Couple of questions about Bilsteins..

[Robert6401]

I can't tell by looking on the website at shockwarehouse.com which model number shocks I need. There seems to be a model for trucks with zero - 2" of lift, and another model for 3-4" of lift. I have a leveling kit that is 2.5" of lift, so which ones do I get??? Also, do the shocks come with mounting hardware, i.e. replacement bolts, nuts, washers? ---> funn story, I was changing my oil today and noticed that there was no nut and washer on the backside of one of my front shocks! I don't really know what would've happened if it had come off completely, but as crappy as these shocks are I don't think I would've noticed any difference in ride quality! Thanks for the help. Also, will take suggestions on other places to get the shocks if there is somewhere better. Bob

[WA.Ranger]

Don't know about what guy's are using with a level kit, but I would use the 3"-4".

[triskit16]

subscribing and bump...

[santacruzf250]

If your truck doesn't leave the road, the 0-2" will be fine. If you're really stretching your stock suspension, maybe the 3-4" would be better. Either way, you'll be in a bind between extending your shock all the way and bottoming out. Those are extremes though. I'd probably go with 0-2" personally....

[zx250]

I ask a rep at Bilstein and also at Shockwearhouse and both told me the same thing Loren just said. The valving is the same, just different range of travel. They are supposed to be coming out with a front shock made for our trucks with leveling kits. It was supposed to be out in March and is still not with no guesses as to when. I went with the 0-2 inch and have no issues, but I don't jump a lot of ditches either.

[triskit16]

They handle decent down on the beaches, Barry?!

[zx250]

Oh yeah, smooths those ruts right out. Plenty of travel for all I do.

[jdecker88]

I got the HDs and love them though there is several people running the 5100s (3-4in ) with stock suspension.

[megawatt00]

Originally Posted by zx250

I ask a rep at Bilstein and also at Shockwearhouse and both told me the same thing Loren just said. The valving is the same, just different range of travel. They are supposed to be coming out with a front shock made for our trucks with leveling kits. It was supposed to be out in March and is still not with no guesses as to when. I went with the 0-2 inch and have no issues, but I don't jump a lot of ditches either.

Smae here. No problems at all.

[DCSpecial]

Bilstein also has a 1-3" shock.

If you have a mini spring pack you need the 0-2"
If you have a hanger and shackle you'd go with the 1-3"

[F250_]

Personally, I've recently received better help with issues like this from the Tech guy at Shockwarehoue than from Bilstein. Perhaps i didn't get hooked up with the right guy at Bilstein, but the Techie at Shockwarehouse told me he's had some trouble getting solid tech help from Bilstein himself.

[Joe_914]

Smacking a shock against it's upper or lower limit will destroy it in a quick hurry.

You can use rubber bump stops (See Koni foam stops) for compression over travel.

As with anything in life the correct length is important. Shack warehouse techs are good guys.

[Ponyboychris]

You use the existing hardware from the truck to mount your new shocks so don't toss any bolts or nuts.

[fordf350crazy]

What ones would be best suited to work with air bags? I think the bags raise the height maybe 4 inches up from stock???

[spdmpo]

That all depends on if you use the bags to lift the truck. I use my bags to keep from sagging and to maintain the original height when it's loaded, so I'm using the 0" lift shocks. I figured I would much rather have the shock go fully extended and limit a little travel rather than have it bottom out and over compress, that'll kill one in a big hurry.

It would have been nice if they made a middle of the road for the leveling kit guys, but so far no problems.