BDS Suspension - Shock discussion

[teebes]

I'm pretty sure I always recommended against putting in the Tahoe shocks that came for free with many of the spring sets being sold on Ebay. Miserable skinny-ass little things.

+1
I didn't realize folks were using those shocks Just the springs folks!!! Unless you don't want better flex. Now time to get longer control arms....

[BDS Suspension]

as of right now it would be just rear shocks...but im still looking into everything and doing research...anddd saving up the green

Give Hollerans a call. Let them know we sent you their way. Also, if you have any questions just drop me a PM.

[Zero]

Once I am working full time again, I am def gona ditch my tahoe shocks.

[fishsticks]

My 5500's arrived yesterday.

A lot of this will be recap for BDS equipped people. But for the ignorant masses (like myself):

Lined up:




Remember the pic like this with the Tahoe shock?




Full Extension. The E-Brake cable is right at it's limit.





I can already tell a HUGE difference in the rear on road. Sunday I'll be back out playing around again. I expect I'll be equally impressed.


I know quite a few folks run their BDS shocks w/o dust covers. Any problems? The seal seems like it's right out there.


Thanks BDS! You've made a believer out of me.

[The Roadie]

The boots are like $5 extra and a lot of folks just forget to buy 'em. Like me. Gotta fix that little problem soon.

[janesy86]

Yea but really what difference do the boots do? I know they will keep out some dust, but wont the possibly just trap more in?? Plus I kinda like the look without the boots...

But back to the shocks, I absolutely love em so far.. Just need to get offroad with em now.

[Trail X]

The boots should prolong the life of the shaft seal.

[Zero]

depending on where you live the boots are not always a good idea. For instance up here in the great white north a lot of people dont run them because they will trap dirt and worse then that SALT!!!! say it aint sooooo.

SO yes, they may keep a bunch of crap out of the shock, but unless you are gona take it off every now and then, possibly add some grease to everything under it.....you may run into some faster then normal break down of the metal.

[BDS Suspension]

I was going to reply about the boot question but Zero hit it right on the head. I never run boots on my shocks. No shock boot will keep out all moisture. Here in Michigan we have issues with that. Where boots perform well is in more dry, dirty locations. Guys in the sandy, rocky southwest will benefit form boots to protect the shocks shaft from getting "sandblasted". Boots can be run in any environment...they just require more maintenance in some situations. I have seen the tops of shock rust out because the owner never cleaned/dried the boots out. Just like any other part on your vehicle they need to be serviced according to the situation.

[janesy86]

OK, thats what I thought... I like the look better without anyway.

[Zero]

I was going to reply about the boot question but Zero hit it right on the head.

I like this vendor!!

[madmanvillain]

i just glanced quickly so i may have missed this but...why doesnt BDS have a front shock for out trucks?? is anything in the works??

[Zero]

Ive always wondered that too. Especialy since the bilsteins arent the best shocks, especialy up north....they dont like salt.

[The Roadie]

I would guess that it would involve significant engineering to do that, for a tiny market. And significant product liability exposure. The rears need to be chosen and tested carefully for the application, but choosing the right cylinder, valving, and length from the existing catalog of shocks isn't the same kind of project as getting the lower spring perch just right for a front application. And offering better shocks for the fronts just invites a discussion on stiffer springs, and then we're into full-on coilover territory. We already see how small the market for that is.

The folks who offer replacement front shocks are aiming more for mass-market products that get wide distribution through the normal consumer channels. Not the small part of the industry catering to 4 bys. IMHO.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Bilstein VS Roadie's Old 5500 BDS

[Regulator1175]

[quote="HARDTRAILZ"]Bilstein VS Roadie's Old 5500 BDS



Wow, thats a pretty serious difference. I still think you should just go to the 9500's! I know where you can get rid of the 5500's.

[The Roadie]

Those shocks weren't on the Roadiemobile too long before I got 9500's, but they saw some great trails. Kyle will add a few more worthy miles to them, I'm certain.

[SteveTB03]

Well I was one of those idiots that did use the Tahoe shocks on my TB and after gearing the negative things about them which I never once realized... I decided to install the 5500s I got when I bought the lift a long time ago and let me tell you the ride is so much better and I actually have movement in my rear.

Thanks for showing me the light guys lol

[The Roadie]

... I actually have movement in my rear....

Must ......resist.......commenting.........but...............it's.........hard!!!!!!

[MrSmithsTB]

I've had my Tahoe shocks on for about a month with stock springs, and I can't wait to make the change to Tahoe springs and BDS shocks.