Replacement Bilstein Shocks Available

Mike in AZ · 03-26-2010, 09:57 PM

These are not the GM specification OEM shocks. They are Bilstein's replacement.

These are definitely an improved version of the shocks/struts on our trucks. We (hdflstf) have tested the installation and the ride and can tell you that they are an improvement over the OEM Bilsteins. We did installation verification and provided feedback to Bilstein. The body of the fronts are about 1/2" longer, we think because of internal changes. This is not an issue, as we have modified the bump stop from Bilstein to accommodate it and the compressed length is EXACTLY identical to the OEM when finished. Bilstein Engineering approved our change to the kit and their Customer Support has installation notes (with photos) that reflect the mod as well.

Technical improvements:

Triple lip seals on the shaft, instead of the double lip seals.
Rear shock diameter increased from 1 5/8" to 2".
Slightly increased damping rates on both front and rear, but not harsh.

Ride changes:

Rear end stays planted better on launch.
Rear no longer has a "bounce" over bumps.
Front does not "dive" as much when jumping on brakes.
Front does not float as much when hitting a hump in the road.
A very slight "tightening" of the ride, but hard to measure.

The installation of the rears is a snap. Absolutely a no brainer.
The fronts are a little more involved, since you have to separate the front spring from the strut to change it. Spring compressor is recommended for novice, but not required for an experienced installer. If you don't know how to do it without a compressor, you don't qualify as "experienced". Don't ask for instructions on this one. The front bump stops need to have one of the three lobes sawed off to make the strut travel match the original travel correctly. Really easy to do.

I have negotiated a deal with Mark at shox.com for these. We've been connected for four years and he is a real straight shooter.... The price is $239 for a complete set of four. This price includes shipping to anywhere in the Continental US. For other destinations, you'll have to negotiate with Mark on a case by case basis.

Call Mark at 1-800-683-2890 to place an order. When you talk to him, either identify yourself as an "SSR Fanatic" or tell him that Mike at Simple Engineering sent you. Both will get you the free shipping.

I will be posting a similar thread in the "Parts for Sale" forum, that will have part numbers of all my favorite stuff for the SSR suspension.

Regards all,

Mike

RUN ROD RUN · 03-26-2010, 10:07 PM

One question … Can these shocks be use with either OEM or aftermarket lowering springs?

Mike in AZ · 03-26-2010, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN

One question … Can these shocks be use with either OEM or aftermarket lowering springs?

Yes, either one. They have been tested both ways. They are a drop-in......

turnheadz · 03-27-2010, 12:16 AM

these sound goooood , reeeeaaaal good

Mike in AZ · 03-27-2010, 07:29 AM

Here's the link to the other thread about suspension parts for the SSR......

SHOX.com as an SSR Fanatic Supplier

Enjoy the day - - put the top down and go!

Mikey

Vix · 03-27-2010, 12:26 PM

oh man... i'm having mine replaced next week.... no idea of what they are putting in... what do you recommend i do?

RUN ROD RUN · 03-27-2010, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vix

oh man... i'm having mine replaced next week.... no idea of what they are putting in... what do you recommend i do?

Who is "They"?

Mike in AZ · 03-27-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vix

oh man... i'm having mine replaced next week.... no idea of what they are putting in... what do you recommend i do?

Stop them. "They" are probably gonna charge you a LOT of money.... right?

The rears take about 10 minutes to install and I would imagine the fronts are about an hour. "They" will probably get you for 3 hours labor ($85/hr) and way too high a charge for the front end alignment........

Stop!!!!! Ask a bunch of questions before "They" take you to the cleaners.

Mike

RUN ROD RUN · 03-27-2010, 02:36 PM

Vix, I agree with Mikey.
What I would do is hold off replacing the shocks until ICBlue holds another Tech Session which I understand is in May/June time frame.

Yellow Tub · 03-27-2010, 02:37 PM

turnheadz · 03-28-2010, 12:17 AM

I just had my alignment done in August. Would I need another one after the shock install?

Mike in AZ · 03-28-2010, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turnheadz

I just had my alignment done in August. Would I need another one after the shock install?

To change the front shocks, you need to do some partial disassembly of the front suspension. If it was my Tahoe or a Silverado, I wouldn't bother...... the SSR is very sensitive to alignment. Because of this, I will always do an alignment after messing with the front suspension.

My 2 cents....

Mike

turnheadz · 03-28-2010, 01:25 PM

good plan Mike. Do you know off the top of your head what the heck the toe and camber numbers are?
I will call Mark tomorrow to order. I hope the 1-800 # works from here

RUN ROD RUN · 03-28-2010, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turnheadz

I hope the 1-800 # works from here

Sandy, You can always go to SHOX.com and place your order. Same price of $239 on line or if you call Mark.

Mike in AZ · 03-28-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN

Sandy, You can always go to SHOX.com and place your order. Same price of $239 on line or if you call Mark.

Be careful.... placing an order on line will not get you all the same discounts as calling Mark directly............

Mike

turnheadz · 03-31-2010, 10:21 AM

I just spoke to Mark, my order is in

turnheadz · 04-06-2010, 10:32 PM

I picked up my shocks today, I'll call my shop tomorrow and bring it in for the install and alignment

I'm so looking forward to better suspension

Mike in AZ · 04-07-2010, 07:37 AM

Great.

Be sure to have them modify the bump stop on the front shocks.

Let us know how they "feel" when you get them on.....

Regards

smokey · 04-25-2010, 10:26 PM

We put these new shocks on Blue SSr this week and had her realigned. I didnt realize the front shocks were that bad with 40000 miles .The new shocks are great , Blue is very smooth and nice now and with the new rear control arms on the back (thank you again Doug Allen ,Chris and Joe delano the rear end stays down and in place when driven hard and it is very smooth. Had an opportunity to Drive Mike in az truck today with Joes new crossmember. the front end goes where you point it and it very neat ,cant wait to get that and the new plate on Smokey and do some serious road testing.