Bad shocks do not make the ride firmer. Push down on one corner of the car and release, it should return to its original position without bouncing. I don't see how a shock could possibly be bad at 40k miles.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record