Repalcement struts recommendation

[Matt]

Good call ordering the OME's!

Since you're going to have everything apart, i'd also recommend replacing the spring isolators and upper strut mounts. They're all wear items and probably don't have much (if any) life left with 120k+ miles.

Aaaaaaand just another suggestion... if you're going to take it all apart, why not get the OME HD springs as well, build the entire strut assembly and swap the whole thing in while removing the front RC spacers? (thats what i did )

[FLYCAV]

Good call ordering the OME's!

Since you're going to have everything apart, i'd also recommend replacing the spring isolators and upper strut mounts. They're all wear items and probably don't have much (if any) life left with 120k+ miles.

Aaaaaaand just another suggestion... if you're going to take it all apart, why not get the OME HD springs as well, build the entire strut assembly and swap the whole thing in while removing the front RC spacers? (thats what i did )

Good call on the upper strut mounts and isolators. I sould have done that when I put the RC spacers on in the first place.

While it's apart I was planning on replacing all the ball joints. I'm guessing the lower CA bushings could probably use replacing too. I'll most likely have to take the whole front end apart anyway since I can't get the strut saddle mounting bolt out of the bushing. Maybe if I can get it on my workbench, I might have better luck than fighting with it under the XK.

I've also seen people changing out their whole upper control arms. Is that because it's almost as cheap as changing out the bushings? I know I just got done putting on new LCA's on our spare car, a 2002 Civic because they only cost $40 each and included the bushings. New bushings would have been about half that but I would have spent the time getting the old ones out.

I think I need to hold off ont he OME HD springs for now though....I need an excuse to take it apart later

[paroxysym]

Can Jon beat kolaks price on 4 bilstein HDs?

[LWM]

Can Jon beat kolaks price on 4 bilstein HDs?

Give me the part number and I will give you the best price possible.

[JumpmasterRT]

Sorry for bringing up an old thread but I've blown both the Bilstien HD struts and one of the shocks in just over a year. I'm really hard on my XK (50k miles in a year) and I've had issues with the lift install from day one.

The Ford Load leveling shocks add some length and requires the gas tank shield mod correct? How does the OME strut you guys are recommending compare for length to the F-150 Shock?

I'm also going to replace the springs because I'm still running stock and I think they're through.

Basically what I'm asking is what's the toughest shock/strut/spring combo that will stand up to ridiculous wear and tear for heavy loads (90+ lbs) but still maintain a decent highway ride?

I'm very irritated with the shop who installed the lift in the first place and now I have the perfect opportunity to correct a bunch of issues and I want to do it with the right parts time.

[Matt]

You're not the first person to have issues with the Bilstein 4600s.... so unfortunately that's not much of a surprise.

To help you decide on the best suspension combination; how much lift and what tire size do you run (or want to run)?

Edit: and regardless of what you do, you should trim the gas tank to eliminate interference with the rear upper control arm. Its not hard to do.

[JumpmasterRT]

I've got the RRO 2" lift and I'm currently running the stock 245/65's because of ridiculous suspension noise. I WANT to put the 265/70 Nitto Terra's back on. My XK is my primary work vehicle and I constantly have a decent amount of weight in the back so load levelers are a must.

[thance]

You're not the first person to have issues with the Bilstein 4600s.... so unfortunately that's not much of a surprise.

To help you decide on the best suspension combination; how much lift and what tire size do you run (or want to run)?

Edit: and regardless of what you do, you should trim the gas tank to eliminate interference with the rear upper control arm. Its not hard to do.

I used tin shears.

[1USMC]

...........gas tank shield mod correct?

Just FYI here is one link to some photos of one way to trim the shield.

> http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showt...highlight=tank