Bilstein vs. OEM Shocks

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Tinkerer

Tinkerer

Joined
Jan 9, 2006
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566
Location
North Alabama
OK, I am leaning toward ditching AHC.

Anybody care to offer a comparison of ride quality of Bilstein (or other aftermarket labels) vs. OEM Shocks?

I am not looking for firmer than OEM, but would like to find smoother action and longer-lasting if/where available. (I have no idea how good Toyota OEM shocks are vs. other stuff, in these respects.)

Nor do I need longer travel or better sealing than OEM, as I don't do hardcore offroading.

TIA...
 
It kind of depends on whether or not you plan/need to lift as to what might be best. If you don't need more travel and don't want firmer you should stay with OEM.
 
Tinkerer said:
OK, I am leaning toward ditching AHC.

Anybody care to offer a comparison of ride quality of Bilstein (or other aftermarket labels) vs. OEM Shocks?

I am not looking for firmer than OEM, but would like to find smoother action and longer-lasting if/where available. (I have no idea how good Toyota OEM shocks are vs. other stuff, in these respects.)

Nor do I need longer travel or better sealing than OEM, as I don't do hardcore offroading.

TIA...
Click to expand...

AHC Low setting(comfort) = OEM

AHC High setting(sport) = Bilstein
 
Daz's Bilsteins = AHC normal height / normal damping setting but way better control :) that may be spring rate dependent though.
 
Gett n billies installed today. Cannot wait. Stock shocks with 170k coming off, hopefully there is an improvement. I drive mine like a cross between a WRC car and Paris Dakar truck. It is loads of fun.
 
uzj100 said:
Gett n billies installed today. Cannot wait. Stock shocks with 170k coming off, hopefully there is an improvement. I drive mine like a cross between a WRC car and Paris Dakar truck. It is loads of fun.
Click to expand...

if that is the case you will be amazed...and one happy mofo
 
1 happy mofo here.

The shocks keep the truck much flatter in cornering and braking. Much improved over stock if you like a more sporty vs floaty ride.

The mechanic said my stock shocks were not that bad so I am wondering if the previos owner had them replaced before I purchased the truck at 100k miles. I will check the maintenance records that came with the truck,
 
Just installed the Bilsteins on my rig. Very pleased, the ride is actually quite nice. The truck definitely feels more responsive without being harsh. I would recommend these to anyone. I'm anxious to see how they ride after breaking in a bit, and getting a little trail time.
 
Great question. I had to take a does of reality and install what is best for 95% of the time for my hundy. What is the actual difference, 2 inches of overall travel front and rear?
 
uzj100 said:
Great question. I had to take a does of reality and install what is best for 95% of the time for my hundy. What is the actual difference, 2 inches of overall travel front and rear?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what the loss in rear travel, I don't think the front is affected. But the rear shocks are definitely shorter than OME. When I am doing a harder trail run, sure I wish I had long travel shocks on the 100. But for 95% of my seat time, on road comfort is #1 in my books. That was the selling point.
 
Anthony.L said:
Bilsteins all the way.

$270 shipped for a set from eshocks.com
Click to expand...

$270??? Looking at $489 now to replace my Bilsteins. It's $300 plus shipping to build.
Can buy new OEM for $130 for the set.

I loved my Bilsteins when they were new but I don't know if I just justify it again.

Anyone have a better supplier these days.
 
I bought my bilsteins at autozone.com last year for $326 total ($75.99 each plus tax and shipping). The price online for each is now $115.99 for the front and $146.99 for the rear! I can't believe how much the price has risen.
 
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