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Topic: Bilstein Shock settings for 26.5 RB (Read 10 times) previous topic - next topic
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Bilstein Shock settings for 26.5 RB
Yahoo Message Number: 57329
I'm thinking about installing Bilstein shocks in our 1995 Ford Chassis, 26.5 RB.  The previous posts lead me to believe that the sway I currently expeience in high winds, passing big rigs, etc. will nearly disappear.
 What I have not read is wheather bilstein owners have purchased shocks with a "HD" or "C" setting.  I'm concerned that the "HD" setting might a bit too harsh for my liking.

What Bilstein shock are you using on your 26.5 LD?

What Bilstein shock do they install at the factory?

Thanks for your help,

Mark
Re: Bilstein Shock settings for 26.5 RB
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57333
Quote
I'm thinking about installing Bilstein shocks in our 1995 Ford Chassis, 26.5 RB.  The previous posts lead me to believe that the sway I currently expeience in high winds, passing big rigs, etc. will nearly disappear.

What I have not read is wheather bilstein owners have purchased shocks with a "HD" or "C" setting.  I'm concerned that the "HD" setting might a bit too harsh for my liking.

What Bilstein shock are you using on your 26.5 LD?

What Bilstein shock do they install at the factory?

Thanks for your help,

Mark
Hello Mark, My understanding is that mothership installs Bilsteins having the HD setting, as that is the one Bilstein recommends.

The sway you experience on your (Ford E350, right?) in high winds and passing big rigs, etc will most certainly NOT disappear with the installation of Bilsteins.  If your suspension components are within Ford wear tolerance specifications and your thrust (all wheel) alignment is within Ford specifications, the sway should be reduced by the Bilsteins.  More would be required to handle the effect on directional movement introduced by side winds and passing 18 wheelers.  Most LD owners don't believe that type of work and expense is necessary.  If I were to choose my ideal Bilsteins for a 26.5' E350 LD, I'd select HD for the front and C for the rear - and I'd have an IPD sway bar installed on the rear.  The E350 did not have one but Ford added one on the E450, which kind of gives you a sense of what they felt was beneficial..........

Don McG (with experience on a E350 and E450)
 
Re: Bilstein Shock settings for 26.5 RB
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 57334
I used the Ford shocks on our '99, 26.5 RB, for the first 55,000 miles and had no problems with handling. I replaced them with Bilsteins at 55K and noticed a little less sway in the wind and a little 'tighter' handling in the last 5000 miles. I had them installed at Camping World.

My opinion is, based on this experience, I would do the same if I were to purchase another new LD. Why throw away perfectly good shocks for a

marginal increase in perfomance? Of course, if the current Ford shocks are not up to par any more, it might be.

Chris Hunter