Changing to Bilstein shocks strategy

[Donald]

I will install Bilstein shocks on my pickup when I decide to change shocks. The Bilstein are guaranteed for life. Any reason not to change them now (60k) even though current shocks are fine?

Anyone get a Bilstein replaced under warranty? Do they give you a hard time?

 

[HerrStig]

They're good shocks. The sooner you put them on the longer you get to enjoy the improvement.

 

[AZjeff]

Originally Posted By: HerrStig
They're good shocks. The sooner you put them on the longer you get to enjoy the improvement.


That. OEM shocks aren't anything special to begin with.

 

[eljefino]

Save your old ones so you have something to ride around on if you ever need warranty replacement.

Slather everything in anti-sieze when you take it apart. Shock bushings love to become one with the bolts that pass through.

 

[justintendo]

different application....but i installed bilstein b6 units on all 4 corners of my 08 fusion. the stock damping was just getting to weaken a bit, but these made a HUGE difference in damping quality. i drive fairly aggressively, and these work nicely. no increase in harshness, actually rides much better and has less body sway. very happy with the purchase.

 

[CarbonSteel]

Massive change in the way my 2010 FX4 rode when I switched to Bilstein 5100s. Though I have Rancho as OEM on my 2015, Bilstein will get the nod when the time comes.

 

[Jim_Truett]

Granted mine were 8 years old but only had 41,000 miles on them. They were all dead and clearly lost most of their gas pressure. Went to Bilstein 5100s even for the steering dampener. Best $375 you can spend on that truck, I think.

 

[86cutlass307]

I have the 5100 series on the Tacoma in my signature. One of the 2 best things I did to my truck, the other was Michelin LTX M/S2 tires. Put them on and don't look back; you'll wish you did it sooner

 

[E150GT]

I'm a fan of Bilstein and if and when I ever need new shocks I will get them for my Mazda. I really wanted them for my F150 but I got such a good deal on my motorcraft I couldn't pass it up.

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I will install Bilstein shocks on my pickup when I decide to change shocks. The Bilstein are guaranteed for life. Any reason not to change them now (60k) even though current shocks are fine?

Anyone get a Bilstein replaced under warranty? Do they give you a hard time?




The current shocks do not perform as well with 60,000 miles on them as when they were new. The degradation in performance is gradual....you haven't noticed it.

Put on the new shocks.

 

[SatinSilver]

Where's a good place to buy Bilsteins?

 

[Kool1]

Tire Rack is where I bought my Bilstein struts. I've had the 4600 Bilsteins on my CRV for about 90,000 miles and can say the ride comfort, for my taste, is rough.

 

[SatinSilver]

Hmmm, didn't see where they have any available for the 05 Toytoa Matrix XR. Which is the same as a Pontiac Vibe and pretty similar to the Corolla.

 

[86cutlass307]

Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
Where's a good place to buy Bilsteins?


You can try Down South Motorsports HERE

They usually have periodic sales, this is where I got mine, I'm not affiliated in any way. Or try Amazon

 

[MCompact]

Several years ago Autozone had the best price on Bilsteins for my TJ.

 

[DeepFriar]

Don't overlook your end links "while you're in there" . There's a lot of quality feel in both compliance and control to be had there.

 

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted By: 86cutlass307
You can try Down South Motorsports HERE


Thank you but doesn't show anything available for an 05 Toyota Matrix.

I'll try the Autozone suggestion and see what they have.

 

[Kool1]

You may want to check the Bilstein guide to see if they make equipment for your car.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/user..._Guide_2014.pdf

 

[Jim_Truett]

Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
Where's a good place to buy Bilsteins?


Down South Motorsports as mentioned earlier is good, but I ended up getting mine from Summit. I paid about $15 more than the cheapest vendor I found, but their shipping speed, support, and inventory capability were worth the extra $ for me.

 

[claluja]

Bilsteins good in my F250. Greatly reduced pogo stick when towing empty trailer among other things. Think they were 5100s - i just called up Bilstein and used what they recommended for no extra lift.