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Old 02-26-2013, 05:36 PM   #1
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Shocks for 2WD Ford SMB EB

I am looking for a recommendation for what shocks to use on my 1995 Ford SMB 2WD E250 EB. We do some gravel road driving.

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Old 02-26-2013, 06:55 PM   #2
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Re: Shocks for 2WD Ford SMB EB

It always seems you can't go wrong Bilsteins:

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm ... _year=1995

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Old 02-26-2013, 07:36 PM   #3
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Re: Shocks for 2WD Ford SMB EB

I run Bilsteins on my van and they are great. When I first got them they felt a bit stiffer than stock bur I prefer the ride much more now. You can't go wrong with them.
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Old 02-26-2013, 10:36 PM   #4
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Re: Shocks for 2WD Ford SMB EB

I run KYB MonoMax shocks. Very comparable to Bilsteins, except you can get them at Les Schab's which means free lifetime replacements!

I went the E450 motorhome-spec valving for the rear of my van, since it can easily approach a very motorhome-like 10,000 pounds on the rear axle. I was afraid it may be too stiff empty, but its not. I would recommend the MH valving for any EB camper van, or and EB van that tows.
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Old 02-27-2013, 07:31 AM   #5
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Re: Shocks for 2WD Ford SMB EB

I'm thinking of upgrading my E250 EB SMB's shocks, too. Looking at the KYB Monomax vs. the Bilsteins on Shockwarehouse.com, the KYBs are significantly cheaper ($221 vs $367). Besides CarringB, anybody else running the KYBs?

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm ... _year=1998
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Old 02-27-2013, 03:16 PM   #6
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Re: Shocks for 2WD Ford SMB EB

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I just contacted Les Schwab's and they have in stock the Gabriel Max Control (Monotube) It is suggested for both the E250 & 350(motorhome conversion). Any experience with these? The KYB Monomax would be a special order and more expensive ($500 vs $400 installed).
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Old 02-27-2013, 03:26 PM   #7
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Re: Shocks for 2WD Ford SMB EB

I had the Gabriel ones prior to the KYB's. At least 7 or 8 sets.

They were fine new (comparable to the KYBs with anything but the heaviest loads), but I would wear them out fast. Like in 18,000 miles (keep in mind I haul heavy, and do a fair share primitive forest roads sometimes at highway speeds). I always use the Les Schwab in South Town Corvallis. They never once made an issue about me going through them so fast. 18,000 miles = 6 months for me. But even though it didn't cost me anything but about an hour of time, the van's handling with a trailer would from great to bad fast, once they loss dampening. So far I have gotten 3x the life out of the KYBs and they still feel new.
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