Ironman, ARB or TJM Shocks

[Marino4x4]

The Bilstein B6 offroad shock are at a reasonable price. They are only for 1" lifts or less on a partol. You can get shocks for 6" lift, but they are competition shocks and carry a competition price. That is the shock the trophy truck have.

Bilstein B6.jpg (97.5 KiB) Viewed 4700 times

The B6 is also fully serviceable is South Africa at a descent price. The agent in Bloem said the serviced a set of shocks for a guy for about R500 per shock, courier included.

Hope this helps

Cheers

[martyn]

Hi just spoken to Ted,(ted@imcomex.co.za 012 6610110), he is the guy in charge of the shock department. They do not import extended travel shocks at this time, but if there are enough guys with a 2" and more lift they will make a plan. The price of the std length Bilsten shock is R1544.04 VAT INCLUSIVE plus delivery anywhere in S.A.
As a matter of interest, how many of us have 2" or more lift on our baby's?
1. Martyn

[martyn]

Sorry, that was supposed to read including delivery anywhere in S.A.

[Grant]

Pleased to see you added that this is your oppinion. assume this is what you ment by gimmick


1.A trick or device used to reach some end.


or was it this ?


2.A clever ploy or strategy.


Positive feedback on this forum is what drives it. Have you had OME. TJM, EFS and Iron man fitted to your troll. What millage did you do on each set ? How did they compare and what made you thinck they are all the same ?

I will be buying either of the following next time: (These are real-world shocks for people who use their trucks in tough conditions)



Billstein
King
Armada

I will never be buying the following again: (These are gimmicks and are all the same apart from Colour/Price/Return Policies)

XGS
IM
OME
EFS


The only ones between these two groups are:

Rancho
Tough Dog
Koni

(But you have to buy the best/biggest/most expensive model they sell if you go this route.

This is my opinion and others may not agree. Do your research and make an educated decision. Good ;luck.[/quote]

[G-MAN]

[Marino4x4]

OK. After a lot of research and reading up on shocks here are my findings.

Shocks have basically two different designs, Monotube or Twin tube. Bilstein, KYB, … are monotube shocks. OME, Ironman, TJM, EFS, Monroe, Gabriel, … are twin tube shocks. Both of these designs have their advantages.

From the OME site:
“Essentially, there are two basic varieties of gas shock absorbers in common usage today: one is the low-pressure twin-tube shock absorber, while the other is the high-pressure "De Carbon Principle" mono-tube. High gas pressures are the norm in Europe, but the Australian on-road and off-road environments embody markedly different needs and, in the OME experience, there are two problems with high pressure shock absorbers.

Under low pressure, the broader range of bottom-end softness is able to be easily fine-tuned. Such is not the case with the high-pressure approach, as the system is inherently stiffer - regardless of the setting. The degree of bottom-end softness dictates the level of comfort experienced whilst driving at low speed. Consequently, the low-pressure system is more comfortable and more desirable.

The other problem is that the internal gas cylinder of the De Carbon principle mono-tube design has a shaft length shorter than the Old Man Emu twin-tube design. If an OME unit and a mono unit of the same compressed length are fully extended, the ONE unit will extend further. On 4x4 vehicles, therefore, the OME unit will allow the axle to drop down further and gain traction, dependent upon suspension design. The walking effect of your 4x4 may be limited by the shorter-travelling mono-tube, but not by the Old Man Emu Nitrocharger.”

From the Hilux Forum:
"Bilstein's monotube gas charged design features a single tube that houses a self-adjusting digressive working piston and a floating dividing piston that separates a nitrogen chamber from the hydraulic oil that fills much of the rest of the shock housing. Twin tube shocks on the other hand feature an outer tube that acts as the shock body and an inner tube that houses the working piston. Both designs work by restricting the flow of oil through the working piston, however, the twin tube design also utilizes oil control valves.

Monotube shocks, like Bilstein's, are considerably less likely to build up heat due to their single tube construction. In addition to dissipating heat quicker than a twin tube shock, Bilstein's monotube shocks and struts also maintain lower operating temperatures thanks to the high pressure nitrogen gas that keeps pressure on the floating dividing piston. The pressure exerts force on the hydraulic oil and prevents foaming and loss of viscosity, which ensures the shock, will continue to work as it was designed even when used on rough roads and or terrain.


The monotube design is widely considered superior to its twin tube counterpart due to boasting a considerably larger working piston and tighter manufacturing tolerances, in addition to having a greater resistance to heat buildup. Bilstein claims the working piston in their monotube shocks is 228 percent larger than the working piston in most conventional twin tube shock absorbers, which offers greater sensitivity and provides drivers with superior vehicle control.


Because the high performance front struts and rear shock absorbers of the twin tube variety are capable of enduring a number of track miles, can make this the perfect opportunity to upgrade to those components. Having learned more about Bilstein and the high performance monotube shocks they produce, you know handling would greatly benefit from the superior technology and design characteristics.


After installing Bilstein front struts and rear shocks, it will only take a few miles, for you to notice the improvement in handling response and shock dampening. Gone will be any signs of jumpiness when the car encounters imperfections in the road surface. Bilstein struts and shocks keep your stiff springs in check and helped the tires stay planted firmly on the pavement.


If you haven't experienced advanced shock absorber technology and the benefits a monotube design offers over conventional twin tube dampeners, you may want to consider looking into a set of Bilstein monotube gas pressure shock absorbers for your vehicle. Whether you have a street rod, muscle car, or late-model performance car, you'll surely notice the improved ride and handling feel monotube design offers."

My finding is that the twin tube design is more suitable for low speed, rougher terrain. This is when crawling in low range in Lesotho or on 4x4 trails. It is also better for ride comfort (Softer ride).

While the monotube are better for high speed applications like driving on tar roads or on dirt roads. The monotube will be better for traveling long distances on corrugated Namibian roads, sand in Botswana or over-landing trough Africa.

The big thing is both design has its advantages and disadvantages. It depends on the application of the product.

This is only my thought on the finding I have made. I am not a suspension expert after searching the net for a few articles so please do not crucify me if you do not agree. This is just a start if you would like to do more research on the subject.

[Peter Connan]

Marino,

Now you know why off-road racers have shocks with external reservoirs. All the advantages of both types.

All I can say is, I am perfectly happy with the handling of my OME'd GQ. I have however never checked the temperatures.

[Marino4x4]

Hi

Yesterday I had some time to go and test the new Bilstein shock off-road. Here are some pictures of the travel I have on the suspension.

I must say that the ride quality of the car is much better now. It is like a different car. On the open road the handling is very good and off-road it is nice and comfortable with good feedback.

IMG_0014_small.jpg (89.64 KiB) Viewed 4635 times

IMG_0023_Small.jpg (102.98 KiB) Viewed 4635 times

IMG_0025_small.jpg (136.79 KiB) Viewed 4635 times

The nice thing is that they are already painted yellow.

[ricster]

next stop is a set of 33" muddies !!!.....

Looks good mate

[Jorrie]

next stop is a set of 33" muddies !!!.....

Looks good mate

Cedric
I agree with you!!! But I also have 2" lift in mind for my low profile Trol.