apotocki
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Alan
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2019
- Threads
- 19
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- 271
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- 655
- Location
- Rochester Hills, Michigan
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Ranger XLT
- Occupation
- Network Force Analyst
- Vehicle Showcase
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- #1
I know there are other posts that have some of this information but I wanted to share my thoughts/opinion.
If anyone is thinking about upgrading your rear shocks but on the fence about if it’s worth it - DO IT!
I installed Bilstein 5100’s on my XLT FX4 this morning. First of all, the install is EASY. Only needed a rachet, short extension, and a 15mm socket. Total time to do this was less than 40 minutes and that included set up and putting everything away. I did not have issues installing the new shocks - no floor or bottle jack - yes, they are a bit stiff but I guess this 60 year old still has it! Upper’s in first then muscled the lower end in.
I took it for a short drive and immediately noticed much less side to side rocking backing out of the drive into the street. Where before it kinda threw me from one side to the other, the truck ‘bounced/rocked- maybe a bad choice of a wording - once, recovered and it was much smoother with no subsequent 3-4 bounces/rocks back and forth.
Driving impressions - can feel the bumps just a bit more but in a good way. The bouncing is definitely gone and the truck has the feeling of being more stabile. Doesnt seem to feel like I’m floating on the road. Making turns, for sure the swaying is also pretty much gone. I’m anxious to feel the difference on the highway (where I’ve always thought the truck had a way too floaty feel).
The one interesting thing is that I’ve gained a little more than 1/8 inch of height in the rear - even measuring after driving for a bit. Hmmmm. I know these are much stiffer than the FX4 shocks but wouldn’t think they would impact vehicle height. We’ll see how it measures after a couple hundred miles.
As I said at the beginning of this post - Just Do It!
If anyone is thinking about upgrading your rear shocks but on the fence about if it’s worth it - DO IT!
I installed Bilstein 5100’s on my XLT FX4 this morning. First of all, the install is EASY. Only needed a rachet, short extension, and a 15mm socket. Total time to do this was less than 40 minutes and that included set up and putting everything away. I did not have issues installing the new shocks - no floor or bottle jack - yes, they are a bit stiff but I guess this 60 year old still has it! Upper’s in first then muscled the lower end in.
I took it for a short drive and immediately noticed much less side to side rocking backing out of the drive into the street. Where before it kinda threw me from one side to the other, the truck ‘bounced/rocked- maybe a bad choice of a wording - once, recovered and it was much smoother with no subsequent 3-4 bounces/rocks back and forth.
Driving impressions - can feel the bumps just a bit more but in a good way. The bouncing is definitely gone and the truck has the feeling of being more stabile. Doesnt seem to feel like I’m floating on the road. Making turns, for sure the swaying is also pretty much gone. I’m anxious to feel the difference on the highway (where I’ve always thought the truck had a way too floaty feel).
The one interesting thing is that I’ve gained a little more than 1/8 inch of height in the rear - even measuring after driving for a bit. Hmmmm. I know these are much stiffer than the FX4 shocks but wouldn’t think they would impact vehicle height. We’ll see how it measures after a couple hundred miles.
As I said at the beginning of this post - Just Do It!
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