Community Forums

baraff · 05-12-2013, 05:32 PM

Just bought 4 Bilsteins to replace my OEMs (70,000 miles) for my e450 chassis. I've never installed shocks on a motorhome before so any input would be appreciated from those who have.
Looks like a simple unbolt/bolt in replacement. Instructions call for placing MH on a lift, but all I have is a 20,000lb jack and jack stands. I would think all I need to do is jack it up enough to get some decent clearance, set the jack stands, and swap them out. These are the "Comfort" shocks, not as stiff as the HDs.
Anyone done this themselves?

Excell · 05-13-2013, 06:36 AM

Soak with penetrating oil over nite .And wear mechanics gloves to save skin .
Put the stands under the axles ,if they are extended you won't get them off .

zooom · 05-13-2013, 06:41 AM

I replaced the OEM shocks in my '06 Cambria a few years ago without having to jack up anything. The toughest one was the passenger front because of limited wrench access at the top. Otherwise, all were replaced using only hand tools in ~ 2 hrs.

I suggest you leave the tie strap keeping the new shock compressed until the top is in position in the MH. Very tough to compress the gas charged new shock once extended & keep it that way while trying to "fit" it through the access holes in the vehicle....Good luck!

DGBPokes · 05-13-2013, 11:49 AM

Don't mean to steal the thread, but I have a question about shock bushing replacement from you guys with shock experience. My Bilsteins are 4 years old and feel fine, however, the two rear lower bushing are cracking. I see where I can order the bushings,
My question is, can I put a vise grip tightly on the shock shaft to hold it in place while I change the bushing. Or will it make burrs on the shaft that will ruin the shook seals?

milasman · 05-13-2013, 01:46 PM

Limited wrench clearance for me (2012 Ford E-450) was front driver side. You can probably just jack up one corner at a time to let the suspension droop down, then just insert in top, nut it and then slip bolt in the bottom. HD Bilsteins help the handling, but hit the bumps harder than stock. Don't know about the Comfort shocks, they are not recommended for the longer, heavier class c's

zooom · 05-14-2013, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGBPokes

Don't mean to steal the thread, but I have a question about shock bushing replacement from you guys with shock experience. My Bilsteins are 4 years old and feel fine, however, the two rear lower bushing are cracking. I see where I can order the bushings,
My question is, can I put a vise grip tightly on the shock shaft to hold it in place while I change the bushing. Or will it make burrs on the shaft that will ruin the shook seals?

As long as you don't puncture the tube of the shock with the vise grip pliers, you won't harm anything but the paint. All shock valving & seals are internal and unless you "grab" the chrome-plated rod under the dust cover with a sharp tool & subsequently leave burrs on the rod, the seals will not be harmed.

Changing out those bushings while the shock remains connected [at one end] to the MH could be a challenge -- depending on your own manual dexterity!

KSCRUDE · 05-14-2013, 06:35 AM

If you have access to a impac gun it will help save on time and effort. I took the Bilsteins off my F550 and put on Konis with only 700 miles on the rig. Lot better ride, and way less pounding on bridges and extension joints. Lots quieter in the rig now. Bilsteins make a good boat anchor, that's about it.

Konis about $180 apiece but worth every penny.