Shock Question 2nd gen.

[Ixlr8nAk]

Hello all! Just hoping some one might be able to tell me when the last run of Bilstein shocks for air suspension equipped 2nd gen was.
Also wondering. I just got 2 sets, front and back of pre bagged shocks. They came with the aluminum tops that secure the shock. Does that replace any of the stamped steal tops that may be on the rig still?
Thanks for the look.

Needed bags( one rear deflating, checked solenoid ) and the shocks looked Original, Bilstein, with the ford sticker on them. Might have been replaced at some point to make it this far, but really rusty. Air springs cover up leakage, to some extent.

 

[06_Navi]

I've also been on the quest for getting a set of Bilstein shocks with the air springs together. I've tried asking Arnott if they were able to mate with the Bilstein Shocks but ofcourse they do not have any adaptors available. I'm sure you've seen that Bilsteins are only avaliable when you select the "Coil Suspension" for the 2nd Gens. I'm gonna try to see if Bilstein can make the Adaptor for the Arnott Springs. I know what you mean about the Ford Shocks having the Bilstein Logo too. I think that is the OEM shocks. They seem to have a reservoir from what I've seen online. I'm almost contemplating on just going for those shocks rather than the yellow 4600 Bilstein Series. I hope you find a resolution for I am also on the same journey!

 

[whtbronco]

Many if us here, myself included, have opted to just ditch the air suspension. I went the with Rancho 9000 Quick-Lift struts and I'm much happier. Obviously I lost the load leveling capability and it has a slight rake to it as they do with traditional springs. However, it 's more stable towing now, no more compressor running for 5 minutes every time I start it, better handling and I can adjust the ride to my preference or need. Just a thought.

 

[Ixlr8nAk]

As resolution, I found a rear set at Rock Auto. Bags and shock combo. The shocks seem alot stiffer than the ones OE.
The old rears had absolutely no signs of leakage before or after removing the Air bags that were on them. They looked brand new under the bags. The corrosion below the bags is pretty bad. Paint lifting below reservoir and such. I will be keeping them though. Issue with sealing seemed to be the lower 2 large O-rings fitted to the adapter, one left no witness mark at all for half the circumference, but the adapter its self has corrosion creeping toward the lower ring groove.
Amazing that with so many O-rings and strut/shaft seal, that they work for so long.
Always wondered if the bags used an inner wall to retain pressure, nope just the shock.

 

[06_Navi]

Do you still have the old used components you took off? I may be interested in grabbing some pieces off you for some experimentation.