Shocks and struts replacement with OE and suggested reflex

[panama]

hello all... I have an 08 Expy EL Eddie Baurer......I need assistance in resolving an issue I’ve come across. I replaced my shocks and struts with OE equipment using the original springs for the rear shocks. Now that I’ve done that, the vehicle rides with a very stiff feel unlike the comfy ride I enjoyed before I replaced the struts and shocks. There’s no heigh difference just running very stiff. Is there anything I needed to do besides replacing the parts with OE and suggested after markets parts per the manufacturer suggested parts?. No pulling to the left/right or nothing crazy, just stiff as heck.

 

[Grover6]

Might just need to drive it and allow the shocks to break in. Everything will be tight and they should wear in after a few miles. Unless I am missing something.

I'm sure someone will clear it up if I am

 

[bobmbx]

Have you considered the 'soft' ride was due to worn suspension parts, and now its back to normal?

Why did you change parts if the ride was comfy?

 

[TobyU]

Every time I think but once that I put new shocks on a vehicle it rode harder than before.
I think Senstracs on a square body 2 door S-15 GMC Jimmy/Blazer 1990 ish model rode pretty good IIRC.

 

[panama]

It was comfy until the shocks went bad. My rear tires where bouncing pretty bad at 45 mph or highway speeds. Once I took them off, it was apparent they need changing.
I’ve put at least 1,200 miles on these shocks and struts, they should have broken in by now.
Any assistance from someone with suspension experience would be great...

 

[Trainmaster]

I agree with Grover. All you replaced were the shocks. Either your new shocks are both defective (perhaps the wrong part) or your old ones were beaten to hell. I suspect by saying OEM you mean that your new ones are good quality Ford Motorcraft parts. Since they are both doing the same thing, I'd wager that you were just used to blown out old shocks.

Now if the new shocks were one-size-fits-all auto parts store junk, I'd say the new shocks could be your problem.

If someone installed them for you, make sure the goon didn't put 90 lbs of air in the rear tires too.

 

[panama]

Appreciate all the feedback but I’ve been driving the truck since it had 700 miles on it and the shocks were worn. The expy ride is that of comfort and precision for the most part, at least comfort; the shocks I have on there, which I installed are aftermarket OE from Autozone for both front and rear. These are my second set from the same store. After thinking about it, they may be defected; but all four corners?... can’t be, something is not sitting right

 

[Trainmaster]

are aftermarket OE from Autozone for both front and rear.

Chinese shocks from AutoZone!

There's your problem.

Now go buy a set of real shocks.

 

[JExpedition07]

That’s your issue, autozone shocks!!! OE replacement but not OE quality....id return them or use warranty on them and buy Motorcrafts.

 

[panama]

You are wright about to do just that.