Lower Shock Mount Bushing

scottmoyer · June 23, 2011

Question for all of the experts...

A few years ago, I cranked my Tbars and added the larger 285 series tires. Asked a few questions of Bilstein before I ordered new shocks and was told that I should be fine using the BE5-6500 series shock (Stock Replacement) for the front of my truck since it doesn't have any additional lift. For the past 30k miles, I get a clunk in the front end when going over man hole covers, train tracks, etc. I have been trying to locate what's loose underneath and ruled out the shocks as they are fairly new and a good shock. I contacted Bilstein and they said that they would replace the shocks, all of them. So I said why not!! They believe that there could be a problem with the front shocks since I can't find anything else wrong.

I noticed when removing the front shocks that there was a lot of movement in the lower mount with the bolt still tight. I think I found my problem. The lower shock mount bushing. Now when I talk to Bilstein, they say that the cranked TBars require a different front shock. When I ordered these a few years ago, the stock replacements were fine, but now I'm being told the 5100's are needed to accommodate the cranked bars.

Do I need a different shock for TBar cranking? I don't know how much wheel travel I lost when I cranked because I didn't measure first. If I do need a different shock, what model is recommended for a level'd truck? I want to get the correct shock and bushing replaced at the same time. If the shocks I have are ok, I will just replace the bushing. 4WheelParts even said the stock shock is ok with tbar cranking.

Thanks for reading my novel and providing any help.

okc666 · June 27, 2011

i just lifted my 07 classic vmax using torsion keys only. it rode like poop because the shocks were extended past their operating range. a local shop tried to sell me bilstein 5100 at 90 bucks each even though he knew i had ride control and the bilsteins were not compatable.

today i made a set of lower shock exstensions to bring the bottom shock mount up so its back in the proper range. the truck rides great and smooth as new.

as far as your lower bushing movement, im of no help without seeing it. i know its rubber mounted and has some movement, (mine did also). id be inclined to get the shock extensions (readily available) and eliminate the possibilty of your shock itself making the clunk. the extensions are 50 bucks, versus the proposed purchase of new shocks.

if someone were to tell me stock replacement shocks are satisfactory on anything higher or lower than stock i would disagree. your truck has been leveled, or close to it so your shock is now stretched that same distance affecting the travel. if its lifted even two inches you should be using a longer shock or extensions. just my thought. it worked for me this afternoon.