Product review (3 stars): The advantage of the new units is that it appears that the shorter bushing holder might capture the friction bushing better. It
These are dampers, not shock absorbers. The new dampers delivered are not the same as the original Whirlpool part. They do fit perfectly, however. The end pieces (rotating bayonet clamps) are a different color and made from a different material. The bushing holder (larger diameter part) is shorter in the new units. The dampers have a friction bushing in the larger diameter part of the outer slide tube. The bushing itself is much shorter than the bushing holder in the original units. In my original dampers all of the bushings had rotated 45 degrees and were in a position which allowed them to slide up and down about 3/4" before engaging. I rebuilt them and they no longer are loose but, because they were worn from 5 years of use, I wanted to replace them.

The advantage of the new units is that it appears that the shorter bushing holder might capture the friction bushing better. It probably won't rotate and get into a position where it allows all that free play that makes the tub wobble excessively. Maybe this is a new design that supercedes the old one. Maybe it's just a cheaper way to build them. The disadvantage is that the new units offer noticeably less sliding friction than the old units, even though the old units have 5 years of wear.

I successfully spun out two, heavy bath mats without a lot of vibration so the new units work. I just hope that this different design lasts longer.