Rear shock absorber replacement recommendations?

[L-man]

I've collected a decent amount of info looking around the forum but figured I would pester everyone once more. I am going to replace my rear shocks only and keep my stock springs. I am stuck between Bilstein B6, Bilstein B4, Koni STR.T, or maybe something else? I want performance over comfort.
I would absolutely get the B6s but I really don't want the back of my car to sit any higher and I've heard they tend to do that? Especially because my current shocks are blown.
What are the thoughts on the B4s vs. Koni STR.T? Which do you think will improve performance/handling more?
This is just a fun daily driver car, no racing or anything special.
Any recommendations around this is appreciated!

 

[Jabbit]

If you are keeping stock springs I'd see if you can find a pair of stock rear struts for cheap/free on Facebook. I had a set but gave them away.

 

[tri-pedaler]

I replaced with B4s and was disappointed. Since they are OEM, what you get is a replacement that will basically ride like stock.

Konis oranges will soften it a bit, improving ride but blunting turn in.

I have a set of stock dampers that are in good shape that I’ve been meaning to post on the forum - if you’re interested send a DM. Otherwise B6s might be the way to go.

 

[L-man]

I replaced with B4s and was disappointed. Since they are OEM, what you get is a replacement that will basically ride like stock.

Konis oranges will soften it a bit, improving ride but blunting turn in.

I have a set of stock dampers that are in good shape that I’ve been meaning to post on the forum - if you’re interested send a DM. Otherwise B6s might be the way to go.

I think I'm going to purchase new, but thanks for the offer!
Do you think I will notice a big difference in how the car feels after replacing just the rear?

 

[tri-pedaler]

I think I'm going to purchase new, but thanks for the offer!
Do you think I will notice a big difference in how the car feels after replacing just the rear?

No worries. For your question, depends on what you are replacing with. If you are going with the OEM replacements like the b4s or new Ford ones, it all depends on how bad your dampeners were in the first place. To be honest though, I doubt they are blown that badly. With the Koni oranges or B6s I think you will notice a difference, it just depends on what you were going for in terms of performance or comfort. And as many people have said on here, apparently the biggest change you can make for comfort and handling is to go to 16 inch or 15 inch wheels. Good luck!

 

[tri-pedaler]

One more thing – the good news is that it is a really easy swap and also relatively cheap to experiment with.

 

[Jabbit]

I don't think it's been mentioned but definitely pickup a pair of rear spring pads and swap them while you are in there. Cheap insurance against a part that will quickly fail if it hasn't already.

https://whoosh-motorsports.myshopif...powerflex-fiesta-st-rear-coil-spring-pads-set

 

[L-man]

I don't think it's been mentioned but definitely pickup a pair of rear spring pads and swap them while you are in there. Cheap insurance against a part that will quickly fail if it hasn't already.

https://whoosh-motorsports.myshopif...powerflex-fiesta-st-rear-coil-spring-pads-set

Yup! Thanks for looking out. I have those in my cart right now. Mine are squeaking pretty bad, only goes away for a few days after I hit it with some silicone spray.

 

[tri-pedaler]

And depending on what dampeners you get, make sure to use the stock nut on the upper mount. The nuts that come with other shocks have too big of a diameter and will squeak like crazy against the upper shock mount

 

[L-man]

And depending on what dampeners you get, make sure to use the stock nut on the upper mount. The nuts that come with other shocks have too big of a diameter and will squeak like crazy against the upper shock mount

I saw that in the forum, thanks! I totally would have used the new nut.

 

[free_aol_cd]

Koni Yellow Sports in the rear 1/2 turn from full stiff and a rear sway bar.

https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=Koni&model=Sport+Shock

Just put some on, night and day difference.

 

[L-man]

Finally got some rear shocks! I ended up deciding to just save money and ordered Bilstein B4s. After Months of backorder I canceled the B4S and went completely wild card. I got KYB "Gas-A -Justs" they are supposed to fit a Mazda 2, LOL. For $50 each they are a high pressure monotube shock that fits. From what I can tell it rides smoother and the rear end feels tighter on corners. Down fall is that the rear wheel gap is larger, probably only because the old ones wouldn't even return when compressed.
Not 100% sure I would recommend these but I liked trying something new.
Thanks for all the recommendations

 

[tri-pedaler]

Finally got some rear shocks! I ended up deciding to just save money and ordered Bilstein B4s. After Months of backorder I canceled the B4S and went completely wild card. I got KYB "Gas-A -Justs" they are supposed to fit a Mazda 2, LOL. For $50 each they are a high pressure monotube shock that fits. From what I can tell it rides smoother and the rear end feels tighter on corners. Down fall is that the rear wheel gap is larger, probably only because the old ones wouldn't even return when compressed.
Not 100% sure I would recommend these but I liked trying something new.
Thanks for all the recommendations

Glad you're noticing a difference. Curious what you'll think after a while and when temperatures dip. Hope they work well.

 

[tri-pedaler]

Koni Yellow Sports in the rear 1/2 turn from full stiff and a rear sway bar.

https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=Koni&model=Sport+Shock
View attachment 49508
Just put some on, night and day difference.

Hey @free_aol_cd how are you liking the Koni yellows after a few months? thinking of getting something adjustable soon myself.

 

[albeeen]

And depending on what dampeners you get, make sure to use the stock nut on the upper mount. The nuts that come with other shocks have too big of a diameter and will squeak like crazy against the upper shock mount

AH!! I just replaced all 4 with B6s and used the new nut on the rears. Got squeeks. And I trashed all of the old stuff. Thought it was the old upper mounts so replaced them with KYB strut mounts from AutoZone. Was ok for a few hours and now squeeking is back. Was getting ready to replace the mounts with OEM.

So getting the OEM nuts should resolve it? And not bother with OEM upper mounts? I'm guessing they will fit on the B6s?

I also replace all springs with OEM and have Whoosh rear upper pad on the springs. Front upper bearing is OEM.

 

[tri-pedaler]

AH!! I just replaced all 4 with B6s and used the new nut on the rears. Got squeeks. And I trashed all of the old stuff. Thought it was the old upper mounts so replaced them with KYB strut mounts from AutoZone. Was ok for a few hours and now squeeking is back. Was getting ready to replace the mounts with OEM.

So getting the OEM nuts should resolve it? And not bother with OEM upper mounts? I'm guessing they will fit on the B6s?

I also replace all springs with OEM and have Whoosh rear upper pad on the springs. Front upper bearing is OEM.

Yep!