Bilstein Question - Ride Firmness = ?
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Alpharetta, GA, USA
Bilstein Question - Ride Firmness = ?
Folks -
First, thanks again! I've learned and applied alot from the info posted here !
Second, I'm replacing my stock shocks with (I think) Bilsteins, but have a question about the ride quality those of you who've had them on for a time can answer, I'll bet.
I know the ride is firmer than stock, but have not heard a desciption of just what that is. Taut but not harsh would be great. Hard as a rock and transmitting every road detail might not be.
How's the ride over a long distance? Do you want to get out of the truck and into a hot tub? Or are you ready for more miles?
I had a roomie with a Porsche once (long ago). I remember his car as tight, firm but surprisingly comfortable. One felt a bump, but not harshly, and there was zero bounce or lean. I'd bet there were Bilsteins on that car, but I can't remember now for certain.
I looked a Ranchos also, but don't think I'd actually adjust them nuch as I do near zero off road or load carrying. I'm more interested in street handling and ride, so the Bils sound right.
I have a flareside standard cab by the way so the wheelbase is short and the ride pitchy and (with 50000 miles) the stock shocks are pretty dead.
Also, do the Bilsteins have a break in period or do they slowly change over time?
Sorry for the wordy post, but I'm in the truck all the time so ride is important. Can't wait to park it at teh end of the day now, so I'm looking forward to the improvement.
Regards,
First, thanks again! I've learned and applied alot from the info posted here !
Second, I'm replacing my stock shocks with (I think) Bilsteins, but have a question about the ride quality those of you who've had them on for a time can answer, I'll bet.
I know the ride is firmer than stock, but have not heard a desciption of just what that is. Taut but not harsh would be great. Hard as a rock and transmitting every road detail might not be.
How's the ride over a long distance? Do you want to get out of the truck and into a hot tub? Or are you ready for more miles?
I had a roomie with a Porsche once (long ago). I remember his car as tight, firm but surprisingly comfortable. One felt a bump, but not harshly, and there was zero bounce or lean. I'd bet there were Bilsteins on that car, but I can't remember now for certain.
I looked a Ranchos also, but don't think I'd actually adjust them nuch as I do near zero off road or load carrying. I'm more interested in street handling and ride, so the Bils sound right.
I have a flareside standard cab by the way so the wheelbase is short and the ride pitchy and (with 50000 miles) the stock shocks are pretty dead.
Also, do the Bilsteins have a break in period or do they slowly change over time?
Sorry for the wordy post, but I'm in the truck all the time so ride is important. Can't wait to park it at teh end of the day now, so I'm looking forward to the improvement.
Regards,
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,278
Likes: 0
From: Seabrook,NH
A little firmer than stock but I feel more in control of my truck now. Bear in mind that my stock shocks were completely blown when I replaced them last weekend after 61K miles and I have only been riding the Bilsteins since Sunday. I have heard that all shocks have a break in period but I am not sure how long. I am very pleased with my Bilsteins so far. I was shocked to see how bad the OE shocks were when I took them off.