Good Shock Replacement?

[Blazinaire]

a 10" travel front and 12" travel rear will work.

 

[K5_Fla]

let us know how the shocks work out for you...

 

[jeff in co]

Well, I got the shocks last night and lined them up with my existing onea. At full extension for the front, it would have JUST bolted in without anymore extension.....obviously, the wrong shock.

I called this morning to Bilstein directly to find out which one's I needed. Glad I did! 4WheelParts sent me the 5125 series vs. the 5100 series. The Bilstein rep asked why I ordered those instead of the 5100's because the 5125's only have a 90 day warranty whereas the 5100's have a lifetime warranty. I told her I did order the 5100's but 4wheelparts sent me the 5125's instead. And to boot, the wrong part numbers too!

So, I got the correct 5100 part numbers for a 3"-4" lift:
24-187077 (front) -- eye to eye (13.66"-21.62")
24-187084 (rear) -- eye to eye (16.14"-26.15")

I also asked for you K5 FL on the 6"......
33-185552 (front) -- eye to eye (15.91"-25.93")
33-185569 (rear) -- eye to eye (17.91"-29.70")

I called 4wheelparts again and had to place another order. Gotta wait another week for the new shocks now....I'll keep you posted.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Sounds like 4WheelFarts is up to their same wonderful service.

 

[K5_Fla]

thanks Jeff. Yes let us know how they ride after you install. I think my issue will only be fixed by removing a spring up front. Dont know that new shocks will help me... real stiff up front.

 

[jms]

... The Bilstein rep asked why I ordered those instead of the 5100's because the 5125's only have a 90 day warranty whereas the 5100's have a lifetime warranty...

From the Bilstein website:

"...
WARRANTY RESTRICTIONS
The limited warranties set forth above do not cover normal wear and tear and are non-transferable.
There are only a few specific exceptions to this warranty. They include:
Original equipment shock absorbers - which are warrantied by the vehicle manufacturer,
Improper installation,
Racing, driving competition or off-road use,
Use on modified or other than Bilstein-recommended vehicles.
Bent or broken Rods showing abuse or abnormal wear
..."

 

[jeff in co]

Also from their website:

Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorbers are high gas pressure monotube shocks designed specifically for lifted pickups, SUVs and Jeeps. The shocks feature a 46mm digressive piston with self-adjusting deflective disc valving. They offer super damping ability that makes them ideal for heavy hauling or occasional off-road use, while maintaining an exceptional street ride.

I hope I won't need to use the warranty but the 5100's seem to be directed towards the occasional off-road use with a 4" lift (my purpose.) Seems to be a "grey" area.

("How grey?.......Charcoal black".....Fletch)

 

[jms]

I wonder what constitutes a 'Bilstein-recommended vehicle'

 

[Blazinaire]

I wonder what constitutes a 'Bilstein-recommended vehicle'

If it is listed specifically in their catalog (i.e. k5 w/3" lift, or jeep tj w/5.5" lift) it qualifies as "bilstein recommended." That has to do with vehicle specific valving, so that you don't put a ford super duty shock on your suzuki samurai because "it fits" and then complain about how crappy their product is because it rides stiff. They actually have a pretty extensive list of lifted vehicle applications. Generally speaking, KYB and Bilstein are the only mainstream manufacturer's that offer specific valving (and even offer different valve profile's in some applications i.e. "comfort" and "heavy duty") but bilstein definately has more lifted applications.

Here is their application chart: http://www.bilsteinus.com/uploads/tx_templavoila/OffRoadCat.pdf starting on page 15. FYI part numbers starting in BE5- are cad plated not yellow.

 

[jeff in co]

There you have it, called out specifically from Bilstein.

When I pulled them out of the box last night I must say that they did look SHARP!! Can't wait for the correct ones to get here. The "brushed aluminum" look very nice!

 

[Slapperbar]

Can't wait, I'll be in the market soon myself.

 

[72 Blaze]

I ran the 5100s on my super duty with a 4" lift and 35s. They rode great. I put a set of 5150s on my 72 blazer with a 4" lift and 35s last summer. I love them. They ride really soft. Its like driving an old caddy! Lol!

 

[jeff in co]

Finally, after receiving the wrong shocks, re-ordering, then they decided not to place the order.........I picked them up this morning. I put them on with my daughter and went on out for a test drive.

Wow, I must say they are amazing shocks! Granted my old ones were 15 years old so I don't have much to compare to but these new 5100's are so sweet! Both of my daughters could tell immediately how much smoother the truck drove after only a few blocks. It does feel like I'm driving on air!

I don't get the side to side sloppiness anymore and the vehicle control is much better overall. Definitely one of the better upgrades for sure!

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Makes me want new shocks soooo bad.