Monroe Or Bilstein

[STLtrailbSS]

Ok so im in a obsession with fixings whats not broken right now on the SS and I want to move on to shock/Struts. So I was looking at the Bilstein on Monroe SensaTrack. I would love to get the Beltechs from tony but Buying something that I have to buy something else to fix bothers me. (Alignment issues with Belltechs). So I know close to nothing about what to look for, which is the better pick or Am I way off and need to look into a different brand.

 

[Sparky]

Bilstein IMO. Never really cared for Monroes except for a cheap replacement.

Only thing I'm not sure on is how they are on an SS vs a standard GMT360.

 

[ksimm92]

I know alot of members here have bilsein HD's and like them, but im not sure how they would be on a SS

 

[Opeth]

I added some Bilsteins with 255/70 dampening force ( high rate) in my rears, and thy remind me of my performance suspension in my tuner car. Crisp and firm. Normal rears are around 170/70 in the rear. I also have the HD's up front, I personally love my ride right now.

You'd have to loose the air setup outback if you wanted to run the rears I have.

 

[Matt]

Considering the OEM shocks are a better version of the Bilsteins that our trucks get, I'd go with the Bilstein HD's, which is what I have on my LTZ.

 

[Pittdawg]

I have read Bilstein HDs are too stiff for the stiffer SS spring rate.

 

[Sparky]

I have read Bilstein HDs are too stiff for the stiffer SS spring rate.

I don't think that's right. I'm pretty sure you need a shock with higher damping to handle a higher spring rate properly.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Yeah it's tricky it seems like the belltech set from tony is the way to go but then I need to buy the modified a arms or I get the alignment issue. I'm just not looking to spend almost $700 on that set up. Trying to save for my raptor 700 go real fast toy. I'm not looking to amazingly improve my handling its a 5000lbs SUV it's handles as well as an elephant. I'm just looking for something a little better without $700 out of my bank. I do prefer a stiffer ride then the caddy boat float feel. So maybe bilsteins are the way.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

IDK what you're talking about unless you mean coilovers, you can get a full set of Belltech front/rear shocks and rear springs for $475 from Tony. Use the included collars to keep the truck at stock height it you dont want to deal with DJM a arms. Thats what Id do if I were on a budget, heck a set of 4 Bilstein HDs is going to be ~$250 anyway and you still have the craptastic airbags out back. TBSSowners.com Store - Belltech Street Perf. Shocks/Springs Combo (Powered by CubeCart)

Or if you want to leave the airbags, do the Belltech front/rear shocks for $215 + $130: TBSSowners.com Store - Belltech Trailblazer Drop Strut Set (Powered by CubeCart), TBSSowners.com Store - Belltech Street Perf. Shocks For Rear Trailblazers. (Powered by CubeCart). Means you pay another $30 for the rear drop springs if you buy the kit.

Do you have a DJM rear swaybar? If you dont, get in on the GB Tony's doing now for $215. Hands down, the BEST suspension upgrade Ive done on my SS (and the Hotchkis was the best I did on my 02, before the DJM bar came out).

 

[STLtrailbSS]

I want that sway bar but If i buy bell techs of course im going to want to drop also So i go that route im going to hold and do it all.

 

[Pittdawg]

I don't think that's right. I'm pretty sure you need a shock with higher damping to handle a higher spring rate properly.

I'm unsure as to what you mean by "need". High dampening plus high spring rate equals stiff. Great if you tow or haul stuff terrible for comfortable every day driving. Low dampening plus low spring rate equals soft. Great for everyday driving but bad for towing, hauling and handling. Most people like a happy medium. I have the second to lowest stock spring rate so combined with the HD Bilsteins I'm quite happy. I'm pretty sure Eric who answered this thread is one of the people who posted on the OS HD Bilsteins do not play well with stock ss springs. Eric?

 

[ScarabEpic22]

I cant vouch for HD Bilsteins with SS springs, but Ill will say that with Eibach drop springs, the ride SUCKED (partially). Up front, it was nice and firm, never had any issues. Out back, super bouncy and never felt right. After a few years I went back to the stock springs in the rear, helped a little but by then the shocks didnt fully extend (think running them with a 2" drop for so long wasnt so good).

You can try SS springs + HD Bilsteins, honestly I think it will be a really firm ride. If that's what you're after, then go for it. Just up to you if you want to take a gamble on an untested setup. For the little extra $$, Id save and buy the Belltechs all around. Even if you just do shocks now, the ride will be much better. And you can leave it stock height if you want.