I took my car to new york over the weekend everytime i hit a bump it feels like i was looking control of the car ,now on the way back the trunk was full of .... that my wife bought I kept on screaming at her ,thinking that this would make the car handle even worst because i could see that the back wheels was a lot lower than the front ,,oh boy was i wrong the car was riding a lot better it felt like the car was hugging the road better ,was 'nt bouncing as much when I hit a bump. Well i like it so much that this morning i put some dead weights in the back wich is gonna help me anyways with the snow.NOw the car has 169,000miles shocks and springs was never change is it time for new ones or can i just change the shocks , is there shocks outhere that would make my ride a little lower any suggestion guys would be helpful thanks guys

Except in the case of load levelers or incorrect shocks, they will have no effect on ride height.

What you are experiencing, handling wise, with the added weight is much more than simply the ride height. You are adding weight to the lightest end of the car, and making a change that FEELS similar to changed spring rate.

I fully expect that a new set of Bilstein Heavy Duty (not Sport) shocks would make a big difference in the handling of the car.

Good luck,

What kind of car do you have?

Generally shocks are not supposed to change ride height. In my case, switching from Bilstein Comfort to dealer dropped the ride height 1/2" immediately. With 169Kmi its possible that some suspension components are worn out in the rear in additon to shocks.

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Brian Toscano

thanks for the replies the car is a 1989 300e


Larry from what u saying the height of the car does make a difference in the handling of the car right .Now i read somewhere that the Bilsteins HD makes the car a little bit higher , if that is the case do u think i should change the spring also , I dont want a low rider just a nice firm ride

No need to change the springs for regular HD Bilstein's.

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Brian Toscano

HD Bilsteins would be preferable. If they make a difference in ride height it will be slightly higher than what you have with worn out shocks, but this will put it where it should be. This is because worn out shocks have lost their gas pressure which can have a very slight effect on ride height.

This means that if your shocks are gone, they have lost their gas pressure and new HD's would restore it to stock. Do not use Sport Bilsteins because they are shorter and designed for shorter springs such as the Sportline items.

Good luck,

Thanks guys for the help

Now I know what i want for xmas

Merry Christmas! Get the alignment checked and corrected as necessary after the struts are installed.

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Brian Toscano

Larry,

Do you prefer the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks over Comfort? In a front-only installation (i.e. wagon), which do you prefer?

Bilsteins Comfort increased the ride height in my 201 by about 1.5 -2 inches. Apparently, the reason is the shocks are always under load when installed (total of about 140 lbs). This makes springs "feel" as if the car (front end in mine) was 140 lbs lighter, causing the increase in ride height. Unfortunately, my rear end was lifted only about 1/2 inches. Handling improved dramatically anyway.

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1985 190D 2.2l Sold-to Brother-in-law
1996 Mustang 3.8l -"thinks it's a sports car"
1988 Grand Wagoneer - Sold (good home)
1995 Grand Cherokee Ltd -"What was I thinking??!!"

I prefer the heavy duty, but it's a personal preference.

Good luck,