Bilstein Shocks - Diesel Forum

scrmn6guns · 10-07-2008, 12:08 PM

Hello and thanks for any help in advance.

I read on here about Bilstein shocks being the best or at least the most recommended shock on here for the "X". But what everyone says is "properly valved" Bilstein. When I read this it makes me think you can order or get Bilsteins with different valving... But I never see that, it's just you get what they make...... So what gives...why say "Properly Valved" shock why not just say "BILSTEIN's"?????

Thanks Jim

Racer-X · 10-08-2008, 09:48 PM

I have seen threads on other forums, and you can ask Bilstein to custom valve a shock and purchase them like that.
Usually guys are into rear spring swaps, and want fronts to match the new spring rate.
I have heard of dual front shock set ups to help balance the ride.

I would hazard a guess that these are guys pushing big torque and are worried about the dreaded axle wrap. They are probably towing big loads also.

I am sure you can ask around to see who runs what, and why. I do know from racing that Bilstein makes a great product, for OEM or custom applications.

Hoowasat · 10-09-2008, 08:33 PM

FWIW, I've had Rancho adjustables on my '01 X and Bilsteins on my '05 X. I'm gonna' get some more Ranchos 'cuz I ain't the least bit impressed with the Bilsteins. But that's jus' my opinion ... some other folks love the Bilsteins.

caryt · 10-11-2008, 12:14 PM

Like anything else if you get the wrong Bilsteins you won't be as happy with the results as the correctly valved ones. Excursions are a very special case and stock replacement Bilsteins are not correct..IMO.

Cary

DOGdiesel316 · 10-11-2008, 06:17 PM

I have the other thread going and Bilstiens ride like crap. Guess i could get them revaled but to what? I have Bilsteins do my Corvette race car shocks. I think they seem to need more rebound on them?

scrmn6guns · 10-11-2008, 07:53 PM

Caryt..... So what is a correct valved one...or for what kinda of vehicle do I order for? This is my whole question over this....Everybody says Correct valved but nobody says what is CORRECT

Please shine some light on this

Zapped277 · 10-12-2008, 09:24 AM

i just got mine on yersterday only 30 miles on it but better so far

MongoVB · 10-12-2008, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrmn6guns

Caryt..... So what is a correct valved one...or for what kinda of vehicle do I order for? This is my whole question over this....Everybody says Correct valved but nobody says what is CORRECT

Please shine some light on this

You could always cal Bilstien and ask some questions as well. Maybe they will offer some insight?

TxCanyonero · 12-08-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MongoVB

You could always cal Bilstien and ask some questions as well. Maybe they will offer some insight?

Just get them from Cary. I looked around, and he was cheaper than any other place I found, and his price included shipping AND the "correct valving".

cafercr35 · 12-08-2008, 05:34 PM

i did the valved bilsteins from Caryt...I confirm the price was cheaper than anywhere else. Also I am very happy with the ride. I made my decision by pming Caryt and asking some questions...then actual got his # and called and had a conversation on the subject of "a better riding X" Caryt was very great to talk with and was also available everytime I needed to ask more questions ( and that I did).

Caryt is a suspension guy and has an X which his wife drives...that was good enough for me.

Good Luck

turbodave · 12-08-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caryt

Like anything else if you get the wrong Bilsteins you won't be as happy with the results as the correctly valved ones. Excursions are a very special case and stock replacement Bilsteins are not correct..IMO.

Cary

Ok, what is the correct valving????? For example, my stock 01 4x2?

Nice to throw out comments like that, but with no followup data, doesn't mean a whole lot to the readers.

DR.billZ · 12-10-2008, 10:36 AM

Why would there be differing valving for the SAME vehicle. Why would they make "incorrect" valving for a vehicle?

cafercr35 · 12-10-2008, 10:55 AM

here is how I see it: I go and buy a pair of jeans....they feel good...they look good....I then have my Grandma do some custom tailoring and WOW....THEY FEEL AWESOME AND LOOK AWESOME...they are custom fit to my body.

Bilstein has the ability to custom valve the shocks to fit the frame and suspension for the x.

This is my view and only my view - please correct me if I'm wrong.

TxCanyonero · 12-10-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbodave

Nice to throw out comments like that, but with no followup data, doesn't mean a whole lot to the readers.

I don't know what the specific "valving" was, Cary never told me, the part number was on the box but I never bothered to write it down. It wasn't important to me because #1 I probably won't need a new set of shocks for a long long time, and #2 I can't order the shock any cheaper. PM Cary if you want the secret recipe. Plain and simple, he is the one that knows. I sent him measurements of my X, told him what springs I was putting on and a box of shocks showed up at my door.

The special "valving" could be non-sense but the fact that the shocks were cheaper than anywhere else on line and made a hell of a difference in the ride, were enough for me to say I don't care what the valving is, it works.

I can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking my head up a bull's @ss, but I'd rather take a butcher's word for it. I left the shocks to the guy who knows.

optiwizard · 12-17-2008, 02:55 AM

i personally liked my bilstien's when they were new. Now that they all leak and ride like crap i hate them. So much for the 7100's or the 5150's. they look and ride like poop now!