stupid shock questions

[shooter]

I already did the complete control arm thing and my truck still drives rough. I feel every single bump. Especially in the rear. I did put in the H&R kit but it drove nice before.
The ride is better now that I changed the arms but its still sloppy and I am losing interest in my X because of this. I have a 02 4.4i w/ rear self level.

What parts will I need besides the shock itself?
I prefer upgraded parts rather than OEM, but from searching the threads it appears that it is not recommended with this.
I always DIY, but how tough is a complete shock overhaul?

Really embarrassing question:
What is the difference between a shock and a strut?

[Isambard]

shock  /ʃɒk/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [shok] Show IPA

–noun 1.a sudden and violent blow or impact; collision.2.a sudden or violent disturbance or commotion: the shock of battle. 3.a sudden or violent disturbance of the mind, emotions, or sensibilities: The burglary was a shock to her sense of security. The book provided a shock, nothing more.

strut

1  /strʌt/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [struht] Show IPA ,verb, strut⋅ted, strut⋅ting, noun


–verb (used without object) 1.to walk with a vain, pompous bearing, as with head erect and chest thrown out, as if expecting to impress observers.
–noun 2.the act of strutting.3.a strutting walk or gait.
—Idiom 4.strut one's stuff, to dress, behave, perform, etc., one's best in order to impress others; show off.

Or........ to save your 'embarrassment' (I put the word in inverted commas because there's no embarrassment in not knowing something. If you dont know, you dont know, and so you've done the right thing and simply asked) (but) you could have tried googling it, as found in the link below!! You wouldn't have opened yourself up to piss takers like me!!

WikiAnswers - What is the difference between a strut and a shock absorber and can they be used interchangeably

Sorry, just couldn't help myself...

[shooter]

Thanks for the response but I have already read that and done my googling. Obviously to avoid rookie question. The problem is, I don't 100% understand the expanations I have found on the internet. What do I need to replace my shocks. I can do it myself, but I don't know what I should buy?

[Isambard]

Your OP is a little confusing. What is/was the problem, what setup have you got currently, what have you changed/intend to change, and what exactly is your aim? Ian

[shooter]

Sorry about that.
Here is what I am working with:
02' 4.4i with rear self leveling and 82k miles
H&R lowering kit - springs in the front, links in the back
All new front control arms, bushings, ball joints, sway bar links
19" wheels with 30mm spacers on the rear wheels
255's in the front and 285's in the back

The ride became harsh fairly recently, meaning I can feel every bump. It also handles kind of sloppy now. It used to drive great, but now I get that body lean on corners. I am assuming I need new shocks/mounts or something?

[ZsX5o3]

I know it may come across like a shameless plug, but it sounds like you should get a proper alignment and your car checked out by a professional. These guys will set your car up right and have it handling perfectly, they're in your area. NEO Autos

[dpgx5]

I have a similar problem. Installed Bilstien Struts. I had the OEM Struts with H&Rs and it was smooth as silk. Then I thought I would compliment the H&Rs with new bilstiens and now every little dip/bump its like boooom... booom.... but there was no bump stop on the new strut... and the old one from oem was too small to put on... Wouldnt the Bilstiens be moreee smoother? I also put on new Poly Thrust Arm bushes and that feels nice n solid.

[shooter]

Thanks zsX5o3. I've been looking for a non dealer mechanic. I actually just got an alignment done last Thursday at BMW of Watertown. I still had this problem so I went back Friday and they balanced my tires again. I just had them balanced 2 months ago, as I had new tires put on. It still drives harsh and sloppy after new tires, alignment, balance, control arms, etc...

[shooter]

I am definitely going to give those guys a call. Thank you again for the link

[amacman]

have the rear subframe mount bushes inspected , the usually go bad after 50 , 000 miles.
a shock absorber is actually the spring but most people refer to the damper as a shock absorber.
strut usually refers to a McPherson strut , as fitted to the front of the X5 . combining the damper and coil spring on a casing .
X5 girl done a great write up on this forum with photos on changing all bushes , you really need to read it .