Bilsteins Shocks
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Cabot, Arkansas
Bilsteins Shocks
Gents,
The Bilstein shocks for my Super Duty just arrived and I have a quick question...
I remember someone in here reporting they had to mount their Bilsteins "upside down". I tried to find the "Search" option for FTE, but the Search tab appears to be gone!
Any ideas on Bilsteins?
Thanks
Edmo
The Bilstein shocks for my Super Duty just arrived and I have a quick question...
I remember someone in here reporting they had to mount their Bilsteins "upside down". I tried to find the "Search" option for FTE, but the Search tab appears to be gone!
Any ideas on Bilsteins?
Thanks
Edmo
Last edited by Edmo; Oct 21, 2004 at 07:20 AM.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: upstate new york
I just got off the phone with NTW .... they told me that the bilstein shocks go boot side up ????? they said there is no benefit in installing them the other way ???? What's goin on here ???? I just installed 6 of the 5100 series shock in my truck and I sure don't want ruin them .... can anyone cear this up ..please ....... marty
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: manalapan nj
on my 2wd could only install boot up. the fronts have a stud that goes into the engine compartment. cant flip that. and the backs have 2 different size end sleeves. could only install boot up. from what ive read 4wd can flip either way.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
Culprit2,
The benefit of installing them boot down is that dirt, grime, water, etc.. can't sit right by the seal on the shock body. With them mounted boot down everything falls away from the seal.
Other than that as far as I know since they are a charged shock they will perform the same regarless of their orientation.
The benefit of installing them boot down is that dirt, grime, water, etc.. can't sit right by the seal on the shock body. With them mounted boot down everything falls away from the seal.
Other than that as far as I know since they are a charged shock they will perform the same regarless of their orientation.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 4
From: Western NC
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 4
From: Western NC
http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/html/home.asp
I think that Bilstein's corporate colors are yellow and blue, so it's likely that is the only color they come in. Brand recognition and all that, you know. No way to mistake whose shock is on there when it stands out like that.........
I think that Bilstein's corporate colors are yellow and blue, so it's likely that is the only color they come in. Brand recognition and all that, you know. No way to mistake whose shock is on there when it stands out like that.........
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
The bilstien shocks installed as original equipment on my old (1980) Porsche 911 are upside down up front and right side up on the rear. My 2 Lightnings have had Bilstiens which I think were right side up.I believe the main advantage with the placement is to reduce unsprung weight by placing the mass on the frame and not rising with the suspension .I doubt you could feel a difference on a vehicle as heavy as an SD but the seals etc are designed to operate in either position.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I've heard only good things about bilstein shocks, so maybe I can get used to the color. Although I thought there was a different, more expensive model that was a different color. Grey or silver I think. I'll have to check out their site.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Cabot, Arkansas
The bright yellow and baby blue Bilsteins are installed on my big red truck...
39,000 miles on the truck and the right front & one of the rear OEM shocks were really worn. The change out took me about 1.5 hours (with help from my 10 year old daughter) and was straight forward. 15mm & 18mm sockets, 18mm open/box & torque wrench, WD40 to help loosen and a dab of grease to slide the rubber back on. Torque for the front: 76... Rear: 46.
First test drive and the truck rides slightly stiffer with none of the tire skip I was getting when traveling over rough roads. They also dampen out spring bounce really well. I'm sure the truck will tow my travel trailer smoother now. I was starting to get trailer induced pitching which took a while for the old shocks to dampen out.
You can rarely tell when shocks wear out since it happens so slowly. However, when the new ones are on it becomes obvious if you had issues.
On edit: OBTW, Bilsteins have a lifetime warranty...
Edmo
39,000 miles on the truck and the right front & one of the rear OEM shocks were really worn. The change out took me about 1.5 hours (with help from my 10 year old daughter) and was straight forward. 15mm & 18mm sockets, 18mm open/box & torque wrench, WD40 to help loosen and a dab of grease to slide the rubber back on. Torque for the front: 76... Rear: 46.
First test drive and the truck rides slightly stiffer with none of the tire skip I was getting when traveling over rough roads. They also dampen out spring bounce really well. I'm sure the truck will tow my travel trailer smoother now. I was starting to get trailer induced pitching which took a while for the old shocks to dampen out.
You can rarely tell when shocks wear out since it happens so slowly. However, when the new ones are on it becomes obvious if you had issues.
On edit: OBTW, Bilsteins have a lifetime warranty...
Edmo