Which Shocks to use?

Henz,

Plenty of good brands of Shock absorbers around mate.

The Bilsteins are very good, but recommend you compare the price with the Old Man Emu Shocks from ARB, or the XGS shocks from TJM.

Whatever you get, you will notice a noticeable improvement over standard shocks, even on the bitumen.
You will wonder why it took you so long to convert.

Fit some new shocks for the trip, they arent that expensive, then when you get home, put your old ones back on, keep the 'trip' ones for a trip.

only takes hour or so to fit them up.

What sort of vehicle? Does it have struts on the front? If so you don't want to be changing them too often.
Also, some shocks are better suited to large/heavy cars than others.
If you spend most of your time on bitumen then any sports orientated shock is the go, rather than spending heaps on a tough offroad shock that you'll never use.

Bilstiens do have a very good reputation as a good all round shockie; don't know of anyone using the TDT's yet.

Hi Henz

Bilstein and Koni are both high quality shocks that end up being cheap to own because thay last longer and can be rebuilt. The Koni's we have used seem to give a softer ride than the Bilsteins but the Bilsteins are better handling. These things are relative though because they are better than just about anything else around. The OME stuff is a different issue in that they are set up for off road work, they are extremely good especially if your rig is heavy or lifted.

There are a lot of other brands out there that have "reputations" but there is very little true comparison information with proper back to back testing.

regards

A

If you've got a Toyota, the factory shocks are cheaper than any aftermarket shock and, in my experience, more reliable - they are Japanese built Tokico. Last set I bought were on special at $60 a shock. And they don't fade on the desert trips. If you want long travel shocks, then you'll need something else.

Just my two cents worth

I have had Bilsten's in my GU patrol for the last year. My partner and I have travelled over 40 000kms on them on this trip to date. We have had no problems with them at all. They have handled the rough stuff really well and no hint of fade. THis iincludes towing our camper trailer across the kimberleys and the NT.

Well worth the extra money that we spent. Take time to work out your spring rates as well. Depending on the load that you are planning on carrying, this will make a big difference.