Bilstein Shocks

[chilliwak]

Hello everyone. I am looking to purchase some Bilstein shocks for the old chevy. I have a huge canopy and was thinking some 5150s would do the trick. It seems that Bilstein does not have any shocks that fit an old 1978 pick-up like mine, not to mention that it has 6 inch suspension lift. Perhaps someone knows the correct model aplication for my truck? Does anyone know of a good online seller that has Bilsteins on sale for the best price? I am looking to ship them to the Pacific Northwest...

 

[coder]

You can probably get some 5100's which is the same basic shock what is the engine size and model of you truck and I will get the part numbers?

 

[ExpoMike]

I would talk to Offroad Design as they are the place for '73-'87 GM trucks. I know they offer correct size Bilstein's for different lift heights. Give them a ring.

http://www.offroaddesign.com/

 

[chilliwak]

Coder, I am driving a 1978 Chevy 4by4 long-box. Originally a hlaf ton, but it now has 3/4 ton spring in the rear with 6 inch lift. I like the 5150s because they have an external resevoir and are probably more suited to the fact that I have a huge canopy/camper that is on the truck all the time. Thanks for your input everyone....

 

[bob91yj]

Take a look at the 5160's. One of their off road engineering guys (Joel for those that may know him) brought one of the Bilstein chase trucks in for some work. I noticed some different shocks on it, asked about them. At the time they were testing them (GMC 2500HD Dmax), they are now available. Essentially reservoir 5100's but a much larger external reservoir (and a much larger price). Joel said if I like my 5100's I'll be really happy with the 5160's...they are on my wish list.

 

[ccarley]

Chilliwak,

I've gotten several sets of shocks through allshocks.com

http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/html/show_shocks.asp?make='CHEVROLET'&model='K10, K20'&year='1978'

I'm not sure if that link will work, but they do show the 5100's available for a 6" lift on an old GM truck.

I actually talked to them about 7100's for my Suburban. They come with whatever valving you order, and in whatever length you want (that they have). The guy's name is Kevin over there, and he's been great to work with; I bet he can get you connected with what you need.

The 7100's, when I got them, actually cost less than the 5160's... but they don't have the super cool Bilstein piggyback clamp. Just regular old hose clamps & spacers. Oh yeah, they have heim joints on each end too.

Good luck!
Clay

 

[SteveG]

I like the 5150s because they have an external resevoir and are probably more suited to the fact that I have a huge canopy/camper that is on the truck all the time.

How do you use the truck? Is it driven fast over rough terrain that will overheat the shocks? If not, the reservoir isn't going to do anything for you other than cost you more money. An internal reservoir shock (like a 5100) will work just as well. If you are in danger of overheating shocks, maybe something rebuildable that you can change valving in would be better for your application.

 

[chilliwak]

The truck has a tendency to sway back and forth due to the canopy/camper. This, with the addition of potholes and washboard roads makes for a super high stress factor on the shocks. I wore out a set of KYBs in 2 years, and I only drive in the summer!

 

[SteveG]

The truck has a tendency to sway back and forth due to the canopy/camper. This, with the addition of potholes and washboard roads makes for a super high stress factor on the shocks. I wore out a set of KYBs in 2 years, and I only drive in the summer!

Got it. Getting the right valving in the shock is going to be the biggest help. Like I said above, the reservoir will help keep them cool and not fade but sway is controlled by the valving.

I'm guessing you already have good sway bars on it?

 

[chilliwak]

I will be installing a Hellwig sway bar with the new shocks. My partner in crime, Stienbruchsoldat, will be helping me with numerous improvements as we are doing a Canada trip together.....:ylsmoke:

 

[chilliwak]

Just purchased a set of 2 Bilstein 5150s for the rear axle. Total cost with shipment, $243. I think that is reasonable for a shock that is valved for the camper and is built for a 6 inch lift.:ylsmoke:

 

[Outback]

Any Pictures of the setup?

 

[chilliwak]

Here you go...



5150s installed in the rear. But I understand that Bilstein does not offer this shock for sale anymore. Something that I cant understand as these shocks have held up to more abuse that I can mention...:ylsmoke:

 

[Outback]

Looks like they are available again. At least on there website. Thanks.

 

[rallygabe]

As previously posted- Remote reservoir shocks will do nothing but drain your wallet on 99% of expedition style vehicles. Remote reservoir shocks are for high frequency oscillation applications or sometimes for extreme travel models. (ie- race trucks mostly, race cars too)

I agree with the addition of a sway bar. Possibly stiffer springs or an examination of your rear suspension geometry considering the 6" lift.

cheers!