eshocks.com: Bilstein Off-Road Shock Guide

Shock Guide: Determining which Shock to Use


Cars	Motorhomes	Off-Road	Sway-A-Way	Springs


Trucks	Street Rod	Racing	Bushings	Lift Kits

This guide includes several valuable resources:

	Understanding Valve Ratings
	Determining how many shocks to put on a vehicle
	Determining Which Shocks to Use
	Applications Chart

Understanding Bilstein Valve Ratings

Damping forces of Bilstein valvings for Off-Road are measured in Newtons at a velocity of 0.52 meters/seconds (approximately 20 inches/second). The ratings shown correspond to those measurements; rebound force is the first number, followed by compression force (rebound / compression). Conventionally, the ratings are written as one tenth the damping force in Newtons.

EXAMPLE:

Valve rating: 275 / 78

Rebound force is 2750 Newtons at 0.52 m/s

Compression force is 780 Newtons at 0.52 m/s

Higher numbers mean higher (firmer) damping forces. For example, 360/80 has more control (is firmer) that 275/78, while 170/60 has less control (is softer) than 275/78.

For valving recommendations please refer to the Valving Guide.

Determining how many shocks to put on a vehicle.

A shock absorber transforms mechanical energy (suspension movement) into kinetic energy (heat). If a shock absorber builds up too much heat, it will not function properly. Shock absorbers exposed to excessive heat will fade (soften) or fail.

If you are experiencing excessive shock failure or fading, it may be time to add another shock.

By adding another shock, you are spreading the work load from one shock to multiple shocks. Increased cooling capability will be achieved from the following factors:

Decreased Friction

Dampening causes friction. When you use a multiple shock set up, lighter valved shocks can be used which will decrease friction.

Increased Oil Capacity

The more oil, the better. Higher oil volumes take longer to heat.

Other methods to consider which will increase oil capacity are to utilize a remote reservoir or to use a larger diameter shock.

Determining Which Shocks to Use

Bilstein Off-Road Shock Absorbers are recommended for both race and non-race applications as listed below.

Special Note: Vehicle designs do vary. This is a starting guide to assist you in choosing an application.

			Valving
Description	Setting	Position	150/50	170/60	180/75	255/70	275/78	360/80

Buggy	Single Shock	Front			1X
		Rear						1X
	Double Shock	Front
		Rear					2X

Baja Bug	Sport	Front			1X
		Rear						1X
	Double Shock	Front
		Rear					2X

5/1600 Baja	Race Setting	Front			1X
		Rear				2X

1/2 1600	Race Setting	Front			1X
		Rear					3X

			Valving
Description	Setting	Position	150/50	170/60	180/75	255/70	275/78	360/80

Fullsize Truck /	Single Shock	Front				1X
Sport Utility		Rear				1X
w/ Solid Front	Double Shock	Front		2X
Axle		Rear	2X
	Race Setting	Front				2X
		Rear					2X

Fullsize Truck /	Single Shock	Front	(Recommend Special Order Valving - 326/149 Digressive)
Sport Utility		Rear				1X
w/ IFS	Double Shock	Front					2X
		Rear		2X
	Race Setting	Front						2X
		Rear					2X
		Rear					3X

			Valving
Description	Setting	Position	150/50	170/60	180/75	255/70	275/78	360/80

Mini-Truck /	Single Shock	Front				1X
Sport Utility		Rear				1X
w/ Solid Front	Double Shock	Front		2X
Axle		Rear	2X
	Race Setting	Front			2X
		Rear		2X

Mini-Truck /	Single Shock	Front						1X
Sport Utility		Rear				1X
w/ IFS	Double Shock	Front			2X
		Rear		2X
	Race Setting	Front				2X
		Rear		2X
		Rear					3X

			Valving
Description	Setting	Position	150/50	170/60	180/75	255/70	275/78	360/80

RockCrawler/Jeep	Single Shock	Front				1X
Leaf Spring		Rear					1X

RockCrawler/Jeep	Single Shock	Front						1X
Coil Spring / 1/4 Elliptic		Rear				1X

TJ Long Arm	Single Shock	Front	(Recommend Special Order Valving - 161/72 Digressive)
Valving		Rear	(Recommend Special Order Valving - 162/66 Digressive)

Legend

1X = one shock per wheel 2X = two shocks per wheel
3X = three shocks per wheel

*If your Prerunner more resembles a race application, use recommendtions accordingly.

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