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I just ordered a full set and I am installing this weekend. I am interested to feel how the ride changes. They're acclaimed to provide an excellent balance of control and comfort.
Does anyone have any experience with their "Heavy Duty" version?
Twin tube ... typically just a little stiffer than OE, so comfort is still well maintained. I consider it just an OE replacement, however.
The monotubes ... they're more performance oriented (stiffer), and works out nicely in most applications.
I have experience with both types in RWD Volvos and for the monotubes, on my S10.
I have a set of Bilsteins on my old 65 GMC truck. Really.
Very satisfied with them, firm but not harsh.
I think the only people who have a bad experience with Bilstein shocks are people who put a set of "sport" shocks and lowering springs on a car they drive on "ordinary" streets with rough (compared to a track) surfaces - and this is an error in application, not a fault of the product as such.
I have 5100's on my Tacoma and they are much better than the stock piece were Bilstein's to begin with. The ride will vary with different shock models. With the 5100's installed the ride is firmer. There is a nice sold feel to bumps and body motion is very well controlled.
For the car I purchased the "heavy duty" version which seems to be built close to OE specifications.
As for the truck I think at some point I would like to change out what's in there. The previous owner installed some Gabriels (not sure what model) but the unladen ride is fairly stiff and sometimes uncomfortably so. I have added a 400lb bumper and played around with various tire pressure combinations but the ride is still unforgiving for the most part. I have had ~2400lbs in the bed before and the current dampers seemed to manage the load OK, which is what I like, but ideally I would like to soften it up for daily driving while maintaining the ability to load heavy. The truck does see work but is mainly used for it's ability to run on alternate fuels. Would the 5100 series be a good choice?
For the car I purchased the "heavy duty" version which seems to be built close to OE specifications.
As for the truck I think at some point I would like to change out what's in there. The previous owner installed some Gabriels (not sure what model) but the unladen ride is fairly stiff and sometimes uncomfortably so. I have added a 400lb bumper and played around with various tire pressure combinations but the ride is still unforgiving for the most part. I have had ~2400lbs in the bed before and the current dampers seemed to manage the load OK, which is what I like, but ideally I would like to soften it up for daily driving while maintaining the ability to load heavy. The truck does see work but is mainly used for it's ability to run on alternate fuels. Would the 5100 series be a good choice?
They would be a great choice. I do a fair amount of hauling with my truck and they control the load nicely. But my truck is also my daily driver and I have not found a better shock.
I have tried rancho 9000's and monroe shocks in the past.
It would also help if we knew what your truck was too.
I put the monotubes in the front of my '95 Toyota pickup truck. They might be good, but they are STIFF. I can feel every single bump on the road twice as much.
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