Are Bilstein Shocks Worth the Extra $$$ - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*lakeroadster* · 10-05-2010, 09:03 PM

My daily driver 2002 Tacoma TRD needs new shocks.

So I am pricing shocks. For the Tacoma:

(4) KYB's are $200
(4) Bilsteins are $340

It had Bilsteins from the factory but are they better than KYB's for a truck that is only driven on the highway 95% of the time?

Thanks guys, your help is sincerely appreciated.

wilkinst · 10-16-2010, 12:18 PM

I have an '83 BMW that has KYB shocks in the rear (put on by the PO) and they're trash IMO. From what I've read from other BMW enthusiasts if you can afford the Bilstein's, buy the Bilstein's. But if you're looking for a midrange shock I would go with Sachs. My dad has used these on two other BMW's and is very happy with them. This is an entirely different application than yours but hopefully it gives you something to work off of!

ERASER5 · 10-16-2010, 05:15 PM

I put Bilsteins on my Durango. Made a big difference. Bilsteins have to highest nitrogen pressure rating out there. 360psi IIRC. Bilsteins ship extended, so compressing that 360 psi is a challenge. I had to use a floor jack to push the shock into place. I was a challenge, but I got it done.

Permafrost · 10-16-2010, 05:54 PM

Yes! Bilsteins
They seem to be the best for holding up to the extreme cold in the climate where I live; the seals stay in them anyhow.

10-05-2010, 09:03 PM	#1
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Are Bilstein Shocks Worth the Extra $$$ My daily driver 2002 Tacoma TRD needs new shocks. So I am pricing shocks. For the Tacoma: (4) KYB's are $200 (4) Bilsteins are $340 It had Bilsteins from the factory but are they better than KYB's for a truck that is only driven on the highway 95% of the time? Thanks guys, your help is sincerely appreciated. Last edited by lakeroadster; 10-05-2010 at 09:04 PM.

10-16-2010, 12:18 PM	#2
wilkinst Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 52	Re: Are Bilstein Shocks Worth the Extra $$$ I have an '83 BMW that has KYB shocks in the rear (put on by the PO) and they're trash IMO. From what I've read from other BMW enthusiasts if you can afford the Bilstein's, buy the Bilstein's. But if you're looking for a midrange shock I would go with Sachs. My dad has used these on two other BMW's and is very happy with them. This is an entirely different application than yours but hopefully it gives you something to work off of!

10-16-2010, 05:15 PM	#3
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: Are Bilstein Shocks Worth the Extra $$$ I put Bilsteins on my Durango. Made a big difference. Bilsteins have to highest nitrogen pressure rating out there. 360psi IIRC. Bilsteins ship extended, so compressing that 360 psi is a challenge. I had to use a floor jack to push the shock into place. I was a challenge, but I got it done. __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

10-16-2010, 05:54 PM	#4
Permafrost Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 64deg N. 147deg W. or thereabouts Posts: 87	Re: Are Bilstein Shocks Worth the Extra $$$ Yes! Bilsteins They seem to be the best for holding up to the extreme cold in the climate where I live; the seals stay in them anyhow. __________________ Too Many Projects: '50 GMC '62 Nova drop-top '68 K10 '68 Chevelle SS



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