Bilstein shocks thread

dubwise · June 5, 2019

38 minutes ago, Pivot said:

Thx, man. I figured the tire had something to do with keeping the spacer. I looked at that tire size and figured I was pushing it since that's a 34" inch tire. Another example of variables. BFG KO2's in that size are slightly wider than stock and are 11" wide. That same size in a Falken Wildpeak AT3 measures 10.6" wide. You have the steel UCA's and I've heard the Stamped Steel UCA, which I have, could present issues on anything wider than stock due to the fact that they are slightly wider and bigger profile than steel.

I even considered ordering a set of tubular UCA's with smaller profile, but not convinced it's necessary if I maintain very close to stock width tire. I'm only going to basically 1 1/4 or 1 3/4. When I called Bilstein, the rep said stock(stamped) UCA is fine assuming no spacers involved. He insisted the ride was the same on 3 and 4. I had the feeling that he was just reading off a response card and didn't shed a lot of light on the subject.

No trimming with that tire? I'm surprised because you really boosted the total circum. from stock of 100.2 up to 107". Thats a lot. As mentioned , 275/60/20 only increases circum. from 100.2" to 103.6". In your case the outer sidewall + inner maintains same position with stock offset and you simply went higher. The tires I'm looking at are 33" high.

In addition that's a 10 ply tire with significant weight increase over stock. I want to say about 58# vs Goodyear LS2 around 40# which is P tire. I'd have to think that is a noticeable change? Thanks again for the info.

The only thing that rubbed was the carpet liner which I tied back with some zipties. My truck came with the aluminum control arms and have not noticed any issues. To be honest I didn't notice a big difference lugging around more rotating weight, either but should probably mention I have a blackbear tune as well. I ended up w/the BFGs mostly due to the fact they were the lightest AT tire I could find in that size, plus 4WP had a special during xmas a few years go, so it was a no-brainer.

Attaching some pix for reference.

Sierra Dan · June 5, 2019

27 minutes ago, Pivot said:

Dan, Good points. I know exactly what you mean. My son has a new 2019 Raptor with elaborate Fox suspension. You feel every crack on the road, but not in a bad way. I don't have a problem with that and its the only way not to have body roll and wobbly feel in turns or pogo feeling you mentioned off bumps or crappy roads.

What setting you running? 5100's or 6112?

5100s 3rd ring up, one down from top.

The ever elusive 6112's are just now out after being introduced way back in 2015 so i gave up on those and went with the 5100s

Same as the 4600 except for color/finish and the longer rod for the up to 2" increased lift on the 5100. I personally like the silver/metal finish look over the painted yellow anyway.

The difference between them and my factory Ranchos blew my mind so much i feel like an advocate now LOL

No I do not work for Bilstein but will highly recommend them or any good Monotube brand over the rusty Rancho pogo sticks any day.

My '94 Silverado RCSB had factory Bilstein 4600s and they were great for well over 76k miles.

Sierra Dan · June 5, 2019

13 minutes ago, dubwise said:

The only thing that rubbed was the carpet liner which I tied back with some zipties. My truck came with the aluminum control arms and have not noticed any issues. To be honest I didn't notice a big difference lugging around more rotating weight, either but should probably mention I have a blackbear tune as well. I ended up w/the BFGs mostly due to the fact they were the lightest AT tire I could find in that size, plus 4WP had a special during xmas a few years go, so it was a no-brainer.

Attaching some pix for reference.

Great looking Sierra Dub.

Then again I may be biased LOL

Pivot · June 5, 2019

28 minutes ago, dubwise said:

The only thing that rubbed was the carpet liner which I tied back with some zipties. My truck came with the aluminum control arms and have not noticed any issues. To be honest I didn't notice a big difference lugging around more rotating weight, either but should probably mention I have a blackbear tune as well. I ended up w/the BFGs mostly due to the fact they were the lightest AT tire I could find in that size, plus 4WP had a special during xmas a few years go, so it was a no-brainer.

Attaching some pix for reference.

Thanks for the info and pics. Truck looks great.

Pivot · June 5, 2019

27 minutes ago, Sierra Dan said:

5100s 3rd ring up, one down from top.

The ever elusive 6112's are just now out after being introduced way back in 2015 so i gave up on those and went with the 5100s

Same as the 4600 except for color/finish and the longer rod for the up to 2" increased lift on the 5100. I personally like the silver/metal finish look over the painted yellow anyway.

The difference between them and my factory Ranchos blew my mind so much i feel like an advocate now LOL

No I do not work for Bilstein but will highly recommend them or any good Monotube brand over the rusty Rancho pogo sticks any day.

My '94 Silverado RCSB had factory Bilstein 4600s and they were great for well over 76k miles.

Dan, any particular reason you chose 3rd setting? You running stock tires and rims ? Thx again for the info.

Sierra Dan · June 5, 2019

13 minutes ago, Pivot said:

Dan, any particular reason you chose 3rd setting? You running stock tires and rims ? Thx again for the info.

I am currently at Factory tire size and still Love my Chrome OEM Snowflakes. Best looking factory wheel for the K2 out there IMHO.

Still under warranty for now. I will plan on going up a tire size or two after these Bridgestones wear out.

Just went with my gut and didn't want to max it out at this point with current setup.

I may even do a 4" lift in the future. I really like the Nitto Ridge Grappler tires.

amxguy1970 · June 6, 2019

That's the thing, when you lead everyone to thinking these are the greatest things since sliced bread and more people start realizing they aren't, word will get around and people will start trying other brands; it does the opposite when someone is too much of a fanboy or advocate. That is what has happened to BFG tires...

For example, people mention how it just floats over speed bumps or pot holes, that is absolutely not the case. On the way to work there is a torn up man hole cover that is rough, there was no change in how the truck felt when hitting it, maybe even slightly worse. Ditto with the speed bump near my office. The only change is if I hit it at a fast enough speed to launch the truck up (not going over it at the speed limit), it will then not rebound much at all after the hit which is what a shock is supposed to stop. That is to be expected though, my shocks had 60k miles on them of a not easy life. My truck didn't pogo much when new. I chalk up the overly positive reviews to the placebo effect.

The biggest changes I saw with these are pulling in to my driveway it did mostly stop the side to side motion and bigger bumps at faster speeds. If I were to assign a number on improvement from stock to worn out to these new shocks on the same big bump at highway speeds. I would say stock was 7 out of 10, worn was maybe 3 or 4 out of 10 and these are maybe 9 out of 10. Small bumps all are equal at maybe 6 out of 10, might even the bilstein's down one to 5 out of 10 since they are a little rougher in many cases compared to new and especially worn. I have mine set at the 3rd notch (one from the top) for what it's worth.

Maybe more people will give these honest reviews so people realize they are a nice upgrade but not to expect too much out of them, I have already heard from many stating they didn't get anywhere near the change they were expecting out of them. Some see more change when replacing worn out shocks with 50k+ miles on them. I can't imagine I would be very satisfied if I replaced them when the truck was new at nearly $400 and an afternoon of wrenching, granted each person is different but I am not wearing rose colored glasses either.

Tyler

Lgetz · June 6, 2019

2 hours ago, amxguy1970 said:

That's the thing, when you lead everyone to thinking these are the greatest things since sliced bread and more people start realizing they aren't, word will get around and people will start trying other brands; it does the opposite when someone is too much of a fanboy or advocate. That is what has happened to BFG tires...

For example, people mention how it just floats over speed bumps or pot holes, that is absolutely not the case. On the way to work there is a torn up man hole cover that is rough, there was no change in how the truck felt when hitting it, maybe even slightly worse. Ditto with the speed bump near my office. The only change is if I hit it at a fast enough speed to launch the truck up (not going over it at the speed limit), it will then not rebound much at all after the hit which is what a shock is supposed to stop. That is to be expected though, my shocks had 60k miles on them of a not easy life. My truck didn't pogo much when new. I chalk up the overly positive reviews to the placebo effect.

The biggest changes I saw with these are pulling in to my driveway it did mostly stop the side to side motion and bigger bumps at faster speeds. If I were to assign a number on improvement from stock to worn out to these new shocks on the same big bump at highway speeds. I would say stock was 7 out of 10, worn was maybe 3 or 4 out of 10 and these are maybe 9 out of 10. Small bumps all are equal at maybe 6 out of 10, might even the bilstein's down one to 5 out of 10 since they are a little rougher in many cases compared to new and especially worn. I have mine set at the 3rd notch (one from the top) for what it's worth.

Maybe more people will give these honest reviews so people realize they are a nice upgrade but not to expect too much out of them, I have already heard from many stating they didn't get anywhere near the change they were expecting out of them. Some see more change when replacing worn out shocks with 50k+ miles on them. I can't imagine I would be very satisfied if I replaced them when the truck was new at nearly $400 and an afternoon of wrenching, granted each person is different but I am not wearing rose colored glasses either.

Tyler

Well said Tyler. My 5100's make for a more controlled ride but they are a firm shock. If someone is expecting a Lincoln Town Car or Cadillac Fleetwood soft/floaty ride with Bilsteins best look elsewhere. Largest difference I noticed were on a set of railroad tracks located on a sharp curve. With OE Ranchos my truck would "skip and hop" at the rear when going over tracks. Bilsteins eliminated that issue but again they are firm.

Snowcamo · June 6, 2019

That's the thing, when you lead everyone to thinking these are the greatest things since sliced bread and more people start realizing they aren't, word will get around and people will start trying other brands; it does the opposite when someone is too much of a fanboy or advocate. That is what has happened to BFG tires...

For example, people mention how it just floats over speed bumps or pot holes, that is absolutely not the case. On the way to work there is a torn up man hole cover that is rough, there was no change in how the truck felt when hitting it, maybe even slightly worse. Ditto with the speed bump near my office. The only change is if I hit it at a fast enough speed to launch the truck up (not going over it at the speed limit), it will then not rebound much at all after the hit which is what a shock is supposed to stop. That is to be expected though, my shocks had 60k miles on them of a not easy life. My truck didn't pogo much when new. I chalk up the overly positive reviews to the placebo effect.

The biggest changes I saw with these are pulling in to my driveway it did mostly stop the side to side motion and bigger bumps at faster speeds. If I were to assign a number on improvement from stock to worn out to these new shocks on the same big bump at highway speeds. I would say stock was 7 out of 10, worn was maybe 3 or 4 out of 10 and these are maybe 9 out of 10. Small bumps all are equal at maybe 6 out of 10, might even the bilstein's down one to 5 out of 10 since they are a little rougher in many cases compared to new and especially worn. I have mine set at the 3rd notch (one from the top) for what it's worth.

Maybe more people will give these honest reviews so people realize they are a nice upgrade but not to expect too much out of them, I have already heard from many stating they didn't get anywhere near the change they were expecting out of them. Some see more change when replacing worn out shocks with 50k+ miles on them. I can't imagine I would be very satisfied if I replaced them when the truck was new at nearly $400 and an afternoon of wrenching, granted each person is different but I am not wearing rose colored glasses either.

Tyler

Well said sir x2
If i saw more realistic reviews I would of dropped that coin on kings or something else tailered to my needs.
Bills are cool as an alternative to stocks for the price, but there's better out there for these trucks.

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Sierra Dan · June 6, 2019

Gentleman,

When we make a choice to spend our hard earned money on anything, of course we want the most bang for the buck. Right?

That is why some of us belong to this Site. Why we read and research. Why we kick the tires on prospective purchases.

Reading through this entire thread eventually in some ways helped me decide to purchase 5100s. For many reasons aside from Jim Bob convincing me to!

Ever been to a restaurant someone recommended only to disagree or never return?

Everyone has an opinion. Opinions are not right or wrong, correct? Or can they be wrong if they are against Proven Facts?

At roughly $79 a piece for the rears and $120 for the fronts I personally received bang for my buck when purchasing the 5100 replacements for several reasons.

Had I decided to spend thousands on premium Coil-Overs or traded in my SLT for a Magneride Denali or 2019 RAM 1500 would that be bang for the buck?

Where is the thread titled "Rancho Shocks" ???

Why did some of you ultimately purchase the 5100? Or Eibach, or Pro-Comp SS and not a new set of factory Ranchos?

Because they offer beyond what the factory Rancho could provide. Adjustability without having to use spacers. Accomodation to raise your truck a bit.

Ranchos are Twin Tube and not Monotube inside. Different animals indeed.

No shock out there is going to make a factory truck ride like a Cadillac.

Denali Magneride is close but still falls short and has many downsides.

The RAM 1500 is close. Problem with that is there is no or proudly displayed in the Grille!

manderson7015 · June 6, 2019

So just to state this. The '18 z71 LT stock rancho shocks, suck. I've owned a '14 ram big horn 4x4 and the suspension was way better. This set up in my z71 is garbage. Pogo's are dangerous on some freeways at 70+mph. The speed bumps are atrocious. Even mild mannered potholes and ruts jostle you all over. I will say that washboard roads seem to be quite pleasant tho.
I cant believe chevy thought this was a good suspension. PURE GARBAGE! Will upgrade soon.

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manderson7015 · June 6, 2019

I personally believe its the coils. Thats why i'm saving for 6112 steins.

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silentbob343 · June 6, 2019

Anyone with a 4.3 - LV3 1500 running the 6112s? They don't show on the Bilstein part look up and when I emailed Bilstein this what I received:

1

Quote

Since the 6112 are supplied with a spring, the different engine weight is requiring different spring rates. We do not currently offer a 6112 system for the 1500 with a 4.3L V6. The kit for the V8 will not work on your V6

I can't imagine the difference between the LV3 and L83 is more than 100 pounds. Are there other differences between the V6 and V8 trucks that might create an additional weight disparity?

Sierra Dan · June 6, 2019

34 minutes ago, manderson7015 said:

So just to state this. The '18 z71 LT stock rancho shocks, suck. I've owned a '14 ram big horn 4x4 and the suspension was way better. This set up in my z71 is garbage. Pogo's are dangerous on some freeways at 70+mph. The speed bumps are atrocious. Even mild mannered potholes and ruts jostle you all over. I will say that washboard roads seem to be quite pleasant tho.
I cant believe chevy thought this was a good suspension. PURE GARBAGE! Will upgrade soon.

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Have you been over a railroad crossing yet?

Be prepared to loose your teeth! LOL

I am just so thankful feeling that I'm not the only one with these negative opinions.

Red_5 · June 6, 2019

I'm starting to think that since the 6112s have finally started shipping and being installed maybe they need their own thread. When giving feedback everyone reading needs to know which Bilsteins you're talking about.