Bilstein life expectancy
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,367
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From: Woodstock, GA
Bilstein life expectancy I was curious how other's Bilsteins are holding up. I have about 55k on mine and I think they're shot. The quality of ride is poor at this point. I really don't feel like popping out another 500.00 for shocks, but I don't have a lot of options as I'm lowered. I love it lowered - but at this point, stock height/shocks are becoming more appealing.
I have a 1994 Chevy s10 4x4 with Delco/Bilsteins and 165k miles. The ride is still just as harsh as the day I drove it off the lot with 5 miles on the clock. I also have a 2003 s10 ZR2 with 112k miles. The Bilsteins on that truck are also just as firm....
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,216
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From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
Bilstein said from the beginning that their shocks aren't for lowering springs. So if you have premature wear, it's not entirely surprising. The Bilstein rears on my DD Formula with stock springs have about 87k on them. They've softened up a little (a good thing as they were overly stiff when new), but are still well within their service life. Car rides great and compression/rebound is still good.
Bilstein said from the beginning that their shocks aren't for lowering springs. So if you have premature wear, it's not entirely surprising. The Bilstein rears on my DD Formula with stock springs have about 87k on them. They've softened up a little (a good thing as they were overly stiff when new), but are still well within their service life. Car rides great and compression/rebound is still good.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,216
Likes: 236
From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
Yep, well, revalved are different and should support the lowering springs. I don't know if revalving has any effect on longevity, although it wouldn't seem so. All I know is that stock Bilsteins tend to perform well for a long time, in contrast to most OEM shocks that are toast in 35-60k.
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Slp bilstiens used to be unique, meaning valved for lowering. Now an slp bilstien is identical to a bilstien HD shock. There is no slp valving anymore even though they are still sold under slp name. It's a change they made several years ago. That being said I blew out a rear at 100k miles, so I replaced the pair. The fronts I rode on till 110k and they still rode fine.
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I agree with this but would also look into the Koni STR.T shocks too as they are a budget shock that works very well with lowering springs.
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Yes, the Koni STR.T's do have better dampening for use with stiffer lowering springs. Which I will definitely agree is a big plus, but they still don't have a proven track record on their longevity, an since Koni did out source them to another company to be built cheaper it does have to make you wonder how long will they really last. Furthermore TA_Freakseems to have a concern about the longevity of shocks he will spend his hard earned money on. So that's the main reason I suggested the Bilsteins, not the STR.T's even though their valved better for stiffer lowering springs.
Last edited by 99Bluz28; Oct 13, 2015 at 01:55 PM.
Yes, the Koni STR.T's do have better dampening for use with stiffer lowering springs. Which I will definitely agree is a big plus, but they still don't have a proven track record on their longevity, an since Koni did out source them to another company to be built cheaper it does have to make you wonder how long will they really last. Furthermore TA_Freakseems to have a concern about the longevity of shocks he will spend his hard earned money on. So that's the main reason I suggested the Bilsteins, not the STR.T's even though their valved better for stiffer lowering springs.
__________________
Glenn ***
Sales Tech
www.bmrsuspension.com
813.986.9302
Find a Quality alignment shop near you!
Glenn ***
Sales Tech
www.bmrsuspension.com
813.986.9302
Find a Quality alignment shop near you!