Detroit Axle Rear shocks or Bilstein rear shocks?
- Thread starter DR1
- Start date
I have had both. I installed Monroe reflexes on a lifted grand Cherokee and a Chrysler minivan. I felt the reflex is the best shock they make. It has more of a “big vehicle“ feel. It will let the vehicle use more of the suspension travel but still clamp down on movement and control the ride. Bilsteins are probably a bit stiffer. off-road, the Monroe actually was, to me, a little easier to live with.
on road, I would choose the 4600 bilsteins over the 5100. The 4600 is a progressively valved shock whereas the 5100 is digressive, as one is road tuned and the other is expected to be used off road. 4x4 crowd likes the 5100 especially due to the mild lift afforded by the front strut assembly. Overall, bilstein told me they are extremely similar, with very similar damping rates.
for the titan, if you like a tighter ride, go with the bilsteins. If you like a more supple ride, go with the reflexes. The bilsteins are likely expected to last longer, if that plays into your thinking.
bilstein will outlast the life of the vehicle
Bilstein.
I put Reflex shocks on my Silverado and they work well.
I think the best would be the oem mount and the bilstein front strut. Its not hard to compress springs with a decent spring compressor set. I've had a set for 30 years or so, saved a lot compressing and changing struts myself.
I spoke with Bilstein yesterday. They do not offer front coil over shock struts for the front,just front shocks only. He told me the way for me to go is like this.
Attachments
They offer struts for the front in both 4600 and 5100 series.
https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/prod...46823386426487595&DriveId=3895825044603362078
Im not sure what you mean by "front coil over". But just change you spring over.
https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/prod...46823386426487595&DriveId=3895825044603362078
Im not sure what you mean by "front coil over". But just change you spring over.
You compress the spring, remove the top nut and put the new shock in, new mount, reusing the original spring.
Doesn't my original OEM spring in the front wear out. I would think you would want to get new springs along with the shock when doing this job. Please advise.
If you want new springs sure, replace with the struts. Never have needed to, I'm not in the rust belt.
Quality springs dont really wear out. You can also rent a spring compressor at the local part stores.
Replacing the strut and reusing all the other parts (spring, top mount(if in good shape), top nut..etc) is very common. Im sure you can find a youtube video on this topic to help you visualize it if you want.
FWIW I have Bilstine 5100s on my Jeep and they have performed flawlessly even offroad. Based on Duckryders link each front shock is only $122 on amazon I think the reviews speak for themselves.
Bilstein VS Detroit Axle is like Amsoil VS SuperTech.
Last question. Bilstein 4600 rear shocks or Nissan OEM rear shocks?
