2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Bilstein install problems?

[CraigZi]

All,

Based on some posts on here, I purchased a set of bilstein shocks. I had 60K on my truck, pull a pretty heavy fifth wheel so thought it was time anyway. But I really wanted to improved the overall ride. My tire dealer installed them for me. The problem is, there is absolutley no change in ride and - probably my imagintion - maybe it is even worse. I read a few more notes that the installing the bushings wrong was a reason for another guy.

So, if my ride did not improve, does that mean they were installed wrong? What do I tell my installer to look for?

Thanks,

Craig

 

[stacerbob]

The bilsteins are pretty stiff as far as shocks go. What do mean by improving the ride? If you are trying to get that "cadillac ride" the bilsteins aren't going to get it.

 

[y-knot]

Craig,

Sorry to here that you are disappionted in the Bilstien's. I think you took the improved ride statement as meaning more comfortable, smooth. I know when I posted about the subject, I ment it in reguards to stability, handiling. My OEM shocks wre very spongy, and the truck tended to roll over in a turn and bounce several times after going over a bump. I switched to Rancho's and the ride(comfort) was good, while the stability was improved. But they only lasted a year and were leaking, so I switched to OEM Bilstien's, they were firmer and a little more "bummpy" in ride comfort, but much better in control. Also the problem that we had with the top isolator bushing was a wear issue not an install issue. They simple wear out in about 20,000 miles or less (my case in 5,000 miles).

 

[krs]

No shock absorber will give these trucks a soft cushy ride. They can soften the blow a little bit but shocks control spring rebound - they dampen it so that initial movements are not able to continue to go boing back and forth (up and down here) like a bungy cord. Bilstein shocks give good dampening - equal dampening side to side and front to back so that the truck rides on four equal feeling corners. That's the improved ride. It helps to make the truck predictable when going down the road or when cornering. It's a subjective thing too, meaning that what one person likes may not be what another person prefers. Bilsteins seem to keep thei ability to do their job longer than most if not all other shocks available for these trucks.



And that's the story on that.

 

[CraigZi]

Got it. As I read some of the other posts, I also read about tire pressure. I think I changed my shocks at the same time I changed my tires and I've been running with 80 lbs in them - I'm sure thats a big reason for the ride.

thanks,

 

[CraigZi]

Got it. As I read some of the other posts, I also read about tire pressure. I think I changed my shocks at the same time I changed my tires and I've been running with 80 lbs in them - I'm sure thats a big reason for the ride.

thanks,

 

[krs]

Yeah. You don't need max air pressure unless you're carrying max loads. Try something like 50 or 60 psi. You'll like that!

 

[TPCDrafting]

Some members including myself bought the shocks and installed them only to find out the upper bushings wore out fast. The problem I found after talking to Bilstein myself was that the upper bushings should have a steel crush sleeve in them. This gives the installer something to tighten the upper nut down onto. Mine didn't come with the sleeve and I didn't know there was supposed to be one so I just snubbed them down good and went on my way. The result is the bushing just desintigrates and you start to hear the shock rattle when on the bumps. Bilstein insisted that there is no way they shipped out shocks without the crush sleeves installed. He went on to tell me the sleeve is nearly impossible to take out of the bushing. They were more than happy to SELL me some new bushings with the crush sleeves. He told me he had talked to several who claimed to be TDR members and said we were misinformed. What a crock, I'll live with the rattle. Check out this thread:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...age=15&highlight=Bilstein shocks&pagenumber=4

 

[BNH4221]

Hey TPC,



I called Bilstein last week and they gave me no problem whatsoever about sending some new bushings out. Actually, I shouldn't say "new" because I never got them to begin with.



I called the East Coast number from their website and they were very helpful.



Maybe you called the West coast and got no love? You know how those California types can be before their morning Cappucino!



I dunno. Just a thought.





Steve

98 12v QC 4x4

Bone Stock. I save all my money for booze.

 

[TPCDrafting]

hmmm I'll try that east coast number thanks!