Bilstein shocks.....opinions/model #s??

[Safari Ary]

Well, it seems Rusty is having a sale on Bilsteins. "ALL Bilsteins 45$" is what it says. Well, it just so happens that I NEED shocks. I have Rusty's hydros from my 3" kit and two of them are blown. I' also sitting at 4.5" now and I hate the way my Jeep rides(I know CA angle has to do w/ it, which is why I'm no longer at 6.5"). I've done a decent amount of trimming, and will be running 32 BFG ATs and 33 MTRs, for on and off-road respectively. What Bilsteins do you guys suggest, more specifically, what series(5100, 6100, 7100, 9100?). Thanks

Ary

P.S. I will probably eliminate the top post style mount on the fronts if that helps any.

 

[CRASH]

Well, I'll tell you right now that 9100 series Bilsteins are not going to cost you $45......

I'm sure he is referring to 5100 series, which are very good shocks, and will improve your ride dramatically.

CRASH

 

[Safari Ary]

Well, I'll tell you right now that 9100 series Bilsteins are not going to cost you $45......

I'm sure he is referring to 5100 series, which are very good shocks, and will improve your ride dramatically.

CRASH

hehe, I can dream right

To be more specific, if I can get 6100s for that price, should I? or will the 5100s be more than sufficient? Thanks

Ary

 

[Nick]

I have 5100's on mine and they tightened the ride considerably. They also made it rougher, but it doesn't dive during breaking or cornering

Nick

 

[Safari Ary]

What shocks were you running previously?? I'm used to relatively stiff shocks. The Jeep came w/ UC shocks when I got my Jeep and they were pretty stiff compared to other stock Jeeps. I really would like to get a smoother ride than I've got now. I'm putting longer shackles on in the rear that will help soften up the rear, and I've already got the soft Rusty's springs in the front w/ no swaybar. My problem is that I drive BMWs, Audis, Porsches, and Jags all day for work, and they have very crisp rides, but they're not abusive. Now OBVIOUSLY my Jeep is not gonna ride like a BMW, but that's the direction I'd like to go in. Thanks for any input. Peace

Ary

 

[ZPD]

I've got the 5100's and they are a great shock. No complaints at all. Just a tip on installation, don't cut the strap that holds them together untill after you bolt them in. I did on the first shock, not realizing that the nitrogen charge was as strong as it is. It was a bear to put in!

 

[ChiXJeff]

I've got the 5100's and they are a great shock. No complaints at all. Just a tip on installation, don't cut the strap that holds them together untill after you bolt them in. I did on the first shock, not realizing that the nitrogen charge was as strong as it is. It was a bear to put in!

How much lift, and exactly what's the part number of the Bilsteins are you running, please?

ChiXJeff

 

[ZPD]

I have a 6" lift and my shocks have 12" travel. I can't recall the part number off of the top of my head.

 

[Weasel]

so do these have the stud top mount and Bar pins in the lower and made for the XJ or are they jsut the genraly valved bilstiens? I know they make shocks for a 3" lift and are suppost to be have ones for a 4"(aka 10" of travel or so) out about this time.

 

[SV1CEC]

Well, it seems Rusty is having a sale on Bilsteins. "ALL Bilsteins 45$" is what it says. Well, it just so happens that I NEED shocks. I have Rusty's hydros from my 3" kit and two of them are blown. I' also sitting at 4.5" now and I hate the way my Jeep rides(I know CA angle has to do w/ it, which is why I'm no longer at 6.5"). I've done a decent amount of trimming, and will be running 32 BFG ATs and 33 MTRs, for on and off-road respectively. What Bilsteins do you guys suggest, more specifically, what series(5100, 6100, 7100, 9100?). Thanks

Ary

P.S. I will probably eliminate the top post style mount on the fronts if that helps any.

I do not have them on my XJ, but on my other truck (see signature for details) and I love them. When I got my lift kit from Rusty, I wish I knew that he had Bilsteins as an alternative, his normal shocks leave a lot to be desired.

I would go with the 5100 or 6100, you do not need to spend any more money than that, the ride these Bilsteins offer is superb. Firm but not harsh.

Rgds

 

[Nick]

Ary on the jeep with Bilsteins I changed over the stock shocks. I have had two previous XJ's, one with Rustys Hydro and a 3" lift and another stock height XJ with Rancho 5000. I found the Bilsteins to be superior out of all the others. If price is not a problem perhaps an adjustable shock to dial your XJ in.
I know what you mean about the ride of a BMW, but lets face it, we're not going to turn an XJ into a M3. I also, put Urethane sway-bar bushings in the front and back which I definitely felt a difference with. I hope that this helps

 

[Safari Ary]

Thanks Nick.

I'm gonna go ahead and get these, the price is right, and most of the feedback I've gotten has been positive. Now all I've gotta do is figure out what travel length I need and what my compressed and extended measurements are.

Regarding the swaybar, I've found that by disconnecting it the ride gets MUCH more compliant and doesn't beat me up nearly as much. With that said, I prefer to run connected at speed for handling reasons. However, until I fix my broken disconnect I will have to run discoed. What I'm wondering is if there is anyway to regain this control w/o adding back the harsh ride. What I mean about the harsh ride is for example, I'm pulling off a main road into a parking lot. The concrete "ramp" that is the entrance to the shopping center flops my Jeep back and forth like a CB antenna. Whereas, discoed the suspension just soaks it up and it feels much less volatile. Any ideas or experiences with this anyone?? Thanks

Ary

 

[Nick]

Ary,

I have never experienced this. Are the shocks your running now worn out? I personally do not like running with the sway bar disconnected as I don't need large amounts of articulation, I do most of my wheeling at the beach and logging roads. Ask Eagle, he is like an oracle.