Mod: Front Struts (Shocks)
DETAILS: Front Struts (Shocks)
I just hit 100k miles and still had the original front struts (shocks). It turns out, this was a long overdue maintenance item — my OEM struts were shot. Bilstein has recently released new variants of their front struts, and the options were a bit confusing, so I called them up and talked with a very knowledgeable tech person at the company. They currently offer four compatible struts for my rig (and likely yours as they work on most Sprinters). The current line up of front strut models are as follows:
B4
B6
B6 Camper
B6 Camper Advanced
B4 is most similar to the OEM struts that came with the rig (that were likely always underrated for our heavy RVs). They are black.
B6 is a better-than-OEM strut that has been the go-to option for many members of this group for years. They are yellow.
B6 Camper is a new, tuned variant of the B6 that is for heavier vehicle applications. They are also yellow.
B6 Camper Advanced is also new and their most advanced and tuned option that has special valving for heavy RVs. Again, yellow.
The price difference between the B6 Camper and B6 Camper Advanced is only $10 per strut, and the tech on the phone easily convinced me that the B6 Camper Advanced was the best option for fully loaded Class C rigs like the View/Navion. The cylinder size and yellow color of the B6 struts appear identical, but the tuning and valving inside is what’s different.
INSTALLATION:
I watched this YouTube video along with some others related to installation of front struts on a Sprinter. After studying those, you’ll get more comfortable with the process. The videos are comprehensive and detail all the steps.
DIY installation is possible, though easier with two people (thank you Bob Swor!).
I replaced the rubber boots ($7/each) on the struts as well as the upper strut mounts ($25/each) in the cab floor per the recommendation from MB. My original top mount bushings still looked in good condition, but it’s easy to replace at the same time as the strut (and impossible later unless you uninstall the strut). Buying new strut stops isn't necessary if you can reuse the ones in your old rubber boots, otherwise link below.
If you don’t already have camber bolts, this is the time to install them! They help the alignment shop adjust camber.
And speaking of alignment, after installation of the struts, it’s critical to get the front end aligned (the install process changes your alignment).
DRIVING:
The initial impression of driving is a sense of controlled dampening and shock absorption on the front end that was all but lost before this upgrade. It’s a night and day difference to the OEM struts that saw 100k miles of a heavy sprinter RV. I needed new front struts no matter what, and I’m glad Bilstein came out with the tuned option for heavier applications prior to my install!
LINKS:
B6 Camper Advanced (order 2): www.shockwarehouse.com/products/bilstein-22-334299-front-b6-camper-advanced-dampmatic-strut-sprinter-2500-3500-3500xd
Rubber Boots (order 2): www.europarts-sd.com/item.asp?PID=2355
Top Strut Mounts (order 2): www.europarts-sd.com/mount-frontshockabsorber.asp
Strut Stops (order 2): www.europarts-sd.com/item.asp?PID=2603
Camber Bolts: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHP6LTDG