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AR15.COM
8/22/2010 12:43:03 PM EDT
Do you really need to replace shocks every 50,000 miles, or is it some marketing gimmick?

8/22/2010 1:54:01 PM EDT
[#1]
Depends on the shocks, vehicle, and conditions.

Push down ona corner of the vehicle. When it rebounds, it should not bounce. Check for cupping of tire tread, and leaks in the shocks.
8/22/2010 1:58:13 PM EDT
[#2]
I wouldn't go by a number, like 50k, more than I would the condition of the shocks and ride of the vehicle.
8/22/2010 2:05:16 PM EDT
[#3]
Bilsteins mounted on a 99 S-10 ZR2.

I have roughly 72,000 miles on them.
8/22/2010 5:31:24 PM EDT
[#4]
If you are using your ZR2 as intended, they are probably ready for replacement.

Stick with Bilstein's. You should be able to find better replacements online for less than the garbage Monroe shocks that they sell at auto parts stores.

For example, I can find Bilstein 5100s, which are better than the Bilsteins that came with my truck, for $300-$350 shipped. Planning on pulling the trigger on some this month, I am at 86K.
8/22/2010 7:03:45 PM EDT
[#5]
The suspension takes many hits with potholes here in MN.
8/23/2010 5:11:55 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Do you really need to replace shocks every 50,000 miles, or is it some marketing gimmick?



You will know when they get bad as the truck will get very bouncy and float instead of staying firm over bumps.  85K on my Nissan and it was time, my 04 Tundra was at 130K and the shocks were still perfect.
8/23/2010 2:08:59 PM EDT
[#7]
I find it best to have someone drive the truck down a freeway while you follow in another vehicle, observing the motion of the truck and individual wheels...you'll be able to better see if the truck keeps bouncing or if a wheel gyrates endlessly with every forced impact....
8/24/2010 6:34:02 AM EDT
[#8]
I just replaced the ones on my 86 Landcruiser....they were original and I had to cut them off.....276000 miles....I can tell a difference.
8/24/2010 6:43:27 AM EDT
[#9]
just got done reading about this this morning.



I'm considering it for a 2000 tundra TRD.  the ride is sloppy- lots of drama on stopping, and speed bumps make the truck wash all over the place.




will new shocks help with a sloppy ride?  truck has about 105k on it.
8/25/2010 7:41:52 PM EDT
[#10]
I basically did the bounce test, Front bounced about 3 times and the rear once.

8/26/2010 6:25:52 AM EDT
[#11]
yeah- that's what i did- mine was all over the place- taking 4-5 oscillations to settle.



decided to go ahead and swap them once the weather cools off.  doing a bit of a lift while i'm at it- switching to bilstien 5100's front/rear, and doing an add-a-leaf in the rear.  hoping to go up about 1.5" and firm up the handling.




did you swap yours yet?
8/26/2010 4:02:29 PM EDT
[#12]
I'm going to run my current shocks until next summer. They're still decent and not leaking.

You will love those Bilsteins, They are a great shock!
10/4/2010 7:15:41 PM EDT
[#13]
Just a small update,

Noticed a little bit off odd wear with my tires. Not really cupping, But the tread blocks are wavy and inconsistent. I might replace the shocks soon.
10/4/2010 9:30:00 PM EDT
[#14]
Ford Superdutys go 200,000 or more on the factory shocks.