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Index > Suspension > Thread: bilstein heavy duty front shocks
Thread: bilstein heavy duty front shocks
Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted September 27, 2007 07:43 PM
Edited By: Brad on 27 Sep 2007 19:48

Bilstein Heavy Duty front shocks

Installed these yesterday. They're a heavy duty shock [HD] that can handle a 500lb front spring. And have POLY not rubber bushings. My coilover springs are 500lb and stocker is 512lb. It's very important to have a shock that is matched to the spring rate it is supposed to dampen. Otherwise it'll lean and bounce too much and left-right transitions will not be crisp.

Went thru 2 sets Monroe SensaTracs in there and they kept wearing out prematurely. The last set of Monroes I just took out had more than expected wear on drivers side and the passenger side was worse plus had 0 pressure in the last 2 inches of compression!

It's for a 67-76 camaro. The eyes have to be elongated inward 1mm each. Dremel with a metal grinder bit worked quickly.

You can buy them from Autozone here for 80 bucks each!
http://www.autozone.com/selectedZip,90505/initialAction,partProductDetail/initialpartType,00660/initialR,APP984806/initialvehicleId,1501302/shopping/selectZip.htm

It is a firmer shock and it rides a little firmer but not harsh. I'm also comparing it to work shocks and one blown.

The Good News: The front end does not BOUNCE like it did. Suspension sets quicker and turn-in is improved too. Steering is more responsive.

I still get more harsness from the rear suspension than the front by a long shot.

Grassroots Motorsports restored an old vintage Volvo 142S and autocrossed it a lot. It used a 500lb front spring. They started with the softer Bilstein TC but the TC's could not control the firmer spring. Upgraded to the HD and problem solved.

Article:
http://www.classicmotorsports.net/projects/volvo142-2.php

Now will someone come out and autocross with me? !!!
____________
-brad-
74 REPU Lawn Green
81 Rx-7 racecar. 12a J-
Bridge

       
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Jeff20B


Moderator
Posts: 661
posted October 01, 2007 09:53 AM

Is your front end lowered at all?

       
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Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted October 01, 2007 11:21 AM

yep

       
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Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted March 10, 2008 10:02 AM

Part Number: BE3-2972

       
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77repu23


1st Gear
Posts: 19
posted December 01, 2011 10:56 AM

updated part number

went to order these today and part number wasnt working so searched for new one from auto zone: AK2073

       
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Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted December 16, 2011 11:29 PM
Edited By: Brad on 16 Dec 2011 23:32

quote:
went to order these today and part number wasnt working so searched for new one from auto zone: AK2073


The part number you list is for a REAR shock and does not work with REPU.

The part number I listed is good. Please Google it.

       
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77repu23


1st Gear
Posts: 19
posted December 16, 2011 11:41 PM

wow thanks Brad. I need exchange them :( Any word on those coilovers?

       
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Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted December 19, 2011 12:04 PM

Just replied re: coilovers.

       
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77repu23


1st Gear
Posts: 19
posted February 23, 2012 10:54 AM

so I tried to order the BE3-2972 from auto zone today and they are completely out of stock and cannot even order me them... There is an alternative part number 24-029728 which i am not sure will work for our application... anyone else have this issue?


       
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77repu23


1st Gear
Posts: 19
posted February 23, 2012 11:18 AM

also looking at the Hotchkis Sport Suspension HPS 1000... fits 67-76 camaro and has poly mounts instead of rubber... thoughts?

       
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Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted February 24, 2012 09:58 PM

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000CIRB1Q/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

       
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chuyler1


Hauling
Posts: 140
posted April 25, 2012 11:33 AM

Hi Brad,

I've got Gary's orange truck. It looks like he has your coil overs installed with KYB Gas-A-Just shocks.

First off, the shocks are rubbing against the inner sleeve of the coilover and with every bump I hear the sound of an old bicycle horn coming from the front. After inspection I can see the outside part of the shock where the label is has been scraped down to bare metal. I assume this isn't normal. Do you have any photos of yours that I could compare to make sure they are installed correctly?

Second, would I notice a significant improvement going from the KYBs to the Bilsteins? I experience a lot of motion when traveling over highway expansion joints at 65-70 mph. I'd like to stiffen the front end up as much as possible to reduce the gyration and give me a little more confidence with lane changes.

Third, could you post a picture of the dremeling you did so I know what I'd be getting into?

Thanks.

       
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Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted April 26, 2012 12:14 PM

quote:
Hi Brad,

I've got Gary's orange truck. It looks like he has your coil overs installed with KYB Gas-A-Just shocks.

First off, the shocks are rubbing against the inner sleeve of the coilover and with every bump I hear the sound of an old bicycle horn coming from the front. After inspection I can see the outside part of the shock where the label is has been scraped down to bare metal. I assume this isn't normal. Do you have any photos of yours that I could compare to make sure they are installed correctly?

Second, would I notice a significant improvement going from the KYBs to the Bilsteins? I experience a lot of motion when traveling over highway expansion joints at 65-70 mph. I'd like to stiffen the front end up as much as possible to reduce the gyration and give me a little more confidence with lane changes.

Third, could you post a picture of the dremeling you did so I know what I'd be getting into?

Thanks.


Yeah, the shocks can rub the inside of the threaded sleeve especially if there is a lot of play in the a-arms. Like worn bushings. Or if the sway bar isn't on there right it can pull the lower control arm forward. Or if the alignment is way off. Or if the LCA's or their rods are bent. The new sleeves (gold colored) that I sell have a tad more inner clearance than the old black ones. Installation of the coilovers is straight forward as long as you put the perch on top of the spring nice and level. Did Gary put new poly pads under the springs? That prevents them from sliding around and cushions the blow.

I have not compared Gas-A-Just to Bilstein and don't know the compression and rebound rates of that shock. They are stiff. I can tell you the Bilstein HD shocks work great and are a firm shock. It doesn't wallow or porpoise on the freeway.

I don't have a pic handy of how to dremel the ears on the shock's lower mount but it's straight forward once you see how it goes together. I think I dremeled inward 1/8" each side, just enough so you can get the bolts to like up with the lower control arm nuts.

Here's a pic of the lower control arm, and you do have to dremel the large center hole to clear the thicker shock.

       
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chuyler1


Hauling
Posts: 140
posted April 26, 2012 12:51 PM
Edited By: chuyler1 on 26 Apr 2012 12:51

I don't know if Gary installed new poly pads. I would assume yes since everything else is pretty clean under there (frame off restoration and the control arms were painted during the process). The bushings all look good with my visual inspection but I'll take a closer look at the rods and sway bar. Everything was done in 2009, but I don't think he drove it very much. I know he mentioned only putting about 500 miles on the engine but I don't know if he had a different engine in there for a time. The squeak didn't start until I put about 200 highway miles on it.

The alignment feels OK. My only gripe would be that changing lanes on the highway isn't very smooth. There is a small dead zone so when it finally starts to change lanes you have to be quick to get the wheel in the other direction to catch it. The soft shocks don't help. Around town I don't notice it though...and I might just be picky about car of this age. My daily driver is an 06 Mazdaspeed6 which has exactly 0 slop in the steering.

How much are the new sleeves, and will they fit the springs I have now?

I think I will upgrade to the Bilsteins, but they are about $100/ea now. Depending on how much I drive the truck, I may hold off a year before dropping the cash on them (there are other more pressing things to spend money on). But when I do pull everything a part, I might as well try your new sleeves so they have some more breathing room.

       
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jm1fd


Revvin Up
Posts: 83
posted September 16, 2012 09:21 AM

Looks like Bilstein changed their part numbering system....new P/N appears to be 24-029728 Can anyone confirm?

       
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Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted September 22, 2012 05:22 PM

I still find these shocks for sale under the part number I listed earlier in this thread. Bilstein BE3-2972

http://www.google.com/search?q=Bilstein+BE3-2972&hl=en&biw=1152&bih=764&tbs=p_ord:p&tbm=shop

http://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-BE3-2972-Heavy-Duty-Shock-Absorber/dp/B000CIRB1Q


____________
-brad-
74 REPU Lawn Green
81 Rx-7 racecar. 12a J-
Bridge

       
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Slinky


Revvin Up
Posts: 56
posted March 17, 2013 03:11 AM

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Bilstein-Shock-Strut-Front/1969-Chevrolet-Camaro/_/N-iqvojZ8oxxw?itemIdentifier=84377_462235_7413_

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Bilstein-Shock-Strut-Front/1969-Chevrolet-Camaro/_/N-iqvojZ8oxxw?itemIdentifier=84378_462236_7413_

same shocks? the original autpzone links no longer work....this is what i found. ordered them, if they are wrong i can always bring them back...


if someone can verify these are correct, that would be great

       
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Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted March 19, 2013 09:18 PM

quote:
Looks like Bilstein changed their part numbering system....new P/N appears to be 24-029728 Can anyone confirm?


Looked it up on http://www.bilsteinus.com/ and that is the new cross referenced part #. We can put this to rest now.

Directly from Bilstein's website:

36mm Monotube Shock Absorber


Part Number: 24-029728
Old Part Number: F4-BE3-2972-H0
Old Part Number: F4-BE3-2972-H1


Series: B6 (HD)

Finish: Yellow Paint

Bilstein B6 Heavy Duty monotube gas pressure shocks and struts are the ideal choice for most vehicles, including full-size sedans, SUVs and trucks. These shocks provide improved handling and stability, without sacrificing ride comfort. They offer super damping ability that makes them ideal for the driver who demands superior performance, while maintaining an exceptional street ride. (yellow paint, steel body)

Based on the Application chart it looks correct to me too. You can get them from summitracing.com for $95 and they have a great return policy for the cautious.

https://www.google.com/search?q=24-029728&hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1C1PRFA_enUS417US424&biw=1163&bih=540&tbs=vw:l,p_ord:p&tbm=shop

On sale $85 from AJUSA.com free shipping.

Slinky the shock from autozone you posted is for the rear. Here is the one for the front:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Bilstein-Shock-Strut-Front/1967-Chevrolet-Camaro/_/N-irgftZ8oxxw?itemIdentifier=229770_495055_7413_ $89.99.

       
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top1usa


Redlining
Posts: 264
posted March 20, 2013 08:24 PM

quote:
quote:
Looks like Bilstein changed their part numbering system....new P/N appears to be 24-029728 Can anyone confirm?


Looked it up on http://www.bilsteinus.com/ and that is the new cross referenced part #. We can put this to rest now.

Directly from Bilstein's website:

36mm Monotube Shock Absorber


Part Number: 24-029728
Old Part Number: F4-BE3-2972-H0
Old Part Number: F4-BE3-2972-H1


Series: B6 (HD)

Finish: Yellow Paint


Bilstein B6 Heavy Duty monotube gas pressure shocks and struts are the ideal choice for most vehicles, including full-size sedans, SUVs and trucks. These shocks provide improved handling and stability, without sacrificing ride comfort. They offer super damping ability that makes them ideal for the driver who demands superior performance, while maintaining an exceptional street ride. (yellow paint, steel body)

Based on the Application chart it looks correct to me too. You can get them from summitracing.com for $95 and they have a great return policy for the cautious.

https://www.google.com/search?q=24-029728&hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1C1PRFA_enUS417US424&biw=1163&bih=540&tbs=vw:l,p_ord:p&tbm=shop

On sale $85 from AJUSA.com free shipping.

Slinky the shock from autozone you posted is for the rear. Here is the one for the front:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Bilstein-Shock-Strut-Front/1967-Chevrolet-Camaro/_/N-irgftZ8oxxw?itemIdentifier=229770_495055_7413_ $89.99.





Brad, thanks for sorting that out for us! I finally placed an ordrer for this shocks! Also, I'm ready to purchase coilovers...please send me an email with insturctions!!!

       
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