Bilstein's with Ironman 2'' lift on HJ61

[HueyDriver]

Looking for advice on Bilstein 5125 shocks to pair with iron man 2'' lift on 1987 HJ61. I have heard good things about the 5125s and they are in my budget so I am pressing with these.

Rear shocks (part number 12650GR) that come with the Ironman 2'' suspension package travel is 23.4'' to 14.3'' ... makes me think Bilstein 33-185606 is a good fit.

I am more concerned about front shocks with the heavier engine (12HT weighs around 380 kgs/830 lbs).. Front shocks (Part number 12637GR) that come with the Ironman 2'' suspension package travel 22.7'' to 13.7''... So which Bilstein would be the better fit... 33-230337 or another?

Also, are the end styles on these shocks gonna play nicely with my existing mounts?

Mind you I am thinking no aftermarket bumpers for the time being. Details came from their respective catalogue below.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[HueyDriver]

No thoughts anyone?

@HemiAlex @rhah and @WSOPgold2012 I see you all have run the Bilstein's on your rigs, any thoughts for front shocks with the heavier engine?

 

[YooperCruiser]

I used Bilstein 33-230368 for the fronts and 33-185606 for the rears. I measured my suspension travel through the whole range and these neither top out or bottom out, that's with the Ironman lift I have which is 2 - 3". Fyi you also need to replace the eyelet bushings to Energy Suspension 9.8108G 3/4" shock eye bushings to fit the studs on the cruiser.

 

[Tennessee80]

Bilsteins ride nicely but are on the softer side, from what I remember. I had the 5125 on my 40, and it was SOA (not direct comparison to your HJ61 at all at this point), but on road the ride was nice but off road it felt a bit soft and lacked control a bit.

It would definitely be ideal if someone with a diesel 60 would pipe in that is running those. Are you wanting softer or firmer ride?

 

[HueyDriver]

I used Bilstein 33-230368 for the fronts and 33-185606 for the rears. I measured my suspension travel through the whole range and these neither top out or bottom out, that's with the Ironman lift I have which is 2 - 3". Fyi you also need to replace the eyelet bushings to Energy Suspension 9.8108G 3/4" shock eye bushings to fit the studs on the cruiser.

Ok, thanks for the info. I wasn't looking at those. Should only need these bushings to do the trick then?

 

[HueyDriver]

Bilsteins ride nicely but are on the softer side, from what I remember. I had the 5125 on my 40, and it was SOA (not direct comparison to your HJ61 at all at this point), but on road the ride was nice but off road it felt a bit soft and lacked control a bit.

It would definitely be ideal if someone with a diesel 60 would pipe in that is running those. Are you wanting softer or firmer ride?

Def wanting something on the softer side. Just curious if I should go with a different than standard valving... who knows maybe a heavier bumper will be in my future later down the road

 

[YooperCruiser]

Ok, thanks for the info. I wasn't looking at those. Should only need these bushings to do the trick then?

Yes that's what I used. The Bushings that come with the Bilsteins only have a 1/2" id, iirc

 

[Slow]

Looking for advice on Bilstein 5125 shocks to pair with iron man 2'' lift on 1987 HJ61. I have heard good things about the 5125s and they are in my budget so I am pressing with these.

Rear shocks (part number 12650GR) that come with the Ironman 2'' suspension package travel is 23.4'' to 14.3'' ... makes me think Bilstein 33-185606 is a good fit.

I am more concerned about front shocks with the heavier engine (12HT weighs around 380 kgs/830 lbs).. Front shocks (Part number 12637GR) that come with the Ironman 2'' suspension package travel 22.7'' to 13.7''... So which Bilstein would be the better fit... 33-230337 or another?

Also, are the end styles on these shocks gonna play nicely with my existing mounts?

Mind you I am thinking no aftermarket bumpers for the time being. Details came from their respective catalogue below.

View attachment 2743599


View attachment 2743598


Thanks for any insight.

What have you choose on the end for your suspension? I'm on the same page, willing to upgrade my hj61's 10+ years old OME shocks.

 

[HueyDriver]

What have you choose on the end for your suspension? I'm on the same page, willing to upgrade my hj61's 10+ years old OME shocks.

I ended up going with the two I listed above. Fit great with the bushings mentioned. Night and day difference from what it was before with both tired shocks and flat springs replaced. I would still like to ride in someone elses 60 and compare my ride to theirs to have a gauge.

 

[Slow]

I ended up going with the two I listed above. Fit great with the bushings mentioned. Night and day difference from what it was before with both tired shocks and flat springs replaced. I would still like to ride in someone elses 60 and compare my ride to theirs to have a gauge.

Anytime you are up here in Vancouver, I'm happy to let you test my rig

I'm just thinking of my rig as quite heavy (ARB bull bar in front, and build in drawers with kitchen, plus roof top tent gets me to the 3t without ppl on board).