Bilstein 5100 shocks installed....question???

Howie Kaluha · 06-26-2006, 09:55 AM

OK, the shocks were installed this morning.....

However, I was a little confused when I got the impression from the guys at the shop that these aren't any better than the Explorer series that came with my lift kit. One dude even said they "aren't even an off road shock". I was under the impression that this is pretty much the best rear shock for our Titans??

Also, I hear a slight knocking sound sometimes when I hit certain bumps on the road. Is this normal due to how stiff the shocks are on the road? I had called the guy at the shop and he said they'd take a look at the them and that there shouldn't be anything knocking around. I looked under the truck, doesn't look like anything would be hitting. Haven't taken them off road yet......

ThingOw181 · 06-26-2006, 10:57 AM

Howie K-

The Bilstiens are generally recognized as one of the best "direct-replacement" shocks that you can install on a vehicle. When the guy at the shop mentioned "not even an off-road shock" he is pretty much mistaken- thousands of miles in Baja would counter that.

What I believe he is referring to is that it's not a reservoired shock. Most people think that you need reservoirs to have a true off-road shock. These shocks are fairly specialized, similar to the Radflo shocks Greg now has available. These shocks only truly provide benefit when you're going fast in the chop, which tends to overheat the shock oil (reservoir provides more oil) which creates shock fade.

All told, I think the Bilsteins are the best bet for you. From your pics, it doesn't look like long distance off-road sprints are your thing.

Howie Kaluha · 06-26-2006, 11:09 AM

Good info, thanks

You mean, it doesn't look like I have access to Baja style off roading or that I don't do any offroading?

ThingOw181 · 06-26-2006, 11:12 AM

I just saw the pic where you're climbing up something.

I'm referring to the desert like stuff that Kartmann posts or the sand dunes stuff like I usually do. Does Florida have places where you can do 50+ mph romps through the rough stuff? I guess I just assumed mud and hills are the big off-road there.

I love mud, but I hate cleaning!

Howie Kaluha · 06-26-2006, 11:22 AM

Definitely don't have anywhere here for 50 mph sand runs, LOL. Some smaller sand pits and mudding really.

Howie Kaluha · 06-26-2006, 11:40 AM

Hnmmm.....I did find this..........

Chris93Si · 06-26-2006, 03:16 PM

I got some clunking from mine for a while, turns out they were a little loose, check and make sure everything is tight.

Oh yeah, the Bilsteins are a great offroad shock, those guys were just hatin

Howie Kaluha · 06-26-2006, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris93Si

Oh yeah, the Bilsteins are a great offroad shock, those guys were just hatin

Well, now i'm getting mixed signals about the shock I have. Someone else is telling me that if it's not a PRG modified 5100, then it's not an off road shock

??

kartman · 06-26-2006, 03:32 PM

Just get rid of those shocks and buy the correct set from PRG

Howie Kaluha · 06-27-2006, 07:55 AM

Well, the shop guys came up with some spacers that make it work better. However, in all honesty, I don't think the problem has been the shocks. I didn't even think about the fact that I have a lid on my bed that is kinda loose even though it's locked. You can definitely press on the lid and see that it moves, and with the firmer rear shocks now, I believe it was causing the lid to knock around a bit on certain bumps. After they put the spacers in (I'll get some pics a bit later), I went for a test drive over bumps, speedbumps, tore up gravel, etc. and notice the knocking now only when the lid is down and locked. But, when I actualy unlock the lid and let it rest in the open position, I don't hear the knocking sounds at all. Geez, life can really kick you in the butt

Pirate · 06-27-2006, 02:16 PM

could you have installed them yourself? Mine been in the garage for 2 months. I am waiting for money so I can put on my 8" cst kit. I have been getting off work early will give it a try if someone can give me some tips.

Chris93Si · 06-27-2006, 02:41 PM

If you have the Bilsteins to go w/ the CST lift than I'd wait until the lift is on. I'd assume shocks long enough to be used w/ the lift would be too long for a stock truck.

Demondw3 · 06-28-2006, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris93Si

If you have the Bilsteins to go w/ the CST lift than I'd wait until the lift is on. I'd assume shocks long enough to be used w/ the lift would be too long for a stock truck.

You are correct. Pirate the shocks are a much longer than our stock shocks and will not fit at stock height.