When does a 2000 LC need its shocks changed? I realize it greatly depends on driving conditions, etc, but think it might be time for me. Seems to ride a little harsh on rough surfaces. Thinking Bilsteins all around. Truck just hit 75K. Any thoughts?
I've heard good things about the Bilsteins... they are just a little pricey. I purchased a set of OME shocks. I'm happy with them, but I'm not certain if they will hold up as well as the Bilsteins. I've had Bilsteins before on others cars and loved them.
At 75K, you would need them regardless of driving practices, probably. That's a heavy car. You won't be unhappy with the Bilsteins. Try "shocksandsprings" on ebay. Good price ($250.00)and free, fast shipping.
IMHO yes. For the money, the OEM's are a great shock, far better than most OEM's. The Bilsteins are a much better design with their digressive valving, shim stacks, and production tolerances. Bilsteins, with rare exception, will outlast the vehicle. I have seen several sets go 200,000+ miles while performing like new. They also offer a significant increase in handling, especially in emergency situations, compared to the stock shocks. Finally, given the shock replacement is a kind of a pain on the 100 and takes several hours, not having to do it again is worth a lot.
I have put bilsteins on VW for years and also on my SOA 60. I think I would pay the extra money. Like Cary said, I don't feel like doing this again any time soon. Point is, I have never been discouraged with Billies.
Great. Before finding this message board, I thought my shocks weren't great, but were doing fine. At 133,000 miles, guess I better replace them! Thanks for the seller info on eBay. Bought a set from them just now. Now I've got to push off my service appointment an extra few days so I can have them install these at the same time.
My shocks probably need replacement at 108k. Has anyone just replaced with OEM? Did you get a big improvement similar to the OME /Bilstein crowd or was there little change.
Anyone try KYB for a stock rig. A local supplier told me he considered KYB a better shock when I was getting a Bilstein quote.
My shocks probably need replacement at 108k. Has anyone just replaced with OEM? Did you get a big improvement similar to the OME /Bilstein crowd or was there little change.
Anyone try KYB for a stock rig. A local supplier told me he considered KYB a better shock when I was getting a Bilstein quote.
I have KYBs on my 60, since about 2000 at 35K or so. They have been perfectly fine so far, and are still performing well after a lot of offroading and beating. However, I think they are more expensive than the Bilsteins at $250, just briefly looking for comparison.
Compared to the great price for Bilsteins from the eBay seller, the many positive opinions for the Bilsteins including that they will probably outlive your ownership...or the life...of your LC, I would go with the Bilsteins (as I just did!)
How he could say that with a straight face is beyond me. It's like saying a Kia is better than a Toyota. KYB's have not been the best shocks over the years, basically the equivalent of a Monroe.
Folks with the Automatic Height Control system enjoy real lifetime shocks. You do have to change the system fluid every 40-60K miles, but the 'shocks' do not wear out.
Even 'conventional' shocks woul last much much longer if you could replace the oil.
I'm using the KYB in front and the Old Man Emu in the rear (because it is longer than stock).
The KYB shocks are decent, but I will soon replace them with the Bilsteins in front. They are a bit too soft for my tastes and they fade after 8 hours of hard driving.
I think the KYB would be a good replacement shock for a stock suspension if your ride tastes are on the medium side, versus a firmer ride with the Bilsteins.
I originally went with the KYB just to give them a try, since few people had tried them. Unfortunetly, they don't offer their higher end, offroad oriented shocks for our model. I'm sure they would be better.
Folks with the Automatic Height Control system enjoy real lifetime shocks. You do have to change the system fluid every 40-60K miles, but the 'shocks' do not wear out.
Even 'conventional' shocks woul last much much longer if you could replace the oil.
You be sure to explain that to the guys that have them when the accumulators go bad and have to be replaced/rebuilt. It's great that you don't have to replace the actual shock, but considering rebuilt accumulators run $1500 for four, I would rather replace shocks on a non AHC model.
