Hi all,

I'm looking to firm up my trucks ride, particularly on the freeway. I'm not interested in leveling it or putting bigger tires in it, so I think I'd like to go with the Bilstein HD shocks. Most threads I can find talk about people not wanting a worse ride. I actually want my truck somewhat stiffer, because right now it floats around like a 70s Cadillac particularly on the freeway when hitting large rolling bumps. Really nauseating! A side benefit I'd like is to help feel more planted over bumps when towing our 27' camper.

Will the Bilsteins firm up the ride to control this float while still remaining somewhat comfortable?

 

I've put 5100's all around last week and the description you've mentioned nails it. Firmer ride and planted over bumps sums it up nicely.

Here's a response I found from Bilstien's about the differance between them and the HD versions since I can't give you feedback on the HD as I've never tried them.

"Internally, the basic design of the shocks is the same, and though there is a slight difference in the shock stiffness between the HD’s and the 5100’s, it is minor. The HD’s will be slightly more comfortable, but the 5100’s will handle slightly better, but on normal roads at normal speeds, it will be virtually impossible to tell any difference. It is far more important to get the shock that is the proper length."

So there you have it.

 

I've been running HD's for many years and they do a great job of eliminating that floating (70's land barge) feel that stock struts/shocks offer.

 

I assume you have a 4x4? Different combinations of trucks have different amounts of suspension travel. Mine has a low ride-height and a small amount of rear suspension travel resulting in a pretty stiff ride. I don't have any wobbling or axle bouncing whatsoever even under throttle.

Some of the roads here are so bad and uneven you can almost get air, no problems in control.

 

Yeah 4x4. That was a question asked to Bilstein not by me I knew exactly which shocks I needed/wanted.

Finished install here mine was for a level though (max height of adjustables) OP is after a firmer ride I've got two sets of speed bumps going my street noticed the difference right away it didn't "bounce" over them. I still have stock tires truck mods are hard on the wallet tires soon.

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Ken,
I also hated that weird falling or floating feeling of the front end. I recently installed 1" spacers on the front coils, Hellwig 2000 lb helper springs in the rear from Suspension Connection and Bilstein HD shocks on all corners.
The ride is perfect - control is perfect - truck attitude is perfect - dampening is perfect.
You've noticed the axle wrap when towing. The rear end lifts and drops when coming off the line or during hard braking.
I hated that too. The Hellwigs reduce that wrap.
We are heading out on a trip with our 6200 lb TT and I am really looking forward to the improved ride and handling.
I'll be posting about the suspension mods when we get back.

 

Thanks for all of the thoughts guys. Sounds like the Bilstein HDs will be just the ticket.

Twisty, I look forward to hearing your thoughts after towing. I added airbags which helped reduce the bobbing up and down in the rear when hitting dips on the freeway and I'm sure some better shocks will help the last little bit. I'd eventually also like to switch to LT tires when my stock P tires wear out.

 

WAIT!

Rancho. I got the quicklift which is the same strut with a loaded spring, and the ride is unbelievable. I hated that front end float that you described, and the Rancho took care of it. Stiffer rebound dampening with softer bump dampening. Adjustable ride stiffness means you can adjust for a stiffer ride while towing to get rid of the rear end bobbing instead of ride height adjustability. I absolutely recommend the Rancho system, especially the RS9000xl model like the quicklift is based on since you don't want to level. Compare the Rancho and Bilstein side by side and look at what you need/want.

 

Ken,
The tires will make a huge difference. When I replace mine I am going to go with a heavy, heavy load range and run them at top pressure. I ran BF Goodrich Commercial Traction TA's on my Ranger. They don't make them in 17's and I am really disappointed by that. They are the best tire I've run so far.
I believe that the suspension should do the work and tires need to be hard.
I've not run Rancho goods. A lot of people do and I'm sure that they are good.
I'm telling you what I know.
I'd like to drop my truck and run it.
I'd like to lift my truck and run it.
I'd like to try different brands of suspension systems and run it.
Not willing to spend the $$$ to experiment.
I know what works for me.

 

Been trying to tell people man. These are the ticket for this category!

How much did the Quicklift set you back? .. & where?