Buck

AKA unsprung weight

pfbz

I also edited this info into the main post for future readers of the thread...


OK, the fronts are now on. I opted for the position one up from stock. Bilstein instructions say that the average lift in this position is .75" higher than stock. I got slightly more than that, about 1", but things might settle in a bit.

The front went from 37.25" to 38.25". Rear stayed at 39". So with about 250# of weight in the bed, 3/4" rake. Perfect for my needs...

danbart

Damn it's a small world and big brother is watching.

danbart

How about a before and after shot showing how the whole truck sits?


More importantly: Hows the ride w/ the new shocks?

pfbz

I've only done a half dozen miles of city streets since the install. Definitely has a firmer feel, much more to my liking. The real test will be some mountain driving later this week.

Oh, and the Hellwig rear sway bars arrived this week. I know it will screw up the "how much do just the Bilsteins help" testing, but I think I'm putting it on tomorrow.

pfbz

Day 3 update.

I started hearing a bit of a clunk, inspected the front shock installation, and noticed the dealer left one of the main shock bolts significantly loose.

Really?

Brought it back, and they went through every bolt they touched with the original tech and shop foreman to make sure they didn't "forget" to torque any other bolts... They were actually pretty cool about it, and more than a bit embarrassed that they made that kind of mistake. I would have much preferred they did it right the first time, but they did make it right.

------------------
After I picked it up from the dealer, I headed out for the weekend and got into the mountain passes. The Bilsteins absolutely improve paved mountain road handling. Very noticeable on the sharper curves and switchbacks. More road feel, more control, less roll.

With the EcoBoost engine, select-shift transmission, and a few simple suspension upgrades, this truck will embarrass many road oriented luxury SUV's and sporty 4x4 sedans in the performance and handling department!

(That's two thumbs up for the Bilsteins!)

danbart

Sweet!

Mine shoud be here tomorrow, barring the pending snowmageddon.

PS Did you install the Hellwig Sway Bar yet?

pfbz

Hellwig's still on-deck.

ajusa.com

Sounds great! Glad you are liking them.

rschopp

pfbz, great write up. This will make it easier when I do this. Thanks.