21 replies to this topic

[pvstoy]

I used the adjustable Rancho shocks, they worked but had to reach at the shocks to turn the knob.

Rember when you would push on the fender a few times hard downward and release to see if it would continue to bounce. Or watched a vehicle go over a parking lot speed bump and the body of the car would continue to bounce. That is showing that a shock does support the body and control bounce.

It will show up as cupping on the outside edge for tire wear.

[craig333]

My buddy drove his CJ4B around with no shocks and you could hardly tell. I had the adjustable ranchos and I got rid of them. Rides much nicer with the Bilstein 5100s.

[SunMan]

This is the best video I’ve found explaining suspension, it’s long but informative…

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

I chased after shock performance on the old Dodge using everything from KYB to Ranchos 9000 to Fox...my OCD got the better of me, especially with the adjustables. LOL I've settled on Bilsteins, both the 4600 (stock) and 5100 (taller for lifted apps). They just work. There is a discussion point regarding mono vs dual tube/chamber for our application. I know J Hanson has done some research/testing in this regard.

[ckent323]

Sunman,

 

Thanks for posting the Filthy Motorsports video it is most informative.

Craig

[craig333]

That was well worth spending an hour. I agreed with most of what he said and the rest is stuff I just don't know about. He'd probably tell me with my budget and needs just go with what you got. I'd like a 2" lift but do I really need one? Probably not. Heck, its got me where I want to go for twenty years the way it is why mess with it. Plus, as I get a bit long in the tooth I've also slowed down my driving a bit

[ski3pin]

I used the adjustable Rancho shocks, they worked but had to reach at the shocks to turn the knob.

Rember when you would push on the fender a few times hard downward and release to see if it would continue to bounce. Or watched a vehicle go over a parking lot speed bump and the body of the car would continue to bounce. That is showing that a shock does support the body and control bounce.

It will show up as cupping on the outside edge for tire wear.

 

I believe - in a different thread years back - a knowledgeable WTW member stated the same. Could we please have an explanation of this?
 

[smlobx]

Great topic and one that I am woefully uneducated on.

 

Just as a point of reference shortly after I bought my F-350 I felt the ride wasn’t properly damped. On the advice of my local shop I replaced the OEM shocks with Bilstein 5100’s and have been satisfied for over 75K miles. They come with a lifetime warranty btw.

 

I also have a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon that I have outfitted to overland with and of course this involves adding weight to the bed. These trucks are notoriously softly sprung and are borderline unsafe at highway speeds when you drive over corrugations at 75 mph.

In looking at how best to upgrade the suspension I have decided to get the AEV dual sport suspension package which includes a bunch of components ALL designed to work together which I appreciate. In their description they state that the kit includes Bilstein 5100 shocks that have been re-valved to work together with the upgraded shocks. This is exactly what I’m looking for.

[Beach]

I've run Bilstein 4600 series on my 2006 Tundra and my F250, both trucks carried the Hawk camper full time. I was completely happy with their performance on both vehicles. Bilstein also makes a 5100 series shock that is designed for lifted trucks or higher cg vehicles or running oversized tires etc. Below is a article on the difference between the shocks mentioned.  I opted for the 4600 as I mostly drive graded forest service roads and paved roads,(no hardcore off road).

 

https://www.shocksur...jor-differences

 

[craig333]

Bilstein 5100's can be used on a stock unlifted vehicle. I made sure before I purchased and installed them.