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PIU struts/shocks

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#41
At two years and 16k miles I'm replacing the rear shocks and want the LB5Z-18125-J PIU shocks for increased control when towing.
Those of you that have replaced rear shocks did you also replaced the upper bolts and lower nut or reuse the existing ones?
Ours also went out at just under 17K, the right rear was clunking so loud we didn't even drive it until the replacements came. But I used the original bolts with no issues so far. The PIU shocks seem to be a nice upgrade, but hopefully some aftermarket replacements show up soon.
 

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#42
I'm the guy. We are shipping them off soon. 2 ST units (front/rear) and 2 PIU units (front/rear). All are brand new from the respective 2023 model years.
Did you ever get any test results?
 

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Boonsboro, Maryland
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2020 Explorer ST
#43
I just want to make sure I’m reading this right. We can replace the ST shocks with the PIU shocks ? And if I’m seeing the pictures correctly, it does actually lower the vehicle a little more ?

I do wish Billstein would get in the game already.
 

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#44
I just want to make sure I’m reading this right. We can replace the ST shocks with the PIU shocks ? And if I’m seeing the pictures correctly, it does actually lower the vehicle a little more ?

I do wish Billstein would get in the game already.
Same chassis, same fit. They have zero to do with ride height. Seems it has been asked before.
 

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#45
Same chassis, same fit. They have zero to do with ride height. Seems it has been asked before.
Thanks.
sorry for the repeat question. From the pictures posted, it seemed to have gone just a tiny bit lower.
 

UNBROKEN

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#46
Thanks.
sorry for the repeat question. From the pictures posted, it seemed to have gone just a tiny bit lower.
Shocks have zero effect on ride height
 

Polo08816

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#47
Awesome. Thanks for taking the leap and trying these. I had a feeling they’d be stiffer since the PIU rear bar is 23mm compared to 21.7mm in the ST. These will be a great option for anyone who has a larger rear bar and wants to tackle some curves with less under-steer. Have the PIU rear bar comping for mine (the Steeda bar is covered in rust and needs to be re-coated), so might just add the shocks while I’m there. Total bummer that Bilstein hasn’t come through, but these will be a good start!
Is it possible that the PIU shocks are pretty good and inexpensive that Bilstein doesn't see much of a market opportunity for their product?

Do we know who is the OE supplier for the PIU shocks?
 

UNBROKEN

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#48
Anyone running both the shocks and struts? And thoughts or reviews? I’m at 80K now…it’s beyond time. I’m inclined to grab the PIU versions tomorrow.
 

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Cdubya

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Thread Starter #49
Anyone running both the shocks and struts? And thoughts or reviews? I’m at 80K now…it’s beyond time. I’m inclined to grab the PIU versions tomorrow.
Have 10k miles on my PIU struts/shocks now. Ride is very nice. I dont need testing...they are firmer than stock. Perfect for lowering springs.
 

Polo08816

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#50
Does anyone know the 'correct' part numbers for matching PIU springs? There seem to be a lot of spring variations...
 

UNBROKEN

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#51
Got them all ordered…not as cheap as I’ve read about. Just shy of $800 for both struts and shocks out the door.
 

GearHead_1

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#52
I'll be interested in reading your response.
 

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#53
Does anyone know the 'correct' part numbers for matching PIU springs? There seem to be a lot of spring variations...
You have to look at the spring codes on your VIN label. Mine matched with one variation of the PIU springs which leads me to believe they share them with the ST. IMG_1166.jpeg IMG_1165.jpeg
 

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Cdubya

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Thread Starter #54
Got them all ordered…not as cheap as I’ve read about. Just shy of $800 for both struts and shocks out the door.
It's kind of crazy how much parts have gone up in just a matter of months. I just checked... Paid $440 shipped for PIU shocks and struts Mar/Apr '23.
 

Cruising68

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#55
It's kind of crazy how much parts have gone up in just a matter of months. I just checked... Paid $440 shipped for PIU shocks and struts Mar/Apr '23.
Wow!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

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#56
It's kind of crazy how much parts have gone up in just a matter of months. I just checked... Paid $440 shipped for PIU shocks and struts Mar/Apr '23.
The prices really didn’t go up - unless you suck at searching and pay full retail. Any dealership that sells parts online isn’t going to bend you over on these. It’s why places like Tasca, Tousley, Levittown, etc. advertise on forums. Gotta’ put in some effort as a buyer though unless you prefer to just piss money away.

These screen shots are from my guys at Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor, MI - yet another place for good deals.


IMG_1690.jpeg IMG_1689.jpeg
 

UNBROKEN

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#57
You call it pissing money away…I call it getting what I need to fit the timeframe I need them in…which is fast. I’ll have everything in hand by tomorrow. Online places wouldn’t make any guarantees and if I did overnight shipping it ran the price up to what I paid anyway…and still no guarantee on when they would ship out.

Here’s an online place with no ship date guarantee but overnight shipping when it leaves. I paid $724 and will have it all tomorrow. Tasca was 3-7 business days just to get them in their hands before they shipped.
IMG_2041.jpeg
 

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Ntrain2k

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#58
Anyone know the diameter of the PIU rear sway bars compared to stock?
 

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#59
You call it pissing money away…I call it getting what I need to fit the timeframe I need them in…which is fast. I’ll have everything in hand by tomorrow. Online places wouldn’t make any guarantees and if I did overnight shipping it ran the price up to what I paid anyway…and still no guarantee on when they would ship out.

Here’s an online place with no ship date guarantee but overnight shipping when it leaves. I paid $724 and will have it all tomorrow. Tasca was 3-7 business days just to get them in their hands before they shipped.
View attachment 20499
So the prices didn’t really go up. You just got raped on shipping.

Anyone know the diameter of the PIU rear sway bars compared to stock?
Read the thread. It’s in Post #2.
 

UNBROKEN

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#60
So the prices didn’t really go up. You just got raped on shipping.
No…that’s what shipping would have been to get the parts to me overnight…but overnight means after they process and ship which can take up to a week depending on where you order. I’m picking the shit up today and I gladly paid for that convenience so I can keep a schedule I’m trying to meet. I’m glad what I spent my own money on is so important to you that you have to keep making snarky comments about it.
 



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