Bilstein HD Shock Install '07 XLT

[ClarkSJ]

I installed these shocks over the weekend on all 4 corners. After 15 years of driving German cars, I found the "Rancho branded" stock shocks to be too bouncy, and the truck wallowed over bumps. About $230 for all 4 shocks. Ride is now much improved, firm but not harsh. Bounciness is gone. With the recently-installed Rough Country dual steering stabilizer, the truck feels much more responsive and controlled. Well worth the $350 total for the two and a couple hours of my time.

Install was very easy, just remove top and bottom mounting bolts on the stock shocks. I put a floor jack under the front control arms before removing, but I am not sure that is even necessary if you do the install with the truck on the ground. For the fronts, you will need to insert a 6mm hex wrench in the top to hold the shock rod in position while you tighten the mounting nut. Easy on the driver's side as you can access from the engine bay. However, on the passenger's side, there is no top access to the shock, so I cut a slit in the wheel well liner about two inches long on either side of the shock to make a flap I could push in to gain access to use the hex wrench. Worked great.

[MoyockPowerstroke]

Clark....are you lifted at all? I will be adding a 4" lift this spring and will go with Bilsteins also.

[ClarkSJ]

No, not lifted. I think they have a different shock for a lifted truck. For the stock suspension, they list the HD version (yellow body/blue boot).

[work&play]

Thanks for the tip Clark.
I am putting mine in on Fri.
My truck has about 38,000 miles on it with a daily weight of 12,000 lbs.
The old ones are getting real bounce.

[ClarkSJ]

Only thing else I would recommend would be to use Locktite on all fasteners that you reuse. It looks like at least the lower front nuts are self-locking, so if they are removed they will not lock the second time. Or you can get replacements.

[SykoStroker06]

Where did you get your shocks from? I have a 2006 F-250 that I am looking to put the same shocks on. Looking for a decent price.

[work&play]

I got them from e-shocks.com.
They had great prices and their service was good.

[NCfarmboy]

Originally Posted by work&play

I got them from e-shocks.com.
They had great prices and their service was good.

Did you get the Rough Country dual steering stabilizer kit from them as well?

Thanks!

[ClarkSJ]

I paid $238 shipped for a set of the 4 Bilsteins from eshocks, now it looks like the price is $271. I got the dual stabilizer direct from Rough Country, $109.

[work&play]

Originally Posted by NCfarmboy

Did you get the Rough Country dual steering stabilizer kit from them as well?

Thanks!

I did not get a duel stabilizer.