Hi all

tks for the help in diagnosing that I need new front air springs. So, which ones should I buy? OEM? Arnott? Other aftermarket? I want to install something good, definitely don’t want a failure. But if I can save a few bucks, I’m good with that too. Tks!

 

Well OEM is best but you really have a few options when it comes to OEM. There is genuine OEM with the expansive LR green oval on the box, that will set you way back. Then you can get OEM "unbranded". Which means it is the same as OEM, but lacks the green oval LR sticker. LR sourced more than one for struts, so you may see Delphi or BWI. Can save a lot this route while maintaining OEM feel and longevity. Arnott is the only aftermarket brand I trust for air ride, but their prices are not really that competitive for aftermarket. And some say they ride a little more harsh. Beyond that you can save a TON with random cheap aftermarkets. Honestly you would probably be fine with them if you are not planning to keep the truck long but the ride quality will be all over the place since the internal shock absorber portion will be some random cheap whatever. And the funny thing with those is one seller may have a set for $150 while another sells the exact same set for $300 making you think you are getting a better quality one when you are not. There is another overlooked option, used. Browse eBay for LR3 or LR4 front struts and pay attention to sellers who list millage. You may find some lower mile ones that would be perfectly fine and they will be an original OEM part for much less. Case in point I have been part hoarding off a wreck I found of an LR4 with only 16k miles on it. To me that is good as new for OEM parts!

 

Lrparts.net has the Dunlop brand for $160. To good to be true?

 

If you are in the states, shipping and VAT will suck. But Dunlop would be just fine. I went BWI myself from them.

 

Thats cheap, heard the Dunlops are ok but not as good as OE BWI.

 

Just ordered a pair of BWI’s on eBay. $280 total.

 

if you ordered from eBay, there is a super good chance they are fake unless from a known seller like Monte Rovers, etc. Have a link?

 

Label says BWI but could still be fake. Any way to know after I get them?

https://ebay.us/m/WTOIZC

 

All the new BWI struts i have seen were made in Czech Republic, AFAIK they have never been made in Germany but suppliers do change.

 

Def fakes. They are selling then as Genuine after all, not even really selling as BWI per say. You will never get a pair of genuine at that price. Also BWI do not have that yellow warning at the base, but the super generics often do.

Case in point, here is another auction for the same shocks. Notice these were taken on a wood grain type floor. So in theory pics taken at a different place/time. Yet the time stamps of the shocks are identical. That is not possible. But it is if they just slap out a thousand labels to make fakes.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/365207731293

And here is a pair of generics, same label at bottom.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/297523757271

With that said they will work. They will not be near OEM quality. They will in all odds be better than the very worn ones you have now. They shock may fade faster and they may leak sooner than OEM. I dont think you wasted money at that price but I can you you could have gotten the exact same ones cheaper, just with out the fake labels of course. I really, really encourage people not to buy car parts on eBay unless from a known eBay seller that generally has a regular online store like Atlantic British. The fake car parts industry is massive and always will be.