Shocks same front and rear? (specifically Bilstein 5100's)

[dremu]

As part of my fight to get my truck back to streetable, I am looking at Bilsteins to replace the crap Gabriels I have on the truck now.

However, the recommended lengths won't necessarily work in my case for various reasons, and going strictly by the measurements, it could work out nicely to use the "rear" shocks in front.

The question is, are the ones designated for the front valved differently than those for the rear, or are they otherwise different (assuming the mounting is the same, which should be the case?)

I notice that the rear shock Bilstein specs for 3-4" lift (#24-187084) measures out very close (within 1/4") to the front one for 4-6" lift, but has a different part number (#33-185552.) This leads me to believe that front and rear are different somehow.

I can call Bilstein Monday, but thought I'd throw it out to y'all now, see whatcha think.

-- A

 

[bot0611]

Are you going for the 5100's the chrome ones??
call them....

 

[dremu]

I'm surprised you kept the Gabriels that long - mine went in the trash after one trail ride.
I've had 5125s with the 255/70 valving - not enough, particularly not on rebound.
I now have two 5125s - each at 255/70 - in the front, and that seems to work ok. Haven't solved the rear.

Ah, see, I was just looking at the 5100 proper, which are pre-made in various sizes/valving/whatever to fit existing vehicles, and the 5125 are similar but come in random sizes/valving for custom fitment. I think. But they don't give the valving for the 5100 proper so I've nothing to compare to.

Looks like the 255/70 is on the high side in that series, anyway; what kind of front suspension are you running?

-- A

 

[dremu]

I have the ORD inspired/approved 3"TC HD in front (d60), 2"TC/2.5 flip in back. Besides that, keep in mind that overall my tastes don't coincide much with CK5 mainstream... so I don't know why the two 5125's at "supposed" 255/70 work, but as far as I can tell, they keep the front d60 under control.

I may be in the same boat w.r.t. taste as I'm trying to make my 52"s drivable at speed. I'm tired of the pucker marks on the vinyl.

It does seem like a lot of damping in your case; as I'm flipping through their PDF I don't see much higher. But hey, if it works for you, what the heck. I'm cheap, but at this point I'd stuff $20 bills into the axle if it would make the truck ride decent.

What have you done in the back and why aren't you happy with it? (And if there's a thread somewhere with this, welcome to point me at it and I'll stop naggin' ya )

-- A

 

[Avery4jc]

I've been running 5125's out back and 5150's up front that I got from a vendor on Pirate a couple years back and they've been great. I told him what they were going on and he asked a few questions and shipped them out with whatever valving he saw fit. I'm not even going to pretend I remember what it was at this point but they work and they weren't that much more expensive than other shocks I was looking at. They get my vote.

 

[dremu]

I had some challenges finding a person at Bilstein, but did at least determine that the 5100-proper part numbers for 6" lift have the same valving, 255/70, as much of the 5125 line.

I figure I'll try a set of four on the premise that most anything will be better than the crap I have. If it's under-damped I have the option of doubling up like JMS did, though that's a lot of shiny stuff for my truck

-- A

 

[bot0611]

i use to run 275/78 up front 5150's and they held good...
register at race-dezert.com go in to the forum and search for Joel, he works at bilstein, he will help