BILSTEIN SHOCKS Destroyed

[Barrel Knight]

I picked you for a Bilstein 8100's man.

I asked Bilstein during the overland expo; Bronco is not their priority vehicle to work on. They said we need to wait for at least three more years. My engine got misfired, and I've been waiting over a month to repair it. I'm not sure my Bronco will survive for that long.

Sponsored

 

[userdude]

I asked Bilstein during the overland expo; Bronco is not their priority vehicle to work on. They said we need to wait for at least three more years. My engine got misfired, and I've been waiting over a month to repair it. I'm not sure my Bronco will survive for that long.

Interesting! Here's another take from someone claiming to work for Bilstein. Who knows really?

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-s’plaining-to-do-🤬.95869/page-5#post-2263367

 

[broncobase1]

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll face some clapback. But the Bilstein reservoir shocks are junk. The were built to a price point to Ford's specifications. You all fell for the bright color yellow and being able to point out your rEsErVoIrS at the Cars and Coffee as some instantaneous off-road cred. The only ones that benefited were those who recognized the design deficiency and offloaded them on unsuspecting buyers.

Please send a link to the Ford specification. Why wouldn't they specify "normal" shocks and struts to only last a few years too? I have never replaced a OEM set of struts before 15 years and 150K miles. Aftermarket ones (cheaper) don't last as long. My guess is these specialized "off-road" shocks don't last as long as normal ones, but yeah the reservoir shouldn't fall off. That is on the manufacturer of the part. Bilstein is responsible for the quality of the part and their reputation. Its go their name on it.

 

[PrimeTime]

Does anybody know what Ford charges for replacement including labor? Ballpark?

Im trying to do some napkin math on whether to trade in before this happens.

I tried to find the exact quote for a "shock replacement" (the dealership suggested keeping the rest of the original equipment like spring, top hat etc) but it was a hard copy, I remember roughly $650-$700. As I have a similar nasty original shock (image attached) and expect the other to join it soon I started shopping around.

I landed on Bilstein 6112s in a pre-assembled strut (I don't want to mess with springs) from Shock Surplus. The parts landed at $826 and assembly at $350, however my hope is the upgrade will be noticeable and it will buy some more time before the next squeak arrives.

 

[MileHighCitizen]

I tried to find the exact quote for a "shock replacement" (the dealership suggested keeping the rest of the original equipment like spring, top hat etc) but it was a hard copy, I remember roughly $650-$700. As I have a similar nasty original shock (image attached) and expect the other to join it soon I started shopping around.

I landed on Bilstein 6112s in a pre-assembled strut (I don't want to mess with springs) from Shock Surplus. The parts landed at $826 and assembly at $350, however my hope is the upgrade will be noticeable and it will buy some more time before the next squeak arrives.

The "$650-$700" was for parts & labor of switching out the springs, etc?

I assume the "assembly at $350" was for install on to the vehicle, as 6112's came pre-assembled, correct? And was that just for the rear, or all 4? Im guessing just rear based off the price.

I'm thinking about getting the FP upgrade rather than just replacing with the same part that will likely have the same problem.

 

[Farm8265]

It's a WT? So 21/22? There is an issue with the reservoirs rusting and falling off these years (I don't think 23's are as affected, and of course the Fox's that also come in WT's 22/23). It's been reported multiple times. They're not great shocks. Recommend the Bilstein 6100's if you're not too put off by it (most seem to blame Ford's probably chintzy design specs and lack of quality corrosion protection, since Bilstein makes a lot of good shocks).

 

[PrimeTime]

The "$650-$700" was for parts & labor of switching out the springs, etc?

I assume the "assembly at $350" was for install on to the vehicle, as 6112's came pre-assembled, correct? And was that just for the rear, or all 4? Im guessing just rear based off the price.

I'm thinking about getting the FP upgrade rather than just replacing with the same part that will likely have the same problem.

I am sorry, I see the confusion with my awful English and rambling. Two Items;

• The "$650-$700" was from the dealership quote. Included parts (1-new Shock and a few bolts) and the labor to install. To address only the problem of one destroyed rear shock.
• The $826 and $350 discussion was related to what I got from Shock Surplus [Rear Pair]
  • $826; Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Rear Pair for 2021-2024 Ford Bronco 4 DR 4WD w/0.3-2.8" lift
  • $350; ASSEMBLY CC1 (0.3") × 1 [So I can install on my own as one complete Strut]

 

[Farm8265]

The Bilstein 6100's (6112's for non-Sas) or the Eiback Pro Truck 2.0 I think are fairly straight forward installs (the 6100's keep the geometry the same AFAIU). Of course there's a lot of other options, but these are what I'd look at when going with new shocks and wasn't going bonkers (8100s or Kings/ADS).

So I have a 23 badlands, 4 door Sasquatch. What could I expect out of pudding 6100s on my bronco as far as the ride quality and height

 

[Jviz4u]

The "$650-$700" was for parts & labor of switching out the springs, etc?

I assume the "assembly at $350" was for install on to the vehicle, as 6112's came pre-assembled, correct? And was that just for the rear, or all 4? Im guessing just rear based off the price.

I'm thinking about getting the FP upgrade rather than just replacing with the same part that will likely have the same problem.

As FYI, I replaced my Hitachis with Ford Performance "tunned" Bilstseins kit after a first desert trip and very happy with them. They are not on the soft side but provide a solid platform when you feel to push them a bit.

 

[userdude]

So I have a 23 badlands, 4 door Sasquatch. What could I expect out of pudding 6100s on my bronco as far as the ride quality and height

They're 2" adjustable. The ride, someone with a 4dr that has them would have to comment on that, but my understanding is the ride improves but perhaps the greater weight makes a difference. Someone else above mentioned they were stiff but better performing.

 

[Austin Bronco]

This is some bullshit. I also purchased an extended warranty (not there yet only 32k miles), but if my FN shocks are falling apart how is that not covered?

 

[ScLeCo]

I think they are considered a wear item like brake pads.

 

[Sparkherd]

What would a good replacement be for a badlands?

Monroe Magnum 60s!!!

 

[kodiakisland]

Stock factory shocks are cheap. They just are. Ford and every other manufacturer is not going to put premium shocks on stock vehicles. They are a wear item. Stuff happens.
Bilstein makes some good stuff, but they also make stuff to the price point of the purchaser. Ford, like every other company, said give me the best cheap shock you can.

Upgrade and drive on.

 

[Ogre]

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll face some clapback. But the Bilstein reservoir shocks are junk. The were built to a price point to Ford's specifications. You all fell for the bright color yellow and being able to point out your rEsErVoIrS at the Cars and Coffee as some instantaneous off-road cred. The only ones that benefited were those who recognized the design deficiency and offloaded them on unsuspecting buyers.

ditto, coming from an unsuspecting buyer. But I haven't installed them on my BD yet so I think I'll cut my losses and offload them onto someone else. I don't really need them since I moved to Florida anyway.

Sponsored