Another Bilstein Question

[ToeJam]

So I'm definately replacing my shocks in the next few months and the Bilsteins are the winners.

Has anyone put the models designed for use with the heavier front ends (i.e. using the ARB) on their rigs before they've mounted their ARB (and run around on them)? An ARB might be in the distant future, and I'd like to not replace the shocks again if I end up purchasing one. I'm curious how stiff the ride is w/o the added weight up front.

I'm also going to pick up the full skid plate package from Skid row, which should add some nice weight to the underside and help smooth the ride out.....a little bit.

Thanks for your help
Stu
:flamer: :badass:

[Schludwiller]

If it was me I would get the ARB valved Bilsteins.

The valving for the extra weight probably only comes into play on the harder, more compressed hits of the springs. My guess is you wouldn't notice much difference on the road, and they would just be stiffer when offroading.

More than likely you're going to add more weight to your truck in the future with either the ARB and/or skids.

Especially with your trucks attraction to tree stumps.

[Snoopy]

Anyone know the part number for the the front shocks on the ARB valved Bilsteins? I plan on adding an ARB in the future. Thanks!

[rhombus]

I don't have the part number handy.
I just called and talk to the guys at Spencer Low.
They will make sure you get the stuff that you need.

[Ag_xterra]

i have the bilsteins up front valved for the arb but dont have my arb installed yet. they are stiffer than stock but not harsh. you'll notice less body lean up front and quicker rebound. they are worth the extra money.

[ToeJam]

I don't have shackles and don't plan on adding them. Would it be bad if I put on the Bilsteins that are designed for shackles? All I can think of is I'll have extra travel that I'll never use...but I have zero experience with automotive stuff, so I could be completely missing something important.

Does anyone have the PN for the rear w/o swaybars and no shackels??? I can't seem to find it, hence my question above!

Thanks
Stu

[OffroadX]

here's a link

Hmm, don't see a listing for no bar and no shackles though, is there such a thing? Somehow I doubt it, not enough difference to warrant it.

Brent

[Chris_McCracken]

Just go call SLR. If the shock you want exists, they'll have it. And quit trying to cheap out and save a few bucks getting the shocks elsewhere. There aren't many vendors that support the Xterra, we should support the ones we have. Call Spencer, he'll take care of you.

[Schludwiller]

Originally posted by Chris_McCracken
Just go call SLR. If the shock you want exists, they'll have it. And quit trying to cheap out and save a few bucks getting the shocks elsewhere. There aren't many vendors that support the Xterra, we should support the ones we have. Call Spencer, he'll take care of you.

I agree. Don't call for help if you're going to take the info and buy somewhere else. Spencer is willing to spend time with customers talking about his parts and help with your Xterra. If it costs a few dollars more, that includes good advice, and you're supporting someone who is creating aftermarket parts for your truck.

[gothamist]

I have yet to receive the kind of customer support from SLR that I have received from the other 4x4 companies I have dealt with (except for KMA...) I think they are a valuable asset to the Nissan community, but some of us have had less than stellar experiences with them (which can probably be said for most of the 4x4 companies out there, of course.)

Sorry, the SLR love fest was just too much for me.

[Schludwiller]

Originally posted by gothamist
I have yet to receive the kind of customer support from SLR that I have received from the other 4x4 companies I have dealt with (except for KMA...) I think they are a valuable asset to the Nissan community, but some of us have had less than stellar experiences with them (which can probably be said for most of the 4x4 companies out there, of course.)

Sorry, the SLR love fest was just too much for me.

Not really a love fest, my point was don't go to someone for advice and then turn use that information to go to another supplier and save some bucks. If the cheaper shop is such a good deal then they should be able to tell you which Bilstein shocks to get with the shackles. (of course they don't know anything about your Xterra, right?)

I think of it like the people who go big merchandise chains cause the parts are cheaper, and then wonder what happened to the personalised service they used to get from the mom and pop shops.

Regardless, please feel free to talk about your problems with SLR. It's valuable for people to hear the good and the bad.

[Whistler!]

Get the Bilstein Shocks...I installed a complete set tonight...Oh Man,
what a HUGE difference in the ride...Can't wait to go Off-Road w/'em.

Get the ones thet are 20% Stiffer(Heavy Duty)...:hehe:

Good Luck,

[miket]

Originally posted by Whistler!
Get the Bilstein Shocks...I installed a complete set tonight...Oh Man,
what a HUGE difference in the ride...Can't wait to go Off-Road w/'em.

Get the ones thet are 20% Stiffer(Heavy Duty)...:hehe:

Good Luck,

How 'bout a quantitative and qualitative description of the difference?

[ScottG]

Originally posted by ToeJam
I don't have shackles and don't plan on adding them. Would it be bad if I put on the Bilsteins that are designed for shackles?

I wondered the same thing. I think they would probably work fine.

I read on one of the other boards where some people are not recomending the use of the front shocks rated for the extra weight of an ARB. The theory is that they ride rougher and do not prevent bottoming out any more than the Xterra specific shocks.

[ScottG]

Originally posted by Schludwiller


If the cheaper shop is such a good deal then they should be able to tell you which Bilstein shocks to get with the shackles

My memory is that Autozone had them for about $55.00, but they can't even tell you the part number for any Bilstien shock that fits the Xterra.