2003 Supercrew, stock front height, rear lowered to level. Drive it every day. Will Bilstein HDs be too stiff? Would Edelbrock IAS be better for a street ride?

Thanks for all advice and experiences.

 

I like Bilsteins. I'll probably run them on every vehicle I own when I change out my shocks. I don't think they're too stiff for daily driving, but they are stiffer than stock. MI roads are chit, potholes everywhere, so I like how they ride on my truck.

No experience with the Edelbrocks though.

 

I've had the Bilsteins on previous GM trucks and loved them, have got the Edelbrock IAS on my current Dodge work truck, hate them. They seem to bounce instead of absorb and are way too soft in cornering if that makes any sense. Just my opinion but have never had either on a Ford.

 

Waaaaay to opinionated question. Every single person on this thread could love them and you could still hate them. But, going with a gut instinct about what you're looking for, the IAS's may be just for you. I've used the IAS's and I thought they were too soft and agree with Dog'em. Judging by your approach to this subject, you do give the impression you don't want a stiff every day ride and thus I'd say the Bilsteins will be too stiff for you...but you never know. I have the Bilstein HD's on my Lexus IS300 and they are friggin phenominal. Completely transformed that car...but they're stiff...but that's what I was looking for. They are noticeably stiffer than the car was on stock shocks even when brand new. But then again, that car was not intended to float around like a caddy!

 

Put it this way, we put Bilsteins on ALL of our customers "kooshy" Mercedes Benz rides.

In the off-road world, they are know as more of a "yuppie" shock because of their softer ride (and other reason I wont get into).

I agree with Galaxy here thos, this is WAY too opinionated. Like he said, one person could think they are WAY too stiff, and the next person gets in and says it rides like a boat and he needs it stiffer. Its all based on PERSONAL feel.

IMO, the bilsteins would be perfect for you.

 

Thanks for the comments. I'm really looking for a comfortable daily ride that keeps a minimum level of performance. I'm also looking to put in a rear sway bar to keep it a little more flat on the exit ramp.

Just for point of reference - I've also got a 98 Cobra when I want to carve corners, a highly modified '67 Mustang that makes the Cobra feel like an easy chair, and a '68 Mustang convertible with a stock '68 suspension (to remind me how much technology has changed.)

I always go back to the King Ranch for the comfortable drive to work. I love my truck and there's not much I'd trade it for (except maybe that 550 HP 2009 Cadillac CTS-V I keep hearing about.)

 

I've had Bilstein and Rancho on my last three trucks. On my Chevy 2wd I had the HD bilsteins that you are looking at, I really liked the ride they gave me.....miles better than stock.

On my Chevy 4wd I put Ranch RS9000XL adjustable shocks, those were AWESOME shocks, they had 9 different ride positions that you could choose.
I would set them firmer when I went offroad, and then adjust them back to a softer ride when I get back on the road....

On my new Ford F150 I now have, I just ordered a set of Bilstein 5100 leveling shocks. They should be here in a few days, can't wait to put those on.

To sum up, can't go wrong with Bilstein..........Rancho also makes a great shock too...

Hope this helps!!!

 

Hey guys, not trying to jump this thread, but Ive just been searching like everywhere for a set of Bilstein Struts for the wifes 04 Pathfinder, and cant seem to find them anywhere. Does Bilstein exclude this make and model?
I put a set on my 98 F150 and was totally sold on Bilsteins and want to try and improve the marshmello ride of the Pathy.
Maybe a better link to a Bilstein Distributor? Even Bilsteins home page doesnt list them.

 

bilsteins are a great choice!