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Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 4:19 pm
by jessef
I have tried the following shocks on our Delica .

#(my recommendation)

#3 50/50 City/Offroading -> Procomp S3000 (Softer than the s9000's but can take large bumps and float over washboards much better)

#4 80/20 City/Offroading -> Procomp S9000 (stiffer rebound than the s3000's but a bit more 'jarring' ride)

#2 50/50 City/Offroading -> Rancho 9000XL (adjustable - I couldn't get them for that 'just right' feel. Either too soft or too hard)

#1 20/80 City/Offroading -> KYB gas-a-just (as stiff as the s9000's but got softer after 1,500km's and felt almost perfect on the front. Too stiff on the rear)

Ordered a set of heavy duty (HD) Bilstein's to see how they fare :

B46-1336-HO (front)
B46-1337-HO (rear) * eye<->eye

They should be a mix between the rancho and kyb's with better valving. Will report in a few weeks.

Feel free to add in shock talk. :-D :M

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 5:39 pm
by InTheForest
jfarsang, a friend said that KYB's were his one and only. He is using them on his work truck and his "Batmobile" an ol'boat. Did you buy them from the Lordco or factory direct. Did you find they had different models or one fer all.

I was thinking KYB as also a cheaper than option but still quality. My shocks are shockingly... not good shocks as in dead.

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:43 pm
by jessef
Good friend of mine has been modying montero's for years.

Because the delica has the same base and shocks, I just swapped over the one's he would go through or spares.

I wish I had more time on the Rancho's but couldn't dial them in. I know Falco posted good findings with them.

In my mind, an adjustable shock makes sense but in reality, I find that once I have a good setup, adjustabilty is not a concern.

If I was hauling weight in the van and frequently switched between light/heavy loads or towing, then I would definitely opt for an adjustable set at least on the rear.

I'm guessing the Bilstein's will be nice.

At $250 US shipped for all four, it's hard to beat.

The HD Bilstein's are concidered to be a top quality shock.

Especially since getting them in Canada costs more than twice that amount + taxes.

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Sat Nov 22, 2008 10:21 pm
by jessef
Report on the Bilstein's.

A+++

Best shock absorber I have ever used.

Blows the procomps out of the water.

I am at stock height using them now. Will report back on them with the lift.

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 2:10 pm
by knight
I am thinkig about putting new shocks in my Delia, was wondering what model of bilstiens you used? Do they make a version that will fit a stock height and shock mounted Delica? I now you are using an eye to eye conversion, not sure I want to go that route as it would reduce wheel travel since I dont want to lift her.

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 8:57 pm
by jessef
I like the Bilstein's a lot.

The set that I bought was for a Mitsubishi Montero 1992.

Front shocks are 1.5 inches longer than the stock Delica

Rear shocks are identical length, but eye to eye (you'd need the 2" conversion block)

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 3:14 pm
by Albert_N
Hi,

I was going to order either the Bilstein B6 shocks or the Iron Man gas shocks. I use BS in my other rig, but have no information on Iron Man. Does anyone use them or could share any info ? The van would be used for overland tourism, not hardcore offroading ;-)
Thanks a lot.
Cheers,
Albert

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 9:40 pm
by jessef
I'd steer away from the ironman's then. They are foam shocks and very rigid.

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 3:05 am
by Albert_N
jfarsang,
So you say the IronMans are harder than Bilsteins ? I read you have a set of B46 installed, how do they feel in everyday driving ? I trust Bilstein the most, but IronMans are better priced...
Thanks !
Albert

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 3:34 am
by Delicanadabc
Hello

I just picked up a set of Monroe shock and I sure they are in no way high-end but I am willing to give them a try. My previous Delica I fitted with the 9000 Pro comp and they really improved the handling but they sure were stiff. My van is expected to stay 85%-90 on paved surfaces and that is why I did not see why I would invest in heavy duty shock. I'll attempt to get them in tomorrow, weather pending... :M 8-) :M

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:36 am
by jessef
The Ironman Delica/Pajero replacements are a foam cell based shock. They are stiffer than the Bilstein's and smaller as well.

The Bilstein's give a good ride. Firm but absorb bumps without harshness.

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:53 am
by Albert_N
Thanks jfarsang,

That is a very helpful opinion to me.
Cheers,
Albert

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:35 am
by Muzzy
jfarsang wrote:I like the Bilstein's a lot.

The set that I bought was for a Mitsubishi Montero 1992.

Front shocks are 1.5 inches longer than the stock Delica

Rear shocks are identical length, but eye to eye (you'd need the 2" conversion block)

Hey jfarsang
I'm interested in the Bilstein Shocks. What do you need to do for the 2" conversion block to get a proper and safe setup?
Thanks

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2009 9:51 am
by jessef
I forget the name but it's a 2" pin to eye Procomp conversion block specifically made to convert pin-style (bottom of stock Delica rear shock) to eye (most common universal shock mount)

Re: Shocks to choose from ...

Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2009 8:35 pm
by Muzzy
jfarsang wrote:Report on the Bilstein's.

A+++

Best shock absorber I have ever used.

Blows the procomps out of the water.

I am at stock height using them now. Will report back on them with the lift.
jfarsang wrote:I like the Bilstein's a lot.

The set that I bought was for a Mitsubishi Montero 1992.

Front shocks are 1.5 inches longer than the stock Delica

Rear shocks are identical length, but eye to eye (you'd need the 2" conversion block)
Could this be explained? If the front shock is 1.5" longer then stock and for the rears you need a 2" conversion block aren't they both now to long? Or how does that work if still at stock height?

This is the response I got from Procomp about the conversion

Part number for stem-loop conversion is #690001.
Adds 1.5” to over shock length (you will need a 1.5” shorter length shock)





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