Thoughts on OESPECTRUM Shocks?

My dealer replaced my Bilstein 5100 rear shocks with OESPECTRUM shocks. Long story - I will spare you the details. In usual fashion way overcharged from what I can find. My question - are these shocks any good? Before I go into battle with them and insist on 5100s be put on?

 

I believe those are made by Monroe, they have a decent reputation. They aren't as nice as bilsteins but certainly aren't bottom-barrel

But I'd be expecting bilsteins too if that's what was originally on the truck

 

If it were me paying for new shocks, I’d want the Bilstein shocks. Or at a minimum 4600 if you are not lifted.

I don’t know why the OE Bilstein were not an option? We’re they out of stock?
(OE isn’t 4600 btw)

 

When they called me they told me "those are in stock" they never specified that they were or were not going to put Bilsteins back on.

 

Did they quote 5100s? Or did they say you needed new rears and you assumed they’d put 5100s even those aren’t OE because that’s what you had put on.

 

You might as well include the details because the dealer would be the last place I would go to purchase or install shocks, especially out of pocket.

 

And double especially on the rear, which are like a 1/2 wrench job.

 

They're your standard run of the mill dealer shocks that they love to overcharge for like you unfortunately experienced. Left untreated, be prepared for those things to rust out in no time up there in your PA climate. Especially considering you had 5100s on there before and was expecting those again, I'd definitely want them off. Hate hearing these stories of folks getting F'd over from dealer incompetence.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. I have contacted them and awaiting a response. I proposed they put Bilsteins on and based on what they charged me they would still be making money - or - give me $ back on what they grossly overcharged me for.

Lesson learned (again?) to look for a more reputable place to do business with. You would think after you buy 5 cars/trucks from them you would get treated better. Those days must be gone...

 

Unless you are in a smaller town dealership where the staff turnover is stable for both management and techs, the guys in the shop have no clue who you are or your purchase history. Nor does your purchase history affect their pay (that they understand).

Also, guys in the shop rarely pick the parts installed, they are given 'standard parts' from the parts guy when they ask for whatever they need. And the parts guy doesn't know you either.

Personalization requires 1) folks who want to personalize or 2) a smaller facility where it happens by default

 

Pretty evident In the process of finding someone reputable. 135K miles on this truck with no issues up to now.

 

Maybe not even so much looking for a reputable shop, but next time just make sure you try your best to eliminate any potential misunderstandings between you and the shop. More specifically, have it (i.e. exact P/Ns, etc.) documented beforehand, whether that's through a preliminary work order, estimate, invoice, etc. I say this as someone who basically went through the exact same issue as you when the dealer was replacing my frame. Like you, I thought we were on the same wavelength when talking over the phone about what parts I wanted replaced with OEM. Instead they ended up replacing them with some dealer marked up POS aftermarket junk. Problem is I didn't have much of a leg to stand on since it was all over the phone verbal communication with nothing documented, and at that point it's just "he said, she said." It was yet another reminder and reason of why I always do my own work & maintenance and don't let dealers or shops touch my stuff, unless of course it's the case of warranty/recall work such as this particular scenario for me. Regardless, it was still a painful lesson for me to learn.

That being said, I feel your pain brother.