Bilstein Ride Quality

[MikeTEC]

I have a 93 EB 2wd 4 door. Thinking about changing shocks. For those owners who have Bilsteins, what is the ride quality of Bilsteins, rough or smooth? Thanks for your help.

 

[JBHexplorer]

It depends on your definition of "rough or smooth." They ride a little stiffer than stock, but I wouldn't call it rough. Bottom line, I love them and I would definately recommend them.

 

[MikeTEC]

Thanks, JBHExplorer.

I have had Tokico shocks for over 50K miles. Got them from John Baker Performance several years ago and they have been excellent, durable shocks, but fairly rough. Combined with Michelins XCH MS tires, they have performed well for street and trailer towing and are still going strong.

The quality of Bilsteins are well known. I am getting ready for new Michelins and are stongly considering Bilsteins, but have read some posts saying they will "shake the fillings out of one's teeth on the streets". Hard for me to believe that so your additional input would be helpful since you have Bilsteins.

While I need control, especially when towing, I do not get off road, so I must have some degree of comfort in my next shock selection as my 93 EB 2WD is a daily driver.

Any additional input, JBHExplorer, or from other Bilstein owners, would be appreciated. Thanks for your help!

MikeTEC

 

[JBHexplorer]

My personal opinion is that the stock suspension is way too soft. However, my explorer has light duty torsion bars (I think they're H, but I'm not sure) and this could be why I think it rides to soft. I also don't use my explorer for any off road use. I installed these shocks and it made a huge difference in handling. Then I installed Xspec swaybars from Exporer Express, and they helped tighten up the ride even better. It's hard to describe the way something rides when everyone has their own opinions of how their vehicle should ride. I guess the best thing you could do is take a ride with someone who has Bilsteins on the vehicle.

 

[MikeTEC]

Thanks, JBHexplorer:

I have heavier sway bars with poly bushings from John Baker Performance..order them with the Tokico shocks as a matched set.

I am a big believer in quality products so I will probably give Bilsteins a try. Thanks for your input and help.

 

[LukeDog3D]

hey

I have bilsteins on my 92, and they dont ride all that rough. I thought it demushed the ride of the truck just the right amount. I'd say go for the bilsteins, but try your best not to pay 60 dollars a shock for them...try ebay and yahoo auctions...ebay had a new set of bil's a week ago or so for pretty cheap.