BP-51 adjustment/settings

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Workhorse

Workhorse

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Feb 26, 2007
Threads
101
Messages
810
Location
CO USA
I recently installed BP51's in my 80 and like them very much. I have them set at 6 all around which I believe is sort of a "middle ground" setting if I understand correctly. My ride is sort of washy at times front to rear, and rolls side to side. Nothing bad or obnoxious really. Kind of feels like I am riding in a 70's pimp mobile like a Tornado or Riviera.

What I would like to know is where are your settings at and what effects (good or bad) do you see. Have you adjusted them and to what and why? I appreciate your feedback.
 
I'd be looking into a HD rear swaybar to control the body roll. I can't comment on what setting to use with the BP51 but generally speaking shocks will only do so much in controlling body roll because they are meant to compress when force is applied. Setting them stiffer might slow the compression a bit in those body roll type situations but will also make the overall ride stiffer and more harsh.

Not telling you to just set the shocks soft and leave them alone. Definitely worth playing with settings and seeing what works best for you. I actually adjust my shocks quite often. But a swaybar might help you control what you're describing better.
 
Thanks Adam, I actually have a complete bushing overhaul kit on its way. I'm quite sure that the bushings that are currently in the truck are probably spent. The truck is 25 years old as are the bushings. I wonder how much that will help. New control arm bushings, sway bar bushings panhard rod bushings etc.
 
Worn bushings can't be helping the situation but probably won't solve the body roll. It's amazing how fresh bushings can make a truck feel almost new again.
 
@CYKBC I actually have that package coming. All Factory bushings.
 
COYS said:
if I had to pick one 80 upgrade, Id go with *complete* OEM suspension rubbers refresh (Like the pkg that wits’ end sells) over any fancy aftermarket shocks all day, every day. Massive improvement over worn ones. Massive.

nice pick on shocks! Enjoy.
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Agree and this goes for all rubber on a truck. Body mounts make a big difference too. Not for this body roll issue but just how the truck feels.

Cheers
 
COYS said:
if I had to pick one 80 upgrade, Id go with *complete* OEM suspension rubbers refresh (Like the pkg that wits’ end sells) over any fancy aftermarket shocks all day, every day. Massive improvement over worn ones. Massive.

nice pick on shocks! Enjoy.
Click to expand...
depends on which shocks you're talking about. ;) But yeah, fresh bushings make a big difference compared to worn out ones.
 
COYS said:
yea yea slinky blah blah... :D been there done that. OEM rubbers all day homey!
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I didn’t even mention Slinky 😉 frankly I think there are few different aftermarket shocks I’d put in the category. But sure if you’re sticking to pavement the bushings might feel like more benefit. 😁
FWIW I just replaced all my bushings with OEM rubber ones.
 
Box Rocket said:
I didn’t even mention Slinky 😉 frankly I think there are few different aftermarket shocks I’d put in the category. But sure if you’re sticking to pavement the bushings might feel like more benefit. 😁
FWIW I just replaced all my bushings with OEM rubber ones.
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No need to homey. I hardly follow your posts, but Slinky's the first word that came up when you quoted me. lol
 
COYS said:
No need to homey. I hardly follow your posts, but Slinky's the first word that came up when you quoted me. lol
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Slinky only came up because you brought it up. “Homie” 😂
 
Got my fresh OEM bushing package today. I’m going to try and get them swapped out in the next week or so. I’m excited to see and feel the difference.

Still hoping to hear from other BP51 owners about what their settings are and why.

Thank you all for the input so far.
 
So the last set I installed was in a SWB 70-series. I played with adjustments a lot and anything but 7+ was to soft on the road causing, yes body roll.

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I also tested them off-road even getting them hot bombing dirt roads. A stiffer setting was not an issue for flex or harsh at higher speeds off-road.

Cheers
 
Old Man Emu 850J front and Old Man Emu 863J rear. My BP51’s are the ‘L’ length (long).
 
Workhorse said:
Old Man Emu 850J front and Old Man Emu 863J rear. My BP51’s are the ‘L’ length (long).
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In my opinion the problem is the J springs. I ran them with multiple different shock setups. Nothing really helped. I went with Slee 4” springs and was a night and day difference. The sway is horrible off road loaded or unloaded. I ran them for 8 years. If you switch springs buy the delta bracket also.

Some people like the J springs. I liked them until I drove my buddy’s with 4” slees and regular OME nitros. Was like driving a sports car compared to mine.
 
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The adjustment seems VERY stiff on these BP51s. Anyone else experienced this? I had to use a strap wrench and torque in the opposite direction to be able to adjust with the standard adjustment wrench the BP51s come with. I was able to adjust the fronts but still wrangling with the rear adjustments.
 
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