HOW TO RETURN BAD SHOCKS

[TARYAN]

I recently changed the stock shocks out on my 2000 PSD 2 wheel drive Ex (10,000 miles). I installed Edelbrocks and the ride is now much better. The old shocks were pathetic looking and if I placed one end of the shock on the ground and put my body weight (not that much) into the other end they will compress in about 1/2 second, even the rears. The Edelbrocks take some real work and time to fully compress. My question is this, how can I convince the Ford Dealership that these shocks are defective and get some money back? I know they are going to tell me that the stock shocks are supposed to behave that way. Any advice will be much appreciated.

[xr7gt]

Tayran, I did the same thing on our 4WD Ex. at 8300 miles. The stock shocks are made to be mushy for a smooth ride on good roads. The problem is they can't dampen the sharp jolts and prevent porposing especially in a 4WD with front leaf springs. The twin I-beam on the 2WD has been around since about 1962 and does not help the situation.

There is no way Ford will help you. If the shocks are not leaking or obviously defective then that's the owners problem. As I've stated before, Ford needs to have an option for better shocks or make them standard.

[POLR BR]

When I replaced my shocks at about 8,000 miles, one was leaking, two were bent and the remainder was mechanically fit but obviously inadequate for the job.

I threw them out. It isn't worth the time arguing about $20 shocks. However, I am still irritated about the poor quality suspension in an otherwise marvelous vehicle. Ford needs to understand that there is a quality perception based on just a few items, one of them being the suspension. Nickle and diming the customers with cheap, even dangerous components is a practice that will come back to haunt. Remember Chrysler in the 1970's?

All Ford has to do is give the customer a suspension upgrade option to avoid the bad impression. And put on decent windshield wipers. ...

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2000 Excursion LTD 4x4, Oxford White, PSD 3.73, K&N, Hypertech PPIII, Dynomax Muffler, Ramsey Winch Mount & Grill/Brush Guard, Edelbrock Shocks, Rancho Stabilizer,Hellwig rear Stabilizer, PIAA 90 PRO XT Lights, 295 BFG's, 2000 F350 CC PSD 4x4 Woodland Green, 3.73 K&N, PPIII, 295 BFG's, Edelbrocks

[JMB3]

I agree POLR BR. What a great vehicle this could be with just a very few quality improvements. Shocks, sway bars, and a better fit and finish would make this puppy a real big dog.