mwaites
NC
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Joined: 07/21/2006
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Does the majority still think Bilsten shocks are the best for handling issues? We have a 91 Roadtrek built on a 1990 Dodge B250 van.Thanks for your help.
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dreed
Mtm. View,Ca.
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Joined: 05/07/2007
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That seems to be majority opinion. Years ago my shocks were bad and I put them on. Stopped the rebound bounce. Supposedly last a long time too.
Dave 93 P/W
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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Another vote for Bilsteins... The '00 Roadtrek D190V 3500 I used to have was _greatly_ helped in terms of ride by them. Of course, it had 55,000 on what I'm sure were the originals, so _anything_ would have helped...  I got the heavy duty ones; not sure they'll be available for the B250.
Back then, the best price I found on-line was from www.eshocks.com. You may need the door post sticker data giving the GVW & GAW before ordering. I found it to be a somewhat 'challenging' DIY job....  But a shop may charge more for installing them if you provide the parts.
Jim, "If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen."
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison ('Loafer's Glory'); '07 Forester 2.5 ( the 'HANDBSKT'); '95 Toyota SR5 V-6 4x4 pickup, ARB locker, Bilsteins, Warn hubs & M8000, etc;
'94 968, M030 swaybars ('DOPPLER')
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Grillmeister
Iconoclast
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Joined: 07/16/2003
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Bilstein for me 
Made a huge noticeable difference in many areas of handling and comfort.
Show me the GRILL and STAND BACK!!!!
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landyacht318
Near a large body of water
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Joined: 07/11/2007
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I've got KYB Gas-A-Justs on my '89 b250. Not as pricey as the bilsteins and slightly softer. Lifetime warranty. Much improved ride over Monroes, IMO. I found bilsteins to be much too stiff in a light f 150.
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weedlady
ohio
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Joined: 03/15/2007
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I just put Bilstien shocks on my '94 Dodge RT Independent. It made a HUGE difference in handling. Before the new shocks, I was afraid to drive it on the Highway, and I avoided passing semi's if at all possible. DH had to do all the Highway driving. We just came back from a trip to the UP and I was the one to drive us there and back. DH agrees the handling is greatly improved. I bought mine on-line from e-shocks, and had my brother's mechanic install them. Best money I have spent on the RT so far!
Martha
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kmessinger
Bay area but NOT San Francisco or Berkeley
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Joined: 01/13/2008
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I replaced the rear OEM shocks with adjustable Koni's. I have them in the second setting now and they made a major difference over the OEM. It is an easy job to do, http://www.ourexcellentadventures.com/2008/06/18/fun-in-the-sun/, at least on a SMB and I would think no B manufacturers would change the axle/shock/sway bar configuration.
Regards,
Keith
The excellent adventures of Keith and Debbie. Observations about life, at home and on the road in our 2008 Sportsmobile Sprinter. (Warning: Occasional sharp turns to the right.)
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Salianron
Lake Livingston, Texas
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Joined: 02/17/2003
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I just did a search for shocks and handling and was glad to see that this topic had been discussed so recently. I replaced my original shocks at about 60,000 miles and did not notice any difference at that time. Then after another 15,000 or so miles the steering started to feel sloppy as I corrected for a wind gust or a passing truck. After a wheel alighnment and steering box adjustment did not help much I wanted to know how much the shocks affect the steering. I have not felt sway or bounce, just more push than I had noticed earlier.
The mechanic that I had used in Houston told me that he hardly ever installed Bilsteins any more because KYB shocks were a better value. So I have now have 20,000 miles on the "better value" shocks and will gladly pay (a different mechanic) to install the Class B recommended shocks if that will reduce the reaction to wind gusts.
Salianron --Sally and Ron
2003 Roadtrek 200 Popular
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PF&PM
Lethbridge, Alberta
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Joined: 08/02/2007
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Changed our B's to Koni's ..Happy..
2005 Newmar 34' Kountry Star, 8.1L W22, Blue Ox 10K, Honda Pilot, Bijon Shitzu (Sassy) dash dog, Two teenage boys..we get around ! Nine Provinces, Two Territories, 47 States, Northern Mexico... so far..
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radio man 7.262
terre haute in u.s.a.
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Joined: 09/14/2003
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60,000 miles on heavy duty "GABRIEL" shocks at $25.00 each (not installed, done them myself on my 96 pw van) with a lifetime guarantee, and so far as good as new. Bob
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