Bilstein shocks
Submitted: Monday, Apr 03, 2006 at 21:15
ThreadID:
32489
Views:
4450
Replies:
7
FollowUps:
2
This Thread has been Archived
Rob from Cairns Offroad Training & Tours
A set of Bilsteins in my 03 TD cruiser have done 60 k klms and are so worn they can't be rebuilt. I have just replaced them with OE shocks for $207 as opposed to $940 for 4 more Billys. The OEs have 12 month warranty so I figure the klms I do I can replace them nearly 5 times for the cost of a new set of Billys. If Toyota can build and market 4 shocks for $200 how can the aftermarket justify the high cost. Billys are good but not 5 times better and throw away after 60k klms when they are advertised as rebuildable. Nothing seems to be built to last these days.
Cheers,
Rob Berrill
www.cairnsoffroad.com.au
www.aussieat.com
Photo Album aussieat.blogspot.com/
Reply By: Crackles - Monday, Apr 03, 2006 at 22:03
Monday, Apr 03, 2006 at 22:03
Rob $940 sounds a bit high for Biliy's as was recently quoted $800 for a 105 series but suppose there are new rubbers & fitting costs in there as
well.
Although the Toyota shock is cheap I can't see how it could possibly control the rebound of your truck properly as no doubt you have upgraded springs & taking into concideration where you drive it with the loads you'd need to carry.
I just took my Koni's off to be rebuilt after about 250,000 KM (10 years old fitted to 3 separate Cruisers) & when I fitted the OE shocks for the interim I was amazed how poorly they handled despite being almost new.
Friends with Bilstiens are all having good runs with no one reporting any premature failure like yours. From what I've seen the Billy's are probably one of the best shocks for improving handling (other than getting big $ race shocks) but for long life the Koni twin tube adjustable are hard to go past.
Cheers Craig.....................
AnswerID:
164639