04-10-2008, 12:53 PM
AllanBilstein versus Monroe Shocks: The Final Answer
Dear Barth Friends,
Here is my personal "final answer" on shocks for my Barth. I am the original owner of a short 22 1/2' Class A Barth (Regency style, 1996 chassis Chev P31132-52, 137" wheelbase). In 1996, I replaced the original factory shocks with: Front Monroe 557003; Rear Monroe 557004; and Stabilizer: 555944. I found the Monroe shocks to have too much left to right sway even though I also have air bags. In 1997, after just 2,000 miles, I replaced the monroes with: a Bilstein BE3-2645 Stabilizer and for front shocks, the Bilstein B46-1173 and for rear, the Bilstein B46-1587.
FINAL ANSWER: The Bilsteins eliminated the left to right sway and gave a significantly superior ride overall, when tested recently on a trip to Las Vegas and Death Valley. More importantly, my wife likes the new ride!
best regards from Allan of Solvang.
P.S. If anyone wants a set of Monroes, they will be in my garage for two months before I throw them out, and anyone who wants to pick them up will get the used ones for free, with a small donation to this website. (But, not the stabilizer as the threads were destroyed by the same incompetent service man I discussed in an earlier message.)
04-10-2008, 01:47 PM
bill hAnother happy Bilstein user here. On several vehicles.
My C2500 Chevy truck had no issues, just a rough ride when empty. Bilsteins made it ride way way better, but did not compromise its ability to carry or tow. I shoulda done it years ago.
04-10-2008, 03:11 PM
Kris & Tina JonesTahnks for the valuble info! I have a similar 96 and will make sure I document the model #'s for future purchase.