Bilstein seems to be developing O.E. replacement shocks and struts for the KL models, in the various configurations in comes in. There is no ETA from what I found but part numbers are listed and on their website as well as CARid. They are going with the B6 model line, which is a monotube unit. This is great news for those of you running stock setups or the spacer lifts but want retain the original setup while still improving the ride. This is a great step in the right direction for the cherokee aftermarket.
Most likely the other way around if anything, but I believe bilstein is going to do they're own. Fox also mentioned to me that they are going to break into the strut market (targeting mustangs first) but a possible future option...
Test fitting. Rear shocks have been fitted for about 1k miles now. They are longer than stock, and can handle the 2" lift I have on the back end of the Cherokee at the moment.
Front parts are going in this week. Forgot to order new clamps, which are not reusable, and sadly did not come with the struts.
Test fitting. Rear shocks have been fitted for about 1k miles now. They are longer than stock, and can handle the 2" lift I have on the back end of the Cherokee at the moment.
The brackets look beefier... but I also see there is only one hole in the plate. Any idea if it's the factory location or is it lowered? I'm working out what will be needed to work with the typical lift approach and not use aftermarket springs.
They are now listed on shockwarehouse.com There are three different fronts: FWD, ADI, ADII, and the rears are common to all three. I always upgrade to Bilsteins. Last time I looked, there was nothing listed for the Cherokee. Now the Bilsteins are there. Awesome.
They are now listed on shockwearhouse.com There are three different fronts: FWD, ADI, ADII, and the rears are common to all three. I always upgrade to Bilsteins. Last time I looked, there was nothing listed for the Cherokee. Now the Bilsteins are there. Awesome.
I'm not really a fan of most Bilstein shock families but there are some good ones. I would love to see some Fox or King options but I doubt that will ever happen.
I think this is a pick your poison, pricing is similar. It will be interesting to see how these work, maybe when my dobinsons strut/shock need replacement i'll install these!
If I remember right there is an 18mm difference from where the strut sits against the knuckle to the spring perch on the Dobinsons compared to stock. Also the rear shock from center of eyelet to tip of threaded end is 30", do you know the length of the bilstiens?
So, it turns out the hole in the fin for the bilstein struts is no big enough to pass the 12mm bolt, so it will either need to be drilled out, or given how short the fin is, there is a small chance the bolt will clear the whole thing. I'm pushing the strut install to next week (probably Tuesday) so until then I've reached out to my contact at bilstein for clarification
same with the dobinsons but what I found out is that the bolt won't be passing through the hole anyways so there's no need to worry. Might be different than bilstien but @edge600 can confirm.
When you get all of this completed and you're comfortable with your setup, can you post everything you purchased and estimated costs? I'd like to lift my TH a bit more and am hoping that I can add this to my current HZ TH+ lift.
When you get all of this completed and you're comfortable with your setup, can you post everything you purchased and estimated costs? I'd like to lift my TH a bit more and am hoping that I can add this to my current HZ TH+ lift.
I have a write up draft saved for the back end components. Just waiting to finish tweaking the fronts before typing up final details on that half.
So far I have about 1k miles on everything. The back end is fully lifted with the spacers, dobinson springs, and Bilstein shocks. Front has the Bilstein struts and dobinson springs, and I will be testing out knuckle adjustments on Monday and Tuesday.
Overall the ride is super nice. I need to find an opportunity to get it on something more interesting than a gravel driveway, but I'm happy so far.
I pulled the trailer with it a few days ago, and the back end doesn't take a dive anymore, so that's a huge plus
Is there anyone running the Dobinson springs without the extra weight, just wondering if they will be too harsh. Also do they make different spring rates to compensate for extra weight?
@HazardSky, When all said and done, Can you please post your ground clearance at [1] the bottom of the gas tank skid plate and [2] the engine skid plate near the exhaust pipe? I'm looking for 12+ inches in the front.
Couple other questions...
Since you mentioned sway bar links, are you installing quick disconnects? Fronts and back? @edge600 did some testing with the front links disconnected and found it mostly favorable except for hard over steering.
Are the front Bilstein struts 2" dia like the OE? Must be if you got them installed. I like the combination of the Dobinson C29-150 spring and Bilsteins strut for the front. I need this for the new Exp-One bumper. Is there a reason why you chose struts over the Dobinson front shocks?
After your CV engineer has a look, I would like to see a picture of your front axle [1] normal resting and [2] full droop. A picture of the rear axles would be good also.
Depending on the rear height, did you find your tires are too far forward? Are they close to rubbing the body seam? Wheel liner? What size tires do you have?
Still need Dobinson springs C29-150 front and C29-151 rear, 2 each. Unless the springs are less than $70 each (delivered), I don't see how this is a better deal than the current Dobinson group buy for $722 Total.
I've got some homework to do! I'll have a proper write up including answers to most of your questions this weekend.
Clearance at front skid was 11.25"-11.5" though it wasn't on the most level surface side to side, which accounts for the variance. I have 30.5" tires, so bumping up a size or two would likely get it to 12" clearance.
Those front strut part numbers are not quite accurate I think. Those look like the non 4x4 version. I don't have them on me at the moment, but there is separate parts for 4x4, which has a slightly longer stem.
At the group buy pricing, dobinson is a great deal. At standard price they're not too far off. My total for the entire bilstein setup was under 400, so it depends on where you buy.
Personally, I've always gone with bilstein so since it was available, I went for it. Some may choose the full kit from dobinson and thats perfect. this is just another option, and I am happy with it on my jeep
Installed front Bilstein struts on the front. Replaced front brake pads and shim kit and rotors with FCA parts.
My front end rattle seems to be gone. Still need to do an off road test. The highway ride quality is great.
Have new Nitto Terra Grapplers 111T speed rating. Not LT tires.
4 wheel alignment done.
Bumps are absorbed really well. The old upper strut mounts are really noisy when you rotate them by hand.
The new upper strut mounts are lubricated with Nye grease.
The inboard side of the rotors were rusted and not being cleaned by the pads for some reason.
Seriously considering new rear Bilstein shocks.
As far as I can tell the old stock front struts are still ok, the Bisteins are just a lot better.
I don't want to be the guy that's always pushing things further and further out, but it's been so busy lately I haven't gotten around to finishing it up, and I apologize.
TLR of it is:
Bilstein struts and shocks, dobinson springs. 4x 1/2" spacers, two per side, for the rear. 19mm knuckle drop up front.
Installed rear Bilstein Performance B6 shock absorbers PN 24-265980 on 2014 TH.
These are for the off-road suspension.
The top nut has a different thread pitch than the stock Hitachi shocks.
The highway ride is much improved. 50K miles on the old shocks.
The Bilsteins had a strap to prevent the rod from extending.
To Hazard Sky: Hope to see you at York PA Jeep show this weekend
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