Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Shock Absorbers
| Shock Absorbers [message #256544] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 20:52  |
thorndike
Messages: 406
Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Karma: 0
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I've messaged JimK, but have not heard back, so I thought I would ask you all.
Jim sells two different brands of shocks Bilstein and KYB. First, is there a noticeable difference between them? And second, is there any benefit of one brand up front and one in the rear so that each is doing what it does best?
Bob
Robert Peesel
1976 Royale 26'
Side Dry Bath
Conifer, Colorado
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #256553 is a reply to message #256544] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 21:58  |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Robert,
Don't use the G Mail.
I operate on the jimk@applied air filters.com.
Don' t spread the news that I do not get back.
I do not know who put me on G mail, but I do answer back.
We do have a toll free line also.
Yes we sell both, We have again run int a bad batch or rear Bilstine
shocks, for those that have purchased from us, e pay freight both way on
warranty.
Kyb is not 100%, but when people tell us they need to warranty them, I
automaticly think Bilstine,
I personally run Bilstines all around, but I cannot see why one cannot run
the front diferent than the back.
On Fri, Jul 25, 2014 at 6:52 PM, Robert Peesel wrote:
> I've messaged JimK, but have not heard back, so I thought I would ask you
> all.
>
> Jim sells two different brands of shocks Bilstein and KYB. First, is
> there a noticeable difference between them? And second, is there any
> benefit of
> one brand up front and one in the rear so that each is doing what it does
> best?
>
> Bob
> --
> Robert Peesel
>
> 1976 Royale 26'
>
> Side Dry Bath
>
> Sterling, Va
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: Shock Absorbers [message #256562 is a reply to message #256544] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 23:21 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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thorndike wrote on Fri, 25 July 2014 19:52I've messaged JimK, but have not heard back, so I thought I would ask you all.
Jim sells two different brands of shocks Bilstein and KYB. First, is there a noticeable difference between them? And second, is there any benefit of one brand up front and one in the rear so that each is doing what it does best?
Bob
KYB without any question
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Shock Absorbers [message #256564 is a reply to message #256562] |
Fri, 25 July 2014 23:48 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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I just replaced 6 Bilsteins under warrenty. The rear 4 were completely useless, I could compress them easily by hand, the fronts were better but still needed replacing.
If I had to buy shocks I would not pay for Bilsteins. Shocks of that price point should not fail after 10 years of very light use. It's inexcusable.
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #256574 is a reply to message #256572] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 08:19 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Sounds like another of those racist Germans to me. :-) (Or maybe just one
of those realist Germans.)
Ken H.
On Sat, Jul 26, 2014 at 9:14 AM, Rob Mueller
wrote:
> G'day,
>
> The following is PURE SUPPOSITION!
>
> If I am not mistaken at one time Bilsteins were made in Germany but now
> they are made in China and I suspect that has affected their
> quality.
>
> I reiterate this is PURE SUPPOSITION!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> USAussie - Downunder
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Keith V
>
> I just replaced 6 Bilsteins under warrenty. The rear 4 were completely
> useless, I could compress them easily by hand, the fronts
> were better but still needed replacing.
>
> If I had to buy shocks I would not pay for Bilsteins. Shocks of that price
> point should not fail after 10 years of very light use.
> It's inexcusable.
> --
> Keith
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #256578 is a reply to message #256577] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 09:01 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Some of the problems that I have personally encountered with bilstein
shocks have been leaking shock fluid, leaking nitrogen, and broken mounting
eyes. They are not physically strong enough to do the work demanded of them
in a gmc motor home application, although they may be fine in a less
strenuous application. I have not yet encountered a failure with KYB
shocks. I am sure that time will come, but then, it comes to the warranty.
That is Jim K. No problems there I expect.
Jim Hupy
On Jul 26, 2014 6:47 AM, "Rob Mueller" wrote:
> Jim,
>
> Well I guess Americans can't make good shocks either! ;-)
>
> Ducking!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> USAussie - Downunder
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim Miller
>
> Bilstein Kruppe of America
> 8695 Berk Blvd.
> Hamilton Ohio
>
> This is one place they are made.
>
> Jim Miller
>
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #256629 is a reply to message #256578] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 17:19 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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i had the mounting break on both my front bilsteen shocks and bilsteen replaced them with new shocks with reinforced eyes. i had the rear KYB shocks wear out the rubber donuts after many more miles then the bilsteens Jim K took care of the warranty on these. I would get the KYB shocks from Jim.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #256637 is a reply to message #256629] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 19:16 |
rickmike
Messages: 252
Registered: September 2011
Location: United States
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KYB are not perfect either.
I had some put on at The Co-op and one was seizing before I got to Okeechobee.
It took awhile to figure out what the popping was when I would raise or lower the rear.
The other 3,so far so good. Much improved ride.
Rick M.
1974 26' Canyonlands
aka "The General"
Clinton, TN
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shock Absorbers [message #256643 is a reply to message #256637] |
Sat, 26 July 2014 20:49 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
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rickmike wrote on Sat, 26 July 2014 19:16KYB are not perfect either.
Rick M.
KYBs are 1/2 the price and appear to be more durable...
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| [GMCnet] Re: Shock Absorbers [message #367563 is a reply to message #256544] |
Sun, 14 November 2021 18:58 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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After we sell off the Bilstein, we will not deal with them as they are the
worst people to deal with.
KYB has never given us any problems and are trouble free.
On Sun, Nov 14, 2021 at 4:53 PM Jim Kanomata wrote:
> ke care.
>
> On Sat, Nov 13, 2021 at 1:51 PM Dave King wrote:
>
>> Re non GMC MH shocks as asked by person who started this thread.
>> As you have an older vehicle I'm not going to suggest something exotic
>> and expensive.
>> A lot of people who use them seem happy with KYB. I would also suggest
>> Bilstein although they can be
>> broken in the GMC application. Just what I think I know.
>> --
>> DAVE KING
>> lurker, wannabe
>> Toronto, Ontario, Canada
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata ASE
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.gmcrvparts.com
> 1-800-752-7502
>
--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| [GMCnet] Re: Shock Absorbers [message #367583 is a reply to message #256544] |
Mon, 15 November 2021 13:50 |
fbhtxak
Messages: 191
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 0
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John,
Re your post below...
The LRR shock absorber eyelets never broke. The two shocks that I had Bilstein replace at that location just leaked fluid on my garage floor. The warranty hassle was the time Bilstein techs took (about a week) to conclude that the leakage qualified for replacement of the shock - both times.
My practice, apparently like yours, is to always deflate the air springs when doing any rear suspension service, including lubing the bogie pins (or doing anything otherwise under the coach).
It may be that the Bilstein breakage problem became chronic in versions later than the version I installed in 1993.
Fred
Fred Hudspeth
1978 Royale (TZE 368V101335) - Tyler, TX
1982 Airstream Excella (motorhome) - Cooper Landing, Alaska
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2021 11:31:36 -0700
From: John R. Lebetski
Subject: [GMCnet] Re: Shock Absorbers
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Message-ID:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
I agree Fred. No problems with the Bilsteins. My theory is rear eye breakage may be from improper jacking sequence (not releasing air spring pressure before lifting). I only know of KYBs from other applications. They are as a rule very stiff shocks. This gives good control and firm ride, but on washboard surfaces can cause the tires to get skittish as they can’t respond fast enough to maintain tire patch contact. The TZE probably has enough GVW for this not to be an issue. GM AC Delco partnered with Bilstein back in the day as Delco Bilstein. My 93 S15 Jimmy SLT with factory soft ride package had these shocks
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Shock Absorbers [message #367586 is a reply to message #256544] |
Mon, 15 November 2021 17:40 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Thanks for the clarification Fred. It’s kind of hard to get an accurate “bumper bounce test” on the rears as in pairs. . Other than visual inspection I guess you need to disconnect at least one end to “hand test” them.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| [GMCnet] Re: Shock Absorbers [message #367591 is a reply to message #256544] |
Mon, 15 November 2021 23:03 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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It is the Dynamic force of running all the way low and going over a speed
bump at 20mph. Shock is over extended.
For some reason, the KYB stands the abuse.
Just by jacking it up cannot damage it .
On Mon, Nov 15, 2021 at 11:50 AM Fred Hudspeth
wrote:
> John,
>
> Re your post below...
>
> The LRR shock absorber eyelets never broke. The two shocks that I had
> Bilstein replace at that location just leaked fluid on my garage floor. The
> warranty hassle was the time Bilstein techs took (about a week) to conclude
> that the leakage qualified for replacement of the shock - both times.
>
> My practice, apparently like yours, is to always deflate the air springs
> when doing any rear suspension service, including lubing the bogie pins (or
> doing anything otherwise under the coach).
>
> It may be that the Bilstein breakage problem became chronic in versions
> later than the version I installed in 1993.
>
> Fred
>
> Fred Hudspeth
> 1978 Royale (TZE 368V101335) - Tyler, TX
> 1982 Airstream Excella (motorhome) - Cooper Landing, Alaska
>
>
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2021 11:31:36 -0700
> From: John R. Lebetski
> Subject: [GMCnet] Re: Shock Absorbers
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Message-ID:
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> I agree Fred. No problems with the Bilsteins. My theory is rear eye
> breakage may be from improper jacking sequence (not releasing air spring
> pressure before lifting). I only know of KYBs from other applications.
> They are as a rule very stiff shocks. This gives good control and firm
> ride, but on washboard surfaces can cause the tires to get skittish as they
> can’t respond fast enough to maintain tire patch contact. The TZE probably
> has enough GVW for this not to be an issue. GM AC Delco partnered with
> Bilstein back in the day as Delco Bilstein. My 93 S15 Jimmy SLT with
> factory soft ride package had these shocks
> --
> John Lebetski
> Woodstock, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
>
> ***************************
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: Shock Absorbers [message #367615 is a reply to message #256544] |
Wed, 17 November 2021 17:35 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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Back to your original question of front vs rear vs brands…. I would run Bilsteins in the rear as there are 4 so that makes up for the slightly softer setting. I think they work well with the original bags. Up front I find that if I cross multiple dips in the road at just the right speed I will use all the excursion and hit the bump stops at both ends. So a little more damping would be welcome and the KYBs should give that.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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