Thinking about these bilstien shocks...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by VehiGAZ

The other thing to consider is that the fancy-pants OEM shocks are, well, built kind of crappy. It seems like a third of the people here have had one or more OEM shocks go bad well before 75k miles, and some in the first 20k miles. That's a pretty bad failure rate. I would question the wisdom of replacing a ridiculously expensive and prone-to-failure OEM shock with another, when you can get warrantied-for-life Bilsteins for a fraction of the price.

---

Yeah, count me as one of the original owners that had to replace 2 front shocks at around 23k. My front-end was bouncing like a pogo-stick at every stop! The dealer replaced the fronts free of charge under warranty.

now, flash to the present...at almost 9 years old and nearly 86k miles my fronts still feel great but my rears (original) seem to take an extra bounce on rough roads.

I have to admit...I'm having trouble letting go of the OEM shocks. I've always liked the fact that the VX is the only production vehicle with external reservoir shocks. To remove them seems like a sin.

I'm a huge fan of how they never rusted (being a rust-belt native) as they are of aluminum construction if my memory is correct. I cringe at the fact I might have to go with aftermarket shocks that in a short period of time will most likely look like crapola.

I installed trailmaster shocks on my '79 Bronco with 6" lift and they rusted up after like one winter.

If I do go with aftermarket...I'm keeping my originals and going to look into getting them rebuilt or at the very least check into recharged (didn't know about this option!).

stuck working christmas night (tried to get off :()and using the computer @ work; I noticed that the shocks on the Japanese site with parts for the VX are indeed Bilstiens... MUCH cheaper to order here in the states..lol.

Just thought it was nice to know that they seem to like the Bilsteins too!

http://64.233.187.102/translate_c?hl...JQCUhOhCI9LnUg

Are those the right ones? I vaguely remember that one pair had post mounts on top, whiel the other pair had loop mounts on top. After 3.5 years, I'm far from sure.

yea the fronts have posts on top, the rears have loops

Just got my VX this week (2001 Foxfire Red with 63,500k miles). Been following this thread about the shocks, trying to learn as much as I can from this great forum. I wondered about the shocks so I got under it and snapped some photos. I'm trying to figure out how to post them...as soon as I finish this post I'll try.

I don't "think" I see any evidence of leakage of any kind on the shocks. But wondered if anybody else sees any issues. We live on dirt road, ride is very rough, plus sounds like car is "shaking" apart. I know VX rides rough according to all info I've read, but I don't have anything to compare it to. That's why I'm following this thread, debating OEM vs. Bilsteins, etc... Don't even know if mine need anything. Haven't yet found anything that explains what the advantage is to having the reservoir type? I'm sure there's some benefit.

Thanks for any input!

Here's a small test.. drive the VX around for a while.. then test the temperature of the shocks.. if they are cold.. they arent working

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by VehiGAZ

Are those the right ones? I vaguely remember that one pair had post mounts on top, whiel the other pair had loop mounts on top. After 3.5 years, I'm far from sure.

---

You guy's are right...but, that was the page for the VehiCROSS..must be a general picture they are using I guess??