2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Suspension damping

[redspeed42]

I have installed a set of the Bilsteins(Yellow/blue) on my 98. 5 2500 QC LB and am very happy with the 'BUMP' damping but very unhappy with the 'REBOUND' damping. Does anyone have suggestions to double the rebound damping without changing the bump damping too much? (I have 4 speed bumps in the entrance driveway to my shop complex)(No, I don't own it, so I can't remove the bumps)

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

Need better model of shocks & probably need some good suspension

 

[redspeed42]

1) This is a street truck that is used to tow the race car. It is also used to carry up to 1ton of transformers and/or materials in the local area.

2)What 'better model of shocks' do you have in mind?

3)What do you mean about 'some good suspension'?

 

[fest3er]

By 'bump', you mean the compression damping when you hit the tar pedestrian? And by 'rebound' you mean when you come off the pedestrian?

I've been happy with the KYB Gas-ajust monotube shocks; it takes them a loooong time to wear (like well over 100K miles). When new, damping is within about a half-cycle; with 185K miles on them, they may finally be exceeding that half-cycle. I've used them on a number of my vehicles over the years and have never been dissatisfied, not even with the strut inserts I used on my '84 200SX.

The Gas-ajust model might not be as stiff as you may want given your typical loading. In this case, try the KYB MonoMax, which is a stiffer, more performance-oriented shock.

 

[Tinman]

I put some of those yellow Bilstiens on my dad's Powerstroke. Actually I was very impressed with them. Honestly, if you are gonna be that picky about your shock performance, you need to consider some rebuild-able, tunable race shocks, such as Fox or KING.

 

[SRath]

He's not being "that picky", he's pointing out a glaring problem with modern shocks being Dark Ages design.



We raced motocross for many years. Suspension is EVERYTHING when it comes to winning races given equal riders. Even the most low-budget motocross bike has shocks that can be revalved and fine-tuned for the specific rider weight and track conditions and how it is used. And it isn't even hard once you've done it a time or two. The difference is absolutely phenomenal. Plus they have external clickers for adjusting the hi speed compression, low speed compression, hi speed rebound, and low speed rebound. It isn't hard to build shocks with these features that can take a massive beating, millions of dirtbikes have them, but it isn't as profitable and few people would ever crawl under their vehicle to finetune such shocks anyway.



The "one size fits all" valving in the overpriced junk that we buy for our trucks is a joke. You shouldn't have to pay outrageous prices for shocks that can be custom tuned and rebuilt, but that would take a huge money-maker off the market. We pay for clever marketing descriptions and gimmicks when we buy shocks; not for quality, well-designed products.



That said, if you can't afford the "exotic" few shocks that do offer real valving changes and fine tuning and rebuilding, at least consider adjustable shocks like Rancho RS9000's. They offer 9 settings and are as tough as can be expected from mass produced disposable shocks, but they do not offer separate rebound and compression damping setting adjustments.

 

[Bob4x4]

As shipped the 2500 has very little

Compression travel

To help reduce bottom out the shocks are

Built with too much compression and try

To get by with less rebound

Your only choice to be satisfied will be spend some

Money and get a valvable shock

The knob type adjustable won't give you what

You are looking for

 

[toms73novass]

What would be a very good suspension shock combo?

Carli Suspension? any others?

 

[Regcabguy]

What would be a very good suspension shock combo?



Carli Suspension? any others?

Carli or Thuren Fabrication won't steer you wrong.

 

[redspeed42]

Appreciate all your responses. I do readily admit I am being 'picky', I want what I want. I have the Penske triple adjustables on my race car, so I knew that what I want COULD be had, but was hoping there was a less expensive solution. Due to the "significant" difference in expense, I'm dialing down my pickiness('til my Lotto # comes up)

 

[Rhondasway]

I know exactly what you mean, and you're not overly picky! I'm the same way. I've done the Rancho's (both 5000 and 9000's) and been somewhat happy with them. I ran the Bilsteins once and HATED them! (I also can't stand Michelin tires because of their ride) I chose mine because I like a firm ride, especially on the rear for drag racing.

I'm about to order shocks and am leaning toward the the KYB Monomaxes. At least it will be different, and who knows, maybe better... .

 

[redspeed42]

Thanks for your input.

And holy cow, that's some kinda great drag times!! Congratulations and WOW.

I'm just trying to stay 'legal' in liberal, nanny-state California. Am enjoying the surprised looks on faces on the freeway on-ramps.

 

[ewcmr2]

Does anyone have suggestions to double the rebound damping without changing the bump damping too much?

Most all Bilsteins are re-buildable/revalve-able, for normal stuff it's just cheaper to buy new off the shelf dampers. If you're serious, a call to Fatcat motorsports (up north, Redwood City IIRC) could get you whatever valving you want.



Doubling the rebound would probably end up jacking the truck down onto the bumpstops like Bob4x4 said.

 

[Rhondasway]

Thanks for your input.

And holy cow, that's some kinda great drag times!! Congratulations and WOW.

I'm just trying to stay 'legal' in liberal, nanny-state California. Am enjoying the surprised looks on faces on the freeway on-ramps.

Thanks! Good luck with your nanny. I've ordered the Monomaxes so will see how they do for me...

 

[Kilroy]

Thanks! Good luck with your nanny. I've ordered the Monomaxes so will see how they do for me...

I know it's been a year, but how do you like Monomaxes?