2006 RT 210: Replace Monroe Shocks With Bilsteins?

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Original Member Title: RT 210 shocks
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An RVer with a 2006 RT 210 at 50,000 miles asked how to tell whether apparently functional, non-leaking Monroe shocks need replacement and whether Bilsteins would justify the cost. Members noted that shocks can deteriorate gradually without leaking, with one suggesting excessive swaying after a bump as a clue and reporting that rear Bilsteins eliminated that behavior on a 2008 RT 210.

Replacement experiences were generally positive: one member confirmed that Bilsteins noticeably...
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sehsteve@gmail.com

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Greetings. I have a 2006 RT 210 with 50,000 m. It has Monroe shocks and they are not leaking but I have wondered about replacing them. I have a couple of questions.
1. How do I know if I need new shocks? They seem okay to me.
2. Would adding Bilistein shocks be an improvement and worth the money?
Thanks for the help.
Safe travels.
 
I have never been a fan of Bilstein shocks. They are for off roading and rock climbing. I broke down and replaced new KYB shocks and the Bilstein shocks made a very noticeable difference.
 
20 year old shocks certainly won't be operating at 100% like new one's will be, no matter the mileage.

For checking shocks, I would typically push down on a corner of a vehicle and see how much it bounces. However, doing this with a 9500lb van isn't necessarily so easy to do. If when you drive the van and one side of the rear axle goes over a bump, how much "waffling" with the van swaying back and forth happens? Our new to us 2008 210 was horrible last year. This spring we replaced the rear shocks with Bilstein's and that waffling disappeared. Our old shocks were found to be completely worn out.

If you are handy, the rear shock replacement on a Chevy chassis is easy. I ran the back of the van onto leveling blocks or a couple 2x6's and slid under the van to replace them. You'll need a jack to compress the shock to install the bottom bolt once the shock is bolted at the top, but it's an easy job.
 
Shocks generally fade slowly over time, unless they fail with a leak thats quite noticeable.
I installed GM heavy duty shocks when I upgraded the suspension on our 2010 210P. That was awhile back and they've held up over a lot of crap roads. Undecided whenever replacement is needed if I'll repeat or go with Bilsteins.

Bear in mind that other modifications may be needed to optimize ride and handling, deoending on owner preference. Plus overall steering and suspension need to be in good shape.

 
I have never been a fan of Bilstein shocks. They are for off roading and rock climbing. I broke down and replaced new KYB shocks and the Bilstein shocks made a very noticeable difference.
HI JJ and thanks for your reply but I am a bit confused. You replaced your KYB with Bilstein and like them?
 
1997 PW on Dodge 3500 chassis. One side was lower by 1" than the other. Even with airbags completely deflated. Had truck shop rearch rear springs, replace airbags and 4 Bilstein shocks. I don't know what brand was on there but they were original. Didn't notice a change in roughness. But the van handled differently (in a good way). Tracked more like a car on turns remaining level throughout. That change in geometry might have been the result of the rear springs. Still, I'd go with Bilsteins again.
 

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