Simple shock question

[BusterXLT]

Hello to all. This is my first post and I'm definitely a newbie. I have a '93 Ford XLT that I've had since... well, '93. And I really enjoy working on it.

What a great site! I used the 4X4 shift motor repair page to put in a 39 cent piece of tubing to get it to work again and saved almost $700 (that's what they quoted me to replace it). 5 hrs later, it was working again.

Anyway, I've read about the Bilstein shocks and decide to put a set of 4 on. The question that I have is for the front shocks... do I cut out the existing bushing for the top that's kind of pressed into the frame and use the 2 new bushings the came with the new shock? Or is it better to leave the existing 1 piece bushing (it's in decent shape... just almost 15 years old)?

 

[Charlie]

Welcome to the forum! Glad you found it helpful!

 

[WhiteLimited]

I have to say welcome also. And I hope you find the awsner to your question...

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[WhiteLimited]

welcome

This guy just wish's EVERYONE "welcome"

 

[Convict1997]

I can't say for sure since mine is a 98, but I replaced the existing bushing with the new ones that came with my shocks. On mine, the bushings were two pieces; one on top and one on the bottom. They were sandwiched between two large concave washers. Hope this helps.

 

[Willard]

I'm gonna say go ahead and put the new bushings on. I would think anything that comes with the Bilsteins is going to be better than what you have.

Oh, and welcome!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I would also say to use whatever came with the new shocks.

 

[kais3rboy]

Welcome from 1 newb to another. I would agree with the rest and go with the new ones, but I suggest you keep as much old bushings as possible in case you need to switch back.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Spare parts always come in handy if there is nothing wrong with them.

 

[little x]

He'll have to cut the bushings off (or burn them off :fire so he won't be able to use them again. But I would also recommend replacing them.

 

[X-North]

Do you really want to have suspension problem when you need your truck the most??
They give new bushings so why the hell keep the old ons. Cut it and change it thats all.