Pre-Qual: 89' SWB 2.6L

Hello again. So I'm used to everything under the sun being available aftermarket for any of the other rigs I've owned. Not so much for the Monty. I like OME but getting parts for the Monty is difficult. I've been able to order the rear springs but the shocks are a different story.

I'd like to get my hands on some Bilstein 5100 as a second choice. Cross-Referencing has been a *!#ch though. Looking for Open 21.8" and Collapsed 13.35" for the front and 13.39" open and 8.85 Collapsed for the rear. Plenty of option that match or come close enough to those measurements on the fitment catalog but why so many models?? Valving. Anyone running these or know if the model #'s I could use to order? I'm running the OME Leafs in the rear and going to turn up the Torsions 1" in the front for now replacing with OME if needed later.

Thanks!!

Have you tried asking Bilstein directly? They do make a shock for your rig, just not a 5100 version.

Why not KYB?

I agree with RX, have put KYBs em on both of mine. Very satisfied. METALMOVER

I've called two Bilstein dealers and no return phone calls yet(3 days) with the info. KYB's are decent but I've run them in two separate situations; once as a lesser expensive solution to OME which I changed out later and was happy with the change and the next was a similar situation. I bought a FJ on CL and flew to pick it up but the shocks were so shot it was dangerous to drive so the only option was KYB's. I drove the 1700 miles "home" on the trip and ordered my lift with Bilsteins. Replacing both the springs and shocks at the same time may not be quite fair as a true comparison but I was much happier with the dampening and rebound on the 5100's that I installed over the KYB's.

I'm looking for that series per the personal experience but if there isn't one that's valved correctly in the lengths that I need then I'll check out the KYB's if OME's are still indefinite.

Yup, I'd go with kyb's. don't call Bilstein dealers, call Bilstein directly!!

Not to self, always go to the source first... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

That's how I determined the KYB part numbers needed for a lifted gen 1 v6

Duely noted. So what did those part numbers happen to be? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Do these part numbers look familiar? http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...mp;page=0&fpart=all&vc=1

IIRC, the v6 shocks won't work for the 2.6.. Have you read the tech reference post yet?

Front shocks should be the same, rears are different.