Bilstein 4600 vs KYB 99 2wd

[Sloryd66]

Probably something a lot of you probably already know but I just installed a set of the B4600’s replacing a set of KYB Extreme-G that came on my 99 that the previous owner had just replaced a year ago. A little backstory…I did a 4” Wulf spindle lift three weeks ago and got new wheels and tires. Since then, the front end would dribble like a basketball when I hit recessed manhole covers, small potholes etc bad enough to cause bump steer and walk the front end a few inches at times. Didn’t feel good at all and I knew the shocks were more than likely to blame. Everything else like upper and lower control arms and tie rod ends had been replaced at the same time as the KYB’s so I didn’t change anything else when I did my lift. I had read the Bilsteins were firmer and when I compared them by pushing down on them in the driveway, I could feel a big difference in the resistance it took to push the piston in and how they rebounded much slower than the KYB. Today was the big test as I had several errands to run taking both the highway and local roads in and around the Orlando area. There’s quite a bit of construction around here so some of the highway areas and roads can get a little gnarly with bumps, ruts and divots. I also crossed several railroad crossings on my run today. Holy cow…all I can say is these Bilsteins are amazing!! Truck feels planted with no harshness whatsoever even though it’s a little firmer if that makes sense. It just feels more secure and controlled and drives 10X better. I was a little reluctant to drop $175 on the pair to be disappointed that it didn’t make a big difference knowing full well that lifted vehicles won’t ever be the same ride quality as a stock truck. But these shocks have surpassed my expectations….so much so that I’m going to yank the Ranchos off the back and replace those with some Bilsteins as well. Two thumbs up

 

[Northidahotrailblazer]

Did you get an alignment after you did the lift also? Anytime you change major suspension parts you really should. Bilstein's are the best bang for your buck, yeah there are better things but for there price they are some of the best you can buy.

 

[Sloryd66]

Did you get an alignment after you did the lift also? Anytime you change major suspension parts you really should. Bilstein's are the best bang for your buck, yeah there are better things but for there price they are some of the best you can buy.

Absolutely. Since it was a spindle lift, all he had to adjust was the toe. Camber and caster were within spec. I’m lucky I know a local shop with a machine and the tech and I are cool. He does all my vehicles and they only charge me $50. The chains around here all want $125 or so. …even if it turned out to be a 10 minute toe & go. Orlando is a huge Hispanic population and we’re really honest with each other…especially when they know you wrench on your own vehicles so they don’t try to take advantage. I feel sorry for the people that go into chain service centers that don’t know any better or understand mechanics and get raked over the coals and get charged for blinker fluid.