Which Bilsteins should I buy for the 'X" - Diesel Forum

wow · 10-18-2004, 12:17 AM

Remember that I'm not a 'Ford Guy', I'm a new Excursion guy trying to figure things out. I need to stop the rocking chair motion. The front end is stock now, but might be getting v-code springs, The rear will likely remain stock unless the 'smart people' on this list thnk that's a bad idea?

No lift kits coming. Truck has 305/70R16 Nitto Grapplers on stock Limited Rims, if that matters. 98% used on-road. Off road use most likely in mud and snow - often at the same time :-).

So, which Bilsteins should I buy? And who has the best price?

jward · 10-18-2004, 09:24 AM

See the model numbers below in my sig for the Bilsteins . I think I got mine from Offroad warehouse .com .

powerstrokex · 10-18-2004, 01:23 PM

im running the 5100's it was included with my lift. i got a 5'' Donahoe Racing Edge kit. the kit also came with Deaver springs.

Sukhi

mattymx · 10-18-2004, 05:42 PM

THe 5100's are an awesome stock replacement shock. I love them on my CC 4x4. But my EX has FOX so I cant tell you how they feel on an EX.

DOC4444 · 10-19-2004, 07:20 PM

For "non-lifted" Excursions, any Bilsteins other than BE5-6208 front, BE5-6209 rear are a HUGE mistake. Can't comment on shocks for lifted trucks. (The above work superbly. They have very little bump damping and lots of rebound. The other versions have too much bump damping.)

Cheers,

DC

SeppDietrich · 10-19-2004, 07:32 PM

DOC4444, do you know if those will also work well with Excursions that have V-Code fronts, and 4 inch block rears?

DOC4444 · 10-19-2004, 08:21 PM

Perhaps Bruce should comment, but I think you would only lose about 1" of droop front and rear with that setup, so you should be fine. The shocks would probably also have good damping for even higher lifts. You would just need some sort of mount or eyelet extension to make up for the loss of droop. Alternatively, you could see if Bilstein offers the same valving in a longer shock.

DC

RAD1 · 11-17-2004, 01:22 AM

Hey jward how hard was the hellwig install and do I have drill any holes? Thanks

jward · 11-17-2004, 08:48 AM

Hellwig install was fairly straight forward although the supplied hdwr. was cheap quality. I ended up cutting off 1 hole of my vertical links so that the bar would sit as close as possible to level with the frame. Most here did not do that so probably works fine without the cutting. No drilling required for the rest of the install.

MelloMike · 11-17-2004, 08:33 PM

I've installed the Bilsteins and the rear Hellwig Sway Bar in my 2003 X. See my pics for how I installed them.