Replace shocks?

[lesbal]

My 99 V10 Ford chassis, has about 48000 miles on it and I was wondering what brand of shocks came on it from the factory. I know that Ford put Bilsteins on their chassis at some point but not sure if my 99 has them. They look like Bilsteins, how do you tell. I was wondering if I should install new shocks , thinking it would improve handling and if the original shocks are Bilsteins would it be worth replacing them? or do they truly last a lifetime?

[LVJ58]

The original factory shocks on 99 models are not Bilsteins. I believe Ford began using Bilsteins on 2005 and later model chassis but not 100% sure which year they switched to using Bilsteins.

I first replaced the front factory shocks on our 2000 coach with Monroe HD Gas Magnum RV shocks which greatly improved ride comfort. Later I replaced the Monroes with Koni FSD shocks which improved the ride even more and are still on our coach.

For the Ford f53 chassis I would highly recommend using the Koni FSD shocks for best ride and handling.

Good luck with your choice of shocks

[Wizard]

Ford was using Bilsteins in '02 and I believe before that. As for improving handling, what type of handling problems are you having. Some things, shocks can help, others not so much.

[johnsonjm209]

I'm not trying to sound like a wise guy, but, what makes you think you need new shocks? I have an 03 Ford H/R vacationer 32' with 41,000 miles. I had the front end lined up last year and asked the same question. The answer could have made the garage a few bucks, but he said that there was nothing wrong with those Bilsteins and they aren't leaking, don't bother changing them.

FYI

Joe from Ct.

[lesbal]

Thanks for the reply
The motorhome reacts to crosswinds and large trucks passing, it gets pushed around. I don't know if this is what I have to live with or if there is some fix that would help make driving it a little more pleasant. I have read several accounts that upgrading the shocks might help, and that is a fairly easy thing to do.
Thanks LesB

[Wizard]

Shocks may help if yours are really worn out which I doubt. You would probably be better looking into sway bars. Maybe the bushings on your sway bar are worn or maybe look into a larger sway bar.

[pkunk1]

I decided that shocks were needed at somewhat over 61k and put a set of Monroe magnum RV shocks on. The old shocks (whatever they were) were so shot (no sign of leakage) that I could run them in & out easily with my old tired sore arthritic hands. The improvement of ride & handleing was dramatic! You have no way of knowing how bad they are on a truck chassis unless you at least disconnect one end.

[SpursMVP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkunk1 I decided that shocks were needed at somewhat over 61k and put a set of Monroe magnum RV shocks on. The old shocks (whatever they were) were so shot (no sign of leakage) that I could run them in & out easily with my old tired sore arthritic hands. The improvement of ride & handleing was dramatic! You have no way of knowing how bad they are on a truck chassis unless you at least disconnect one end.

I agree here. Our '01 HR had the OEM Monroe's on it and after a recent trip through Oklahoma and Dallas our teeth rattled for 2 weeks after the trip. So...we upgraded to the Bilstein Comfort shocks and I must say the ride is noticeably improved. Now for the reality check....these shocks don't make all road bumps go away....they simply tone them down several notches.

The new shocks also improved on the RV's reaction to large trucks passing and cross winds. Overall....the $900 was well spent (this include mounting).