Blown Bilsteins

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Z's2016PW
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Blown Bilsteins

Post by Z's2016PW » Wed Dec 27, 2017 11:59 am

Well, the truck was just under 50K miles and two of the stock shocks just blew. They were leaking something fierce. The dealership replaced the two under the lifetime warranty. Just as the truck went over the 50K mark another shock blew. That one will also be replaced under warranty. I might have gone a different route for shocks, but the newer models don't have the same selection yet as the older models do. Anyway, the truck does tow an Airstream. It hauls quite a bit. Usually around the 1200 to 1300 pound range during the summer/early fall. Some light off-roading along with Forrest roads. The truck is not abused by any means. I've had bilstein shocks on other vehicles that went over 100K miles. Never had an issue. Any ideas as to why these shocks gave up prematurely?

waldo
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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by waldo » Wed Dec 27, 2017 1:59 pm

I'm looking for a better front shock for my 16 also, but something that won't break the bank. The OEM ones don't seem to be able to handle gravel washboard roads.
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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by OffroadTreks » Wed Dec 27, 2017 5:08 pm

waldo wrote:
Wed Dec 27, 2017 1:59 pm
I'm looking for a better front shock for my 16 also, but something that won't break the bank. The OEM ones don't seem to be able to handle gravel washboard roads.
Thuren Overlands --> Best if you use his coils.
Front:
https://www.thurenfabrication.com/produ ... -2013.html

Rear:
https://www.thurenfabrication.com/produ ... -2028.html

If you want to go a little nicer, but not King 2.5 custom prices -->
https://www.thurenfabrication.com/produ ... r-set.html

Same advice, best with their parts.

Your other option is to do Bilstein 5160's up front and 5100's out back. Or go look at Carli's offerings on Fox shocks.
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coder
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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by coder » Wed Dec 27, 2017 5:51 pm

Bilstein's can be leaky I've had a half a dozen various sets of them 4600s, 5100s, 7100s and they all developed leaks in under 50k miles.

Somethings to consider if you go shock shopping.
- Size does matter if you want a real performance improvement you need 2.5s
- If you go with another set of 2.0 you might want to try stiffer valving Bilstein 5100s will offer that the Thuren Overlands may call and verify first
- Shocks and springs are the suspensions foundation so don't go low budget
Last edited by coder on Thu Dec 28, 2017 6:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Vehicle: 2007 Power Wagon Quad Cab - Factory Options (Inferno Red, Premium Cloth Bench Seat, Light Group, Automatic Transmission, Leather Steering Wheel)
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TwinStick

Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by TwinStick » Wed Dec 27, 2017 6:07 pm

Not sure of your budget or plans for the truck, but if you want inexpensive, I put the Rancho 9000XL 9-way adjustable ones on our 04' Dodge 2500. They really worked great & there was a good bit of difference between #1 setting (softest) vs the #9 setting (firmest). We towed a 10,500 lb Toy Hauler with a 1150 lb empty tongue weight. Set them at 9 & was a happy camper while towing for the 9 months they were on it---till we traded it on the PW. Empty I set them at 4 or 5.

Z's2016PW
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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by Z's2016PW » Thu Dec 28, 2017 12:33 pm

Guess I will have to do a little more research just in case these new shocks blow prematurely. Shocks weeping is one thing, but I still don't understand why they gave up the ghost at less than 50K miles.

FordyceCreekTrail
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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by FordyceCreekTrail » Thu Dec 28, 2017 12:42 pm

The old Gen 1 4dr Monteros would blow out at 10K or so. Then Gen 2 ones would last 300K miles! What a difference. My Titans lasted 150K if I recall. So it would seem they have a mid range quality shock that is probably just under sized. Manufacturers always cheap out somewhere. For Nissan its tires and batteries that may hardly get you off the lot.
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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by DocPaulo » Thu Dec 28, 2017 8:52 pm

Just put rancho 9000xls in back anf putting the front next week... so far i like the adjustability... it does make a significant difference between setting 1 to 9

999044 front and 999048 back
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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by TankerZak » Sat Dec 30, 2017 11:52 am

DocPaulo wrote:
Thu Dec 28, 2017 8:52 pm
Just put rancho 9000xls in back anf putting the front next week... so far i like the adjustability... it does make a significant difference between setting 1 to 9

999044 front and 999048 back
Please keep us updated! I was just looking at these casually. The adjustment concept I find intreguing...
2016 Granite Crystal Metallic Power Wagon Laramie, graphics delete, debadged, Thuren front and rear coils, Thuren rear swaybar links, Thuren front and rear trackbars, Traxada rear 1 inch spacers, King 3.0 (Stage 4) front and 2.5 (Stage 3) rear shocks, Boogie front bump stops, Cooper STT Pro 37x13.50R17 on XD Machette 17x9 +18 wheels, Centramatics, 5.13 gears, DOR steering brace, Thuren truss, Thuren King Steering Damper, Synergy Steering Kit, Thuren PW front bumper, Thuren rear bumper, White Knuckle rock sliders, Dethloff skid plate, Dethloff rear sway bar spacers, Purple Cranium Half Spider front and rear diff guards, Airlift 5000 Ultimate airbags with Daystar cradles, Bakflip Revolver X2 tonneau, Factor55 Ultrahook with 100ft 7/16 A.R.E. Spidersilk synthetic winch line, Zroadz Grill with slim 20 inch light bar, DDM Tuning LEDs/HIDs, Rigid Side Shooter ditch lights, KC rock lights, Rigid fog lights, Baja Designs rear lights, Magnaflow 19200 modified with upgraded resonator and after axle dump, tinted front windows 35%.

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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by FordyceCreekTrail » Sat Dec 30, 2017 12:59 pm

Hard to find a satisfied Rancho owner long term. But you never know, maybe for the PW...definitely let us know.
2018 Flame Red, Moon Roof, Dual Alternators, Ram Boxes sadly Ram ran out of, Luxo Package with 8.4 UConnect, Enter and Go with remote start, Auto Wipers and Lights. Added missing skids and White Knuckle sliders. 35" BFG KM3s. Procal and Warn wireless remote for winch.

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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by DocPaulo » Sun Dec 31, 2017 6:21 pm

FordyceCreekTrail wrote:
Sat Dec 30, 2017 12:59 pm
Hard to find a satisfied Rancho owner long term. But you never know, maybe for the PW...definitely let us know.
Remind me in a year and will see... so far so good... i played around with settings and found one that works... 6 in rear lets me hit a small road hump at 25mph and not knock my teeth loose...

The adjustability makes them better than the stock bilsteins

Fronts go on next week
14 Laramie PowerWagon Desert Brown
Black 17 PW wheels with Falken AT3W 315/70/17
DIABLOSPORT T1000 canned tunes
Auxbeam 42 curved lightbar
Firestone airbags with daystar cradles
Maghytec transmission pan, carli front diff armor, rock crusher rear diff cover
Diamondback tonneau with crossbin
RANCHO 9000XL suspension
EMF ball joints
WhiteKnuckle sliders (on order)

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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by TankerZak » Sun Dec 31, 2017 6:48 pm

What pressure are you running in your tires? I only have the knock your teeth out when I'm at 60/65 for towing and running empty...
2016 Granite Crystal Metallic Power Wagon Laramie, graphics delete, debadged, Thuren front and rear coils, Thuren rear swaybar links, Thuren front and rear trackbars, Traxada rear 1 inch spacers, King 3.0 (Stage 4) front and 2.5 (Stage 3) rear shocks, Boogie front bump stops, Cooper STT Pro 37x13.50R17 on XD Machette 17x9 +18 wheels, Centramatics, 5.13 gears, DOR steering brace, Thuren truss, Thuren King Steering Damper, Synergy Steering Kit, Thuren PW front bumper, Thuren rear bumper, White Knuckle rock sliders, Dethloff skid plate, Dethloff rear sway bar spacers, Purple Cranium Half Spider front and rear diff guards, Airlift 5000 Ultimate airbags with Daystar cradles, Bakflip Revolver X2 tonneau, Factor55 Ultrahook with 100ft 7/16 A.R.E. Spidersilk synthetic winch line, Zroadz Grill with slim 20 inch light bar, DDM Tuning LEDs/HIDs, Rigid Side Shooter ditch lights, KC rock lights, Rigid fog lights, Baja Designs rear lights, Magnaflow 19200 modified with upgraded resonator and after axle dump, tinted front windows 35%.

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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by verdesardog » Mon Jan 01, 2018 9:28 am

I've had rancho 9000's on my CTD for two years now, MUCH better than the bilstien's that wore out i less than a year!
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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by Rodeoflyer » Mon Jan 01, 2018 12:09 pm

I see vehicles every day pogo-ing and floating down the road and think..why don't you just replace your shocks??? It's fairly cheap (depending) and probably the most important component for ride quality, not to mention SAFETY. Your stock shocks are worn at 50k. I've made it a habit to replace shocks at or around 50k miles on all my vehicles since I drive 20k+ miles annually on bad roads. If you're driving 100% pavement to and from the store once a week then yes you can probably get 100k miles out of a set of stock dampers. But in that case it doesn't really matter anyway...

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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by TwinStick » Mon Jan 01, 2018 5:12 pm

TankerZak wrote:
Sat Dec 30, 2017 11:52 am
DocPaulo wrote:
Thu Dec 28, 2017 8:52 pm
Just put rancho 9000xls in back anf putting the front next week... so far i like the adjustability... it does make a significant difference between setting 1 to 9

999044 front and 999048 back
Please keep us updated! I was just looking at these casually. The adjustment concept I find intreguing...

To clarify....We live in the rust belt so......shocks do NOT last that long usually. The salt & sand tears up the seals. Which is why i can't see myself spending big $$$$ on them. That being said, I am still rocking the stock Bilsteins. I am thinking because they have a protector on the shaft side & the fact that there is only 46k on our 2008. It does need new shocks soon though.

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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by KevinABQ » Mon Jan 01, 2018 8:51 pm

In theory, if you use King or Fox shocks you can rebuild seals cheaply. Both offer SS shafts, and if you spray them down with fluid film etc they should last.
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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by DocPaulo » Mon Jan 01, 2018 9:42 pm

TwinStick wrote:
Mon Jan 01, 2018 5:12 pm
TankerZak wrote:
Sat Dec 30, 2017 11:52 am
DocPaulo wrote:
Thu Dec 28, 2017 8:52 pm
Just put rancho 9000xls in back anf putting the front next week... so far i like the adjustability... it does make a significant difference between setting 1 to 9

999044 front and 999048 back
Please keep us updated! I was just looking at these casually. The adjustment concept I find intreguing...

To clarify....We live in the rust belt so......shocks do NOT last that long usually. The salt & sand tears up the seals. Which is why i can't see myself spending big $$$$ on them. That being said, I am still rocking the stock Bilsteins. I am thinking because they have a protector on the shaft side & the fact that there is only 46k on our 2008. It does need new shocks soon though.
Rancho has lifetime warranty.. buy it locally at oreillys and when rusted or blown bring it back for a new set
14 Laramie PowerWagon Desert Brown
Black 17 PW wheels with Falken AT3W 315/70/17
DIABLOSPORT T1000 canned tunes
Auxbeam 42 curved lightbar
Firestone airbags with daystar cradles
Maghytec transmission pan, carli front diff armor, rock crusher rear diff cover
Diamondback tonneau with crossbin
RANCHO 9000XL suspension
EMF ball joints
WhiteKnuckle sliders (on order)

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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by DocPaulo » Mon Jan 01, 2018 9:44 pm

TankerZak wrote:
Sun Dec 31, 2017 6:48 pm
What pressure are you running in your tires? I only have the knock your teeth out when I'm at 60/65 for towing and running empty...
I have 60/65 but also have 315.70.17 falken at3w with max pressure of 60/65 while being e rated... rides better than the oem wranglers and is e rated
14 Laramie PowerWagon Desert Brown
Black 17 PW wheels with Falken AT3W 315/70/17
DIABLOSPORT T1000 canned tunes
Auxbeam 42 curved lightbar
Firestone airbags with daystar cradles
Maghytec transmission pan, carli front diff armor, rock crusher rear diff cover
Diamondback tonneau with crossbin
RANCHO 9000XL suspension
EMF ball joints
WhiteKnuckle sliders (on order)

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Re: Blown Bilsteins

Post by TankerZak » Mon Jan 01, 2018 10:49 pm

Lower your pressure when not towing. You only need that to tow. It'll change your ride big time. My Toyos are also E rated 65 PSI tires. If your not towing you only need like 45 front/ 40 rear if you have ramboxes and a lot of gear. Or 45/35 if you have normal empty bed. Read about the chalk test for tires PSI.
2016 Granite Crystal Metallic Power Wagon Laramie, graphics delete, debadged, Thuren front and rear coils, Thuren rear swaybar links, Thuren front and rear trackbars, Traxada rear 1 inch spacers, King 3.0 (Stage 4) front and 2.5 (Stage 3) rear shocks, Boogie front bump stops, Cooper STT Pro 37x13.50R17 on XD Machette 17x9 +18 wheels, Centramatics, 5.13 gears, DOR steering brace, Thuren truss, Thuren King Steering Damper, Synergy Steering Kit, Thuren PW front bumper, Thuren rear bumper, White Knuckle rock sliders, Dethloff skid plate, Dethloff rear sway bar spacers, Purple Cranium Half Spider front and rear diff guards, Airlift 5000 Ultimate airbags with Daystar cradles, Bakflip Revolver X2 tonneau, Factor55 Ultrahook with 100ft 7/16 A.R.E. Spidersilk synthetic winch line, Zroadz Grill with slim 20 inch light bar, DDM Tuning LEDs/HIDs, Rigid Side Shooter ditch lights, KC rock lights, Rigid fog lights, Baja Designs rear lights, Magnaflow 19200 modified with upgraded resonator and after axle dump, tinted front windows 35%.

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