Eshocks + Bilstein = Satisfaction!!!

[Dane]

Finally got all the correct suspension parts from Skyjacker and it's time to decide on shocks. (I did't even consider using the junk shocks from Skyjacker, but thats another story... )



I got my 1st set of Bilsteins from Don at www.Eshocks.com two years ago and have been very happy with the much improved ride and handling of the truck.



I'm going with new springs on all 4 corners and lifting the truck 2. 5 inches in the front and 1. 5 inches in the rear. I'm also going with dual shocks on each side in the front.



I called Don at Eshocks and explained I had 2 issues -



1) Getting the compression and rebound damping rates right in the front while running 2 shocks in parallel on each side.



2) Worrying about the compression and rebound rates in the rear because Bilstein is now using the same shocks for 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks that are lifted.



Rather than just make the sale, Don immediately told me I should talk with Shane at Bilstein's off road racing division.



Shane told me that their off road division has a new shock engineer who did the work on the 5100 series shocks and the valving for lifted Dodges is spot on and will work as well for 1/2 and 3/4 ton applications, but if not he will custom valve a 7100 series to put in the 2nd shock location on the fronts. I could also get a custom valved 7100 series for the rear if necessary.



Both Don at Eshocks and Shane at Bilstein were friendly and very competent in helping me find the right shock solution. I can't tell you how nice it is to deal with people who know what they are talking about and take the time to answer all your questions.

 

[TomGolden]

Dane,



Great news and I thank you for taking point on digging into this. I have the Skyjacker 2 1/2" kit, with the dual front shocks, although I did use the Skyjacker Nitro shocks... for now. Have been wanting Bilsteins for a long time, but have never had the time to really dig into this and find out what would work for lifted trucks.



Please let us know when you get them - what part numbers, where you ordered them and how I can get the same ones. I am especially interested, since you will be having the identical setup that I do, except I did not lift the rear of my truck.



Thanks again! I gotta look you up on my next Prunedale trip Especially if you have the Bilsteins in by then!



Tom

 

[Dane]

Hey Tom,

We've had rain, rain and more rain in the last week. Right now I'm just trying to get all the correct parts together. Should be putting all this stuff in right after New Years.



I don't want to send the wrong message about Skyjacker, but it's been a bit worring trying to get all the right parts due to crappy shipping procedures. The springs, links, brackets and hardware all seem very well built and Scott at Skyjacker customer service has been very helpfull. Sent correct replacements the same day I called every time.



The problem with the shocks from Skyjacker was their build quality on 5 of 6 of the shocks they sent. It was obvious that one shock was built at a different factory or production line than the other 5. I'm sure they are OEMing the shocks from someone, but I haven't a clue who. 5 of the shocks had a smaller shaft and were crimped on one end rather than welded. You could see missalignment in the seal above the crimp. The other shock was welded on both ends and of a much better build quality. Those crimped shocks would not last 5 minutes on a Baja back road and a busted shock 50 miles off road in Baja and 500 miles from the border would be no fun at all.



The Bilstein stuff is top shelf imo and has given the best ride on my truck, but I rate Rancho adjustables at the top also. Just depends on what kind of hole you're trying to fill



So, I'm going to start with the lifted truck 5100 series set for our Dodges and work from there



BE 6681-H5 front (3" lift)

BE 6682-H5 rear (0-1" lift)



The 7100 series from Bilstein is available in many rebound/compression rates -



80/30 150/50 170/60 180/75 275/78 360/80



So. I can then add more damping in the front via the second shock if necessary. The good news is the 80/30 7100 series would only add a bit more damping and only really be noticable on sharp/big bumps which is exactly what I need for a good street ride with off road manners to boot.



If the rear is under damped i'll replace the 5100 with a 7100 series in the rear with valving better suited to our heavy trucks, but Shane at Bilstein seemed pretty confident I'd like the 5100.

 

[TomGolden]

Awesome news Dane. I should probably call Bilstein myself and talk to Shane and explain what I have, and what I'm looking for with shock performance, and ask for his recommendations. Since I don't have a camper and rarely even tow anything, my needs are likely a little different than yours anyway.



My overall dealings with my Skyjacker components are quite positive. Just that in my kit, they sent two drivers side lower dual shock mounting brackets, and when I called to ask for a replacement, they sent a passenger side bracket right out. I had read your other threads about the shipping and other problems you had recently had with your kit. Really glad to hear all is now as it should be!



Tom