ml430 rides rough. Can new shocks help?

[Victor300E]

Greetings,

I can't take my 1999 ml430 ride anymore. It's suspension is way too rough. I thought I will accustom to it but it's not happening.

As per Wolfgang's page, I lowered the front end loosening torsion bars and now about to replace shocks. He said that there are updated shocks with different valving that soften the ride somewhat.

Did any ml430 owner here replaced his shocks with updated shocks? Also, did anyone used Monroes reflex shocks on the front? I heard that Bilstein HDs are very rough.


I love Germain-made drivetrain in my ml430 a lot. But I hate everything else in the truck. It is assembled just like my 1993 Pontiac Transport. I ordered Dynomat to insulate the whole truck as it's way too noisy to be called "luxury" truck. Next, I will fight numerous rattles coming from every panel. Softening the ride will certainly help with rattles.

Please post your experience after you replace shocks.

Thanks for your input.

[mbdoc]

Lowering the suspension can increase the roughness.

Get the front back up with some new shocks.

Original equiptment is KYB. Sachs has released their aftermarket versions & seem to work well.

Also make sure to keep the tires at 30psi & not much higher.

[JAD]

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

Lowering the suspension can increase the roughness.

Get the front back up with some new shocks.

Original equiptment is KYB. Sachs has released their aftermarket versions & seem to work well.

Also make sure to keep the tires at 30psi & not much higher.

30 psi....really?

[Victor300E]

Thanks Doc,

I replaced front shocks and ride has improved toward softer side. It still handles great but goes over bumps much better. Now it's time to research rear shocks. Any info on fitting 1633202313 to early production ML? I heard that one has to enlarge fitting hole to fit that shock into older ML. Anyone?