registered: April 2005
Posts: 260
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.

------------------------------
R.I.P "X"

Check out my Elite Registry

Check out my wife and I's blog

 
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
Squirrelmaster
Wannabe Elite Explorer

Registered: March 2004
Posts: 223
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.

------------------------------
2001 Chevy 2500HD 6.0L 4x4 - sitting in Texas
2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin 2wd - also in Texas
2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 V8
2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

 
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Visit Squirrelmaster's homepage! Find more posts by this user  
Jeffbethandkidz
Elite Explorer

Registered: November 2007
Posts: 111
Review Date: Tue September 2, 2008 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Better handling, improved ride quality
Cons: Price ($271.36)

At 198,000 miles I was due for shocks. They were not oems but they were worn out completly anyway. I went all out since it is the wife's truck and got these. It is so much more controllable on rough roads than before. It doesn't slide around when you hit a bad patch and the ride is more what I expect from a truck with twin I beams and a solid rear leaf sprung axle. I'm sold and will run them on all my stuff from now on

------------------------------
If it ain't broke, fix it 'till it is!

 
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
Brandon96
Wannabe Elite Explorer


Registered: September 2008
Posts: 1325
Review Date: Fri February 26, 2010 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Great Handling, Superb Ride, Highway Quality
Cons: Pricey (A lil' over $250)

My clock struck 142,000 at which time I decided was a tad over too many miles for factory shocks to still be on the Explorer, especially with a 3in body lift and 2in of suspension. I will vouch for how well they perform with 33inch tires, in the case that they perform totally awesome. Now, grant the fact that I had 140k on OEM shocks, all the benefits I received were amplified slightly.

Body roll is dramatically reduced while turning at LOW speeds, i.e pulling out of a neighborhood or the driveway.. and incredibly less at higher speeds, like highway exit ramps. It made the truck feel much more safe. The ride quality improved as well especially at higher speeds. The Bilsteins make highway travel (55-80mph) much more relaxing. All shimmys and shakes I had on the highway are now completely gone. The bump noise/vibrations do not rattle the frame/cab and sound like someone just ran into the side of me anymore. I did not purchase the 5th lateral shock but with the stiffer two rear shocks a lot of the yaw movement of the axle is now gone as well (The rear of the truck does not swing left to right as i hit a larger bump or the axel is compressed rapidly).

I'm sticking with Bilstein as I am with Ford as long as the company exists!!

------------------------------
1996 XLT 4x4 - TruckTruck
BUILT 4.0L OHV/SOHC Hybrid - Done.
Before - After

 
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  


 
Statistics
Users 221,934
Products 463
Reviews 866
Views 3,419,027

Top Posters
BrooklynBay 146
aldive 61
celly 54
chriswells78 32
ExplorerDMB 31
Brian1 13
Rick 10
Paraphoe 8
thejackal 6
SplashMan 5

Random Products - Suspension for Stock Vehicles
28419RS9000X_RCX.jpg
Rancho RS9000 RCX Remote Control Damping System
celly
421456001.jpg
Explorer Express Sway Bars
aldive


Powered by: ReviewPost PHP vB3 Enhanced
Copyright 2006 All Enthusiast, Inc.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:36 AM.



US Flag
We Support Our Troops!

Explore the site!


Copyright 2013 - 1996 Rick Horwitz Photography



This site is not endorsed or affiliated

with the Ford Motor Company in any way.



All tips on this site are for use at your own risk and discretion.

Modifying the suspension on any vehicle will cause changes to its handling characteristics.