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I knew my shocks were original and noticed some clunks and bumps going over bumps in the road. The right rear seemed especially bad.
I decided to go with a full set of the Bilstein 5100 height adjustable shocks.
Installation was...... involved. It’s mostly just what I call a “nut and bolt” type installation- one where you just need to remove a bunch of nuts and bolts. Of course there is the added fun of the spring compressors, but I’ve swapped plenty of springs before.
The issue came in the rear. Part of the install is to swap over the lower spring seat. I removed the coilover and got the spring off. I started pounding away at the lower seat but it’s not budging. It was pretty dirty and there is some rust on components here and there so I thought maybe it was just rust holding it on. After a closer look, it looked as though the lower seat was welded on. Crap! An even closer look revealed that the shock I pulled out was fatter than the Bilstein slated to go in. Even if I got the seat off, it wouldn’t fit.
I put all my hopes on that mine had some kind of unique suspension and something at the junkyard would work. So off to the junkyard I went. I found a 2010 with the skinny rear shocks. I pulled those out pretty quickly and easily. All I really needed was the lower spring seat, spring and upper mount, but I bought the 2 complete assemblies. For $35 I can’t complain too much.
However, the 2010 springs are thicker in diameter than my 2014 springs- which probably means they also have a higher spring rate.
The rest of the install went fine. The right rear was totally blown and leaking fluid. One of the front had good compression control but had a really quick rebound.
I set all the clips on the Bilsteins to their highest position. I think the 2010 springs caused the rear to set a little high.
Resulting ride is MUCH improved. Feels like a truck- but in a good way. View attachment 34606View attachment 34607View attachment 34608View attachment 34609
Your rears look more like my Nivomat self leveling shocks. Do you have a close-up of the part number on them for comparison? I’m hoping the ‘14 rears that I just ordered on EBay are the standard smaller shocks so I can put my Bilstiens in them.
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So what do you think about buying the whole unit ready to drop in? Waste of money?Huh. I guess I did have the self leveling rear with the Nivomat shocks. And I thought my headlights weren’t aimed properly when leaving my house- but seemed to be better when returning. I didn’t think too much of it.
https://www.brakeandfrontend.com/nivomat-shock-absorbers-self-leveling-monotube-ride-control-units/
But that right rear was totally blown.
I’m happy with the Bilsteins. Glad I made the switch. Plus I got a little lift.
So what do you think about buying the whole unit ready to drop in? Waste of money?
Yes, any quick struts.The Monroe Quick Struts?
No experience with them. I got quality shocks and swapped over the spring and necessary parts.Yes, any quick struts.
Sounds like a better idea but many people are buying the spring with it so they can just throw it in.No experience with them. I got quality shocks and swapped over the spring and necessary parts.