2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Bilstein Shocks - My Impressions

[billmac1]

I took advantage of the buy 4 get 1 free deal on Bilsteins. These are the yellow/blue and are supposed to be heavy duty. I only put the fronts on this afternoon - rears are for tomorrow, if no rain. I had Rancho RX9000 on my truck and the fronts were fading.



First of all, I was suprised at the diameter of the bushings. They are much smaller than the washers that came with them. Also, they are not a whole lot bigger than the hole in the upper suspension arm mounting bracket. I was also surprised at the torque spec for the top nut which by the way, has a nylon insert in it (self locking nut). The instructions called for 19 ft. lbs. or 25 nm for M10 threads which is what these are. That doesn't do much for compressing the upper bushing against the washer.



The OEM specs for the nut on the OEM shocks is 40 ft. lbs. for 2 wheel drive. The Rancho shocks I had before, came with urethane bushings and both bushings were almost the same diameter as the washers. I took the truck for a drive afterward and the ride seemed ok. I guess it will take a while before I have a final judgement. Hopefully these things will hold up well.

 

[Joe Mc]

I wasn't too hip with the bushings supplied for the front shocks when I got my Bilsteins either. I put them on and after a few miles decided to remove and reinstall the stock bushings and such. That was like 5+ years ago . . . shocks are still doing great.

 

[billmac1]

I wasn't too hip with the bushings supplied for the front shocks when I got my Bilsteins either. I put them on and after a few miles decided to remove and reinstall the stock bushings and such. That was like 5+ years ago . . . shocks are still doing great.

Yeah, I was tempted to use the urethane bushings from my old Ranchos. They looked in good shape. Anyway, I didn't I thought it might effect the performance of the Bilstein's. If I have any problems with the Bilstein bushings, I will put the old bushings back on.

 

[DPrew]

I've got the silver Bilsteins that were installed a month ago and so far so good. The Skyjackers I had on the back before had both blown their seals and one had broken off the shaft where it bolts under the truck bed.