Replacing (upgrading?) TV Shocks

[EvilDoer]

It's time to replace the shocks on my '01 Expedition. I could go with the OEM Monroes, however I'm planning on trying the Bilstein B6 4600 monotubes.

I'm towing an X23B, at nearly 5000lbs it's well within the capacity of the TV, and the ride and handling of the vehicle are acceptable while towing (but a little bouncy). The Expedition is my daily driver and in addition to towing the travel trailer, it sees some serious off-highway use during hunting season.

I'm wondering if new Monroes would be adequate? Will the Bilstiens be too stiff?

I'm also replacing the tires, but that's another thread.

[owenssailor]

I put Bilsteins on my 2012 1500 Silverado after about 70 000 miles. I really liked them

On y 2017 1500 Silverado I switched to them at about 7 000 iles. why wait for the handling and ride improvement

They definitely reduced the bounceback even compared to the new OEM shocks

My experience

[redsnapper]

My one and only experience with Bilsteins was on a F-250 1997 Ford 4x4.
This was a set of the yellow ones.

I thought they were teeth jarring "stiff" on any uneven or less than smooth pavement.

Those were changed out to Monroe Reflex.
Much better and significantly less "sharp" on potholes and ruts.

[Vasquez Kid]

I'm very happy with my Bilsten's. Towing or not I see a much improved ride.

[curver900]

Rancho adjustable.. RX9000XL

[NorCal Eagle]

I just replaced Rancho 9000s with Bilstein 5100s on my F250. The ride is improved, it handles its weight much better and there is less residual body movement after a bump.

[jbrnigan]

Bilstein's on my Tacoma, KYB's on my Camry, Rancho 5000x's on my F-250, Monroe Gas Magnum's on my Avalanche,
..........All replaced worn shocks and improved the ride(s). Not likely you'll find a brand consensus here or anywhere. It's likely that whatever choice you make will be fine.

[EvilDoer]

Originally Posted by jbrnigan

Bilstein's on my Tacoma, KYB's on my Camry, Rancho 5000x's on my F-250, Monroe Gas Magnum's on my Avalanche,
..........All replaced worn shocks and improved the ride(s). Not likely you'll find a brand consensus here or anywhere. It's likely that whatever choice you make will be fine.

It's clear there is no concensus. There's also no concensus on ride quality.

There are two camps when I ask about Bilstein: best ride ever, or bone jarring. I tend to favor the opinions of folks with 1/2 ton vehicles since that's what I'm driving. I'm also thinking that almost anyone going from a worn shock to a new one is going to experience that as a "stiff" ride, good or bad.

I'm pretty sure I'll be making the switch to Bilstein once some of this snow melts.

[Midnightmoon]

You are not going to be disappointed in Bilstein. They have been great on every truck I have installed them on, both 1/2 tons and HD's.

[87Yugo]

Bilstein 5100 on my 2017 Silverado 3500HD Duramax, stock Z71 Rancho could not keep up on the rebound cycle. Problem fixed, rides and handles better

[TCNashville]

The rears just became available for the '17-'19 Super Dutys. I think I'm gonna go with the Bilsteins all the way around. My truck rides pretty good but I've got some bumpsteer I'd like to get rid of.

[jasum]

You will definitely love the Bilsteins, especially if you had the junk Rancho shocks.