Bilstein Shock Length for Rear

[62LostInMn]

I have an OME light (front) medium (rear) kit and need to replace the rear shocks. I've read good reports on the Bilsteins. The threads I've researched here show people buying the Bilstein 5125 with extended/collapsed lengths of 22.5"/14.1". On my rig the extended length (wheels off the ground) with no shocks is right at 22.5". Summit lists another 5125 with lengths of 24.35"/15.1".

The OME medium shocks are 23.4"/14.1".

Is the longer shock a better choice in this case? I don't push the articulation limits and the sway bars are still on. I also don't load this thing down super heavy so I'm not worried about bottoming the suspension.

I appreciate any feedback.

 

[60 toy ota]

thread revival, i know. i've got the same setup as you only with 1.5" extended shackles, and have the same question. what did you end up doing?

 

[snowboardonsnow]

Limiting droop isn't a issue with bilstiens but bottuming out is, air on that side if safe. 22.5 sounds like what you need.

 

[60 toy ota]

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. so it looks like i'm going for one of these on the rear, i just don't know enough yet to know which is best. keep in mind the current setup is OME mediums and 1.5" shackles. (from this website) and sorry again to the OP for the hijack

BE5-A463-H5 8.5”5125Off-Road 8.6 14.06 22.5 EB1 EB1 1/2 Yes 255/70 14mm
BE5-A464-H5 9”5125Off-Road 9.24 15.11 24.35 EB1 EB1 1/2 Yes 255/70 14mm

 

[snowboardonsnow]

Go with the shorter, you will damage if you bottom then out. You may limit 3/4" of droop but its worth it. Best to measure your droop to be sure.

 

[Tapage]

or go with the longest one and adjust your bump stops accordingly ..

 

[ntsqd]

Topping out a shock rarely if ever happens with a lot of force and speed. Bottoming out rarely ever happens gently. Err on the short side.

 

[TS888]

Just because I need the clarity, I'll use the terms "full extension" and "full compression".

Ideally you would have shocks that have a bit of travel left at both ends of the spectrum. If that's not possible, my preference is to allow for full extension of the suspension without a limit strap, and size the bump stop to prevent full compression.

Extension generally happens relatively slowly, and with leaf springs there's a lot of support for the axle. Compression can and does happen fast, as the weight of the truck (and gravity) is always trying to compress the suspension.

 

[snowboardonsnow]

Topping out a shock rarely if ever happens with a lot of force and speed. Bottoming out rarely ever happens gently. Err on the short side.

Just because I need the clarity, I'll use the terms "full extension" and "full compression".

Ideally you would have shocks that have a bit of travel left at both ends of the spectrum. If that's not possible, my preference is to allow for full extension of the suspension without a limit strap, and size the bump stop to prevent full compression.

Extension generally happens relatively slowly, and with leaf springs there's a lot of support for the axle. Compression can and does happen fast, as the weight of the truck (and gravity) is always trying to compress the suspension.

Yes bassicly err on the side of using the shock as the limiting strap, they are built for that.

 

[62LostInMn]

Just noticed the revival. I ended up getting some BDS, non-gas shocks thru a local 4x4 shop up in Ham Lake. About $50 per shock. I'll get the part numbers and post later. I ended up with enough shock stroke to both avoid full compression and full extension. Road ride is good, got a couple of trips up north for deer hunting and they worked fine on the trails too.

 

[Sixty's Guy]

BE5-A464-H5 9”5125Off-Road 9.24 15.11 24.35 EB1 EB1 1/2 Yes 255/70 14mm

Go with these ones. I lifted one rear wheel on mine (OME heavy springs, shocks removed, no sway bars, standard shackles) with a high lift pallet jack and measured the extended and compressed lengths of where the shocks would be. Extended = 23.6", Compressed = 17.9".

 

[Zhenya]

I'm looking to do the same with an OME kit.

Question is are you guys taking into consideration the conversion bracket for the fronts when you are measuring these?

 

[Sixty's Guy]

I'm looking to do the same with an OME kit.

Question is are you guys taking into consideration the conversion bracket for the fronts when you are measuring these?

Talking rear shocks - no conversion bracket required.

In the front I have a pin to eye adaptor. I'm not sold on this idea at all. IMO too much shock travel is lost (approx. 50mm).

For a 2" lift (only) in the front I think the B46-1478 (straight fit) would be better suited.

 

[62LostInMn]

I know I started this on the Bilstein's, but the BDS 5500's I put on have the right mount for the fronts. I still have to dig up those part numbers if anyone is interested.

 

[Zhenya]

Interested. Could you tell me a bit more about the BDS shocks? Also why did you decide to not go with the Bilsteins?

 

[60 toy ota]

thanks for the advice, i ended up getting a good deal with some ranchos and so far i really like them

 

[62LostInMn]

They are BDS 5500 Series Hydros (non gas) 2 3/8" Body dia
Front: P/N 55820 - 22.92" x 13.92"
Rear: P/N 55620 - 23.12" x 14.25"

Here's the spec sheet (the BDS shocks are after the Fox)

http://bds-suspension.com/images-catalog/BDS_Cat_shocks.pdf

The fronts are the correct style mount so no adapter required. That, price, plus the fact that I could drive over and get them were the main reasons for getting the BDS units. So far so good.