Bilstein Shock Question

[curly]

After reading through all the posts on Bilstein shock upgrades (I have done my searches this morning ), I'm still a bit 'foggy' on the right combination to use on my HD. I understand that the Bilstein 5100 (BE5-6140-H0 or BE5-6140-T5) is for the front but what does everyone recommend for the rear?

 

Since I'm using my truck as my daily driver and the ride got 'harsher' after I cranked the t-bars, I'm ready to change shocks to see if I can get more of the factory ride back. I'm not looking for it to ride like a car or anything..... just better than it is now.

 

Thanks!!

[masterp2]

oem replacement shocks are not going to undo the problem you created. When you cranked your bars, you reduced wheel downtravel, and this leads to topout travel limit on the shock. Oddly, the shock is the extention travel limit You will need shock spacers, or the extra length shocks. I believe bilstein makes one, but some have reported difficulty installing them. I prefer the shock spacer method.

[GetMore]

oem replacement shocks are not going to undo the problem you created. When you cranked your bars, you reduced wheel downtravel, and this leads to topout travel limit on the shock. Oddly, the shock is the extention travel limit You will need shock spacers, or the extra length shocks. I believe bilstein makes one, but some have reported difficulty installing them. I prefer the shock spacer method.

I have the direct replacement Bilsteins on my truck and they made quite an improvement in the ride. the only issue I have is that they do run out of down travel quickly. If I had known about the longer shocks I would have installed them instead. Now, it sounds like I should go for spacers.

Where will I find them?

Is there a possibility of bottoming the shocks with spacers installed?

[masterp2]

oem replacement shocks are not going to undo the problem you created. When you cranked your bars, you reduced wheel downtravel, and this leads to topout travel limit on the shock. Oddly, the shock is the extention travel limit You will need shock spacers, or the extra length shocks. I believe bilstein makes one, but some have reported difficulty installing them. I prefer the shock spacer method.

I have the direct replacement Bilsteins on my truck and they made quite an improvement in the ride. the only issue I have is that they do run out of down travel quickly. If I had known about the longer shocks I would have installed them instead. Now, it sounds like I should go for spacers.

Where will I find them?

Is there a possibility of bottoming the shocks with spacers installed?

 

 

I made my own. But you can add washers to the top of the shock. With a 3/8" to 1/2" spacer, the shock is no longer the travel limit, there is a hard stop on the suspension.

 

These conclusions can be seen by jacking up the truck.

[GetMore]

I'm sorry, but that solution is too simple and low cost. There is no way that would work.

 

I'll have to give it a shot. I'm guessing that with the truck jacked up and the nut loosened on the shock rod it would be apparent how much spacer needs to be added?

 

Thanks!

[masterp2]

I'm sorry, but that solution is too simple and low cost. There is no way that would work.

 

I'll have to give it a shot. I'm guessing that with the truck jacked up and the nut loosened on the shock rod it would be apparent how much spacer needs to be added?

 

Thanks!

 

i have been using .5" of SS washers/spacers at the top for 3 years. that gives an extra inch or so of travel.