Installed the bilstiens the other day, rides is improved. Feels more stable espically at higher speeds. One thing i didnt like is how it lifted the rear end up about 1/2- 3/4 of an inch. anyone else notice this? I have ground force coils and western chassis in the back, it used to sit level.

 

I've seen similar data on other trucks with a change to the Bilstiens.

Here's a question (Awhittle, Ruslow, anyone?):
Do the Bilstiens add "lift" the inside suspension on a corner? Consider this oversimplified analysis: if you are turning left, the mass of the truck wants to rotate clockwise on the roll center. Thus, weight is shifting from the left side of the suspension to the right. If the shocks are pressurized, how much additional lift do they add, causing additional roll in comparision to an unpressurized shock? How is the roll affected front to rear (rear corner to opposite front corner)?

Spike

 

Z28KLR

Where did you get your shocks and how much were they? Also did you have to buy anything extra to make them fit?

Later
Damon

 

I went to ford parts online and go their phone number, $170 shiped to my house the next day, I told them i had a 2000 and they knew about the adaptors for the rear.

 

Spike. . .Would you say they add 'lift' or would you say they don't hinder the unloading of the weight as much?

Just wondering.

 

Jay,

Since they are pressurized and it's possible for the shaft velocity to be very low (almost static) on a sweeping corner, won't a pressurized shock help roll the mass more than an unpressurized shock? I guess if someone has one, stick it on a scale and measure the force of the shaft. That would be the additional force helping unweight the truck.

It may be very minor (front and rear). But on the other hand, if the typical lowered truck ends up 1/2" higher in the rear, it is affecting the suspension. Maybe it's negligible, but I don't know.

Spike

 

Springs are springy buy definition and as such behave in a lbs/in linier way. Gas shocks behave in a constent way as far as acting like a spring and give a constent force of say 30 lbs or so. Yes they will raise the truck some but not much.

Gas shocks have constent pressure in them to minimize the gas bubbles forming as the oil rushs thru the valving. This is real important as the oil heats up on road racing. The more heat and movement, the more important this is.

Remember that a shock can only effect the weight transfer durring transitions. (cornering braking or acceleration) Once the chassis takes a set(mid corner), the shocks have very little effect. Shocks are for transitions...Sway bars and springs are for stedy state.

Hope this helps

 

I just ordered mine from ford parts online also. They were $164 for all 4 shocks, plus the two rear shock nuts, and shipping. Will be here early next week. I spoke with Gary at ford parts, he was great, definately knows his stuff!!!! They were shipped the same day I ordered them.

I was told that all we need for a 99/00 install is the shocks and a new nut for the upper mount on the rear shocks. I will be doing the install next week, I hope.....

www.fordpartsonline.com

 

Andy,

If you have my cell number still, give me a call.

George

 

I see what you're saying. Thinking in terms of the left-rear of the truck while turning left. . .I think we're on the same page -
I'm just looking at the scenario in terms of truck weight/load force acting/reacting on the shock (as it is the greater of the two), not shock acting on the truck. I think we see the same things, though. Except out here we don't have any sweeping corners that are smooth enough to allow static shaft velocity. Man. . .I gotta get my a$$ to Laguna Seca. . . .

 

well i hate the rake on the truck. I might put the GP back on the rear only, would this be ok?

 

Jay,
I spoke with Andy (awhittle) on the phone about it and although he was surprised that the Bilstiens are adding that much lift to the rear of the truck (others have had the same issue), it's probably not going to make a significant change to the suspension, which I was never sure about (on a relative basis).

Chad,
You could always add a couple sand bags to the rear and bring it back down. I wouldn't worry about putting the other shocks on the rear. The other option is to put on a bilstien shock made for 93 mustang (rear) - just a guess. Talk with Danny. He might have an extra lying around just to check for fit. If it works, put one of those on.

Spike

 

Uhhh, maybe I'm out in left field, but I disagree with you guys that say that the shocks 'lift' the vehicle. The shocks will not lift the vehicle unless they are fully compressed and at the end of their travel. Other than that, they will stay in whatever position they are left in. If I take a shock and compress it half way and throw it on the floor...it stays half compressed...it's not going to try and extend. The pressure in the shocks is to minimize the 'bubbles' in the hydraulic fluid as the piston is moved back and forth. The pressure is equal on both sides of the valve, so there isn't a tendency to push the valve and rod out of the housing.

However, if the damping rate is high on the compression stroke, and weak on the rebound, you could have the effect of the rear of the truck rising faster than it settles. Thus, after braking, it would take longer for the rear of the truck to settle back down. It would definitely change the CG of the truck, but only while the vehicle is recovering. That's why adjustable shocks are so great...you can tune the rebound and compression damping separately, and can dynamically add oversteer/understeer. At rest, the ride height wouldn't change.

Does this make sense, or am I Loco?

 

Thanks Spike!

 

LOCOSVT

You need to play 5 min with a gas shock, a new set of rules

Andy