Shocks - again - Difference Between 7.3 and 6.7
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2005
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Shocks - again - Difference Between 7.3 and 6.7
Out of curiosity I looked at Bilstein 4600 and 5100 shocks and compared those recommended for the 7.3 engine vs. the 6.7.
There is no difference. Huh???? Wouldn't the heavier diesel engine want a different shock than the lighter 7.3?
There is no difference. Huh???? Wouldn't the heavier diesel engine want a different shock than the lighter 7.3?
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 1,336
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 1,336
Shock size and the valving could probably be adjusted to react much differently and I’d say that would call for some differences depending on the vehicles weight.
Which is why all the high end lift kits have not only properly tuned springs but also properly tuned shocks. So tucks that might weigh up to 1000lbs different could probably benefit from shocks designed specifically for it. Just comes down to how much $$$ one would like to spend
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 413
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From: N. Appalachistan
true but I feel like that’s not the whole story because lots of variable can impact that valve speed
Shock size and the valving could probably be adjusted to react much differently and I’d say that would call for some differences depending on the vehicles weight.
Which is why all the high end lift kits have not only properly tuned springs but also properly tuned shocks. So tucks that might weigh up to 1000lbs different could probably benefit from shocks designed specifically for it. Just comes down to how much $$$ one would like to spend
Shock size and the valving could probably be adjusted to react much differently and I’d say that would call for some differences depending on the vehicles weight.
Which is why all the high end lift kits have not only properly tuned springs but also properly tuned shocks. So tucks that might weigh up to 1000lbs different could probably benefit from shocks designed specifically for it. Just comes down to how much $$$ one would like to spend
The spring rate is vehicle weight dependent, but its only purpose is to support the weight of the vehicle in such a fashion to keep the shock functioning within its design parameters. That's why lighter vehicles have different spring rates than heavier ones. Yes, you can tune a shock to optimize damping performance for specific conditions, e.g. highway towing or desert racing, but that tuning regulates the shaft speed, and doesn't have anything to do with vehicle weight.
And lets face it, these are Super Duty trucks, and no matter what you paid for it, they're far from the pinnacle of suspension design and engineering. Even when the Rancho rep was posting here, he or she couldn't/wouldn't tell me what exactly the clicker regulated.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 413
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From: N. Appalachistan
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2024
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^^^^^this- I just went through selecting shocks for my Platinum.
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: N. Appalachistan
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 534
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From: Park County, CO
A shock purpose is to keep the tires on the ground and control weight distribution. Too little damping and the tires can resonate from rough roads and bounce up and down like dribbling a basketball. Too much damping and you'll negate the spring and the tire will skip over rough roads. The weight that's important is the unsprung weight (tire, wheel, suspension pieces).
I'm not surprised that gas or diesel use the same shocks.
I'm not surprised that gas or diesel use the same shocks.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,358
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From: SW VA
The shock is controlling the weight of the axle/suspension/tire & wheel....not necessarily the entire weight of the vehicle.
A Honda Civic hitting a pothole with it's small 15" car tire and one a-arm is far different than a SD with a 700lb axle, and 200lbs of tire & wheel...and since diesel and gas SD's use the same chassis and running gear, the same shock will work just fine for both.
A Honda Civic hitting a pothole with it's small 15" car tire and one a-arm is far different than a SD with a 700lb axle, and 200lbs of tire & wheel...and since diesel and gas SD's use the same chassis and running gear, the same shock will work just fine for both.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,271
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From: Gulf Coast, FL
I see this as a "demand" problem. How much demand is asked of the shock?? Given the dynamics of how a shock "works" it's not impossible to use the same shock on two different "weights". So we design a shock with multiple discs that will effect the rebound/compression as required. Not to mention as already stated your coil springs are different between the gasser and diesel (depending on options).
BTW...It's a Bilstein. This company has been around HOW long?? They have access to testing and engineering data points WAY beyond what we could post here. I'm not saying the ride isn't going to change, but damn engineers working for a company that's been around for like 70+ plus years......they have the experience.
BTW...It's a Bilstein. This company has been around HOW long?? They have access to testing and engineering data points WAY beyond what we could post here. I'm not saying the ride isn't going to change, but damn engineers working for a company that's been around for like 70+ plus years......they have the experience.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
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Lots of good discussion on the topic but, to answer the OP's question regarding a different shock on the front for the heavier 6.7 versus the lighter 7.3, I look to the rear. The load on the rear axle can vary by several thousand pounds depending on load and the shocks remain the same.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2021
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Lots of good discussion on the topic but, to answer the OP's question regarding a different shock on the front for the heavier 6.7 versus the lighter 7.3, I look to the rear. The load on the rear axle can vary by several thousand pounds depending on load and the shocks remain the same.
that’s not a good example to use. It’s exactly why unloaded pickups ride like **** over bumps. Because the springs & shocks are geared toward the potential to carry weight. If the springs and shocks were designed around never having to carry thousands of pounds of extra weight they would literally ride nicer empty.
unless you think unloaded f350s ride nice over bumps then you’re just crazy lol
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
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Oh boy talk about contradicting the point you’re trying to make.
that’s not a good example to use. It’s exactly why unloaded pickups ride like **** over bumps. Because the springs & shocks are geared toward the potential to carry weight. If the springs and shocks were designed around never having to carry thousands of pounds of extra weight they would literally ride nicer empty.
unless you think unloaded f350s ride nice over bumps then you’re just crazy lol
that’s not a good example to use. It’s exactly why unloaded pickups ride like **** over bumps. Because the springs & shocks are geared toward the potential to carry weight. If the springs and shocks were designed around never having to carry thousands of pounds of extra weight they would literally ride nicer empty.
unless you think unloaded f350s ride nice over bumps then you’re just crazy lol
Back to the original post, the OP was expecting the front shocks on a truck equipped with the 6.7 to be different than a truck equipped with the 7.3 because the 6.7 is heavier (by several hundred pounds). My example that the rear experiences significantly more change in load using the same shocks is good for the purpose of the OP's question.
The front springs are different for the 6.7. That addresses the heavier weight.