Hmm...so I don't love Monroe shocks...

72bluNblu said

I've had both the Bilstein RCD's and the Hotchkis Fox non-adjustables on my Duster. The Bilstein's are a HUGE improvement over anything like the Monroe's, KYBs, etc. The Fox shocks I feel do a better job with the 1.12" torsion bars I have on my Duster. Not that the bilstein's didn't work well, because they did, but the Fox's just take it up another notch. The ride is a touch firmer with the Fox's, and I can tell that they do a better job damping the 1.12" bars.

For cars with smaller torsions bars, even in the 1" to 1.06" range, I think the Bilsteins would probably be all that you need. To go bigger from there though, like the 1.12's, the Fox's are definitely a better match. It's just about matching your damping needs to your spring rate, and the Fox's do a better job keeping up with the larger bars. At least in my opinion.

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Well thank you,
I'm always suspect (like In the vid when one mfg. states his product is better then the competition) however an impartial opinion that had experience with both products, jeez what more could I ask for. I unfortunately was chomping at the bit to get something ordered and pulled the plug on the Bilsteins this morning. They were about $200 less and with a CURRENTLY all stock suspension I'm hoping that your assessment rings true. I do plan on upgrading other suspension components as I would like this car to handle but I literally just got it a couple of months ago and the drivetrain upgrade is at the top of the priority list. If I hadn't had the shock failure we wouldn't even be having this conversation but building these cars seems to always be full of detours and ever increasing additions to the knowledge base. Thanks for the honest assessment.