Hi,

I have read a lot of debate about shocks. I definitely will go bilsteins, no matter what, but I need to consider something.
A year and a half ago, the dealer did my rear shocks and springs. I assume they put in bilstein comforts (from reading the archives it seems that these are OEM).

Would having Bilstein HDs in the front make for a funny ride, especially over bumps? It seems that a harder shock in the front, and softer in the rear will make the rear of the car feel disconnected, as the front will hit harder, then the rear will be real soft and complient.

Any comments?

Is the front shock replacement really only a 15 minute job? Does it definitely need 2 jacks? (I only own 1 at the time, and dont want to use the tire-changing jack).

Thanks,

JMH

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

The front is easy. When I had to replace a bolt that had somehow broken off in the lower mount, I removed the shock just to clean it off and get a good look at it for damage. It took 15 minutes to get out and 6 to get it back in. You will only need one jack if you replace them one at a time. Just be sure you use a jackstand to hold up the body, not the jack.

I've lived with the soft/bouncing rear end of my TD for 6 months without too much annoyance. I'm sure you would have to be looking for differences to really notice much once you are used to it.

Front engine / rear wheel drive cars often have some degree of understeer. When people modify their cars, they often tighten up the front and loosen the rear a bit to induce a small amount of oversteer. I have the Koni red adjustable shocks on my 126 and adjusted the front to their stiffest setting and the rears to medium, handles and rides just fine.