Bilsteins.

After researching this for weeks and pondering all the pros and cons, I settled on Bilstein HD's and -- WOW! -- it turned out to be a great decision. Now, I actually like the cruiser feel on highway, and these still give me that smooth ride at speed but still are stiff in the corners. I can't say enough good about them, and would recommend them to anyone. Swapping shocks on one of these large cars is a knucklebuster, though. GM apparently didn't think anyone but a long-armed midget would want to get to the top bolts at the back of the car.

If you're talking about the B46-1104 and B46-0929, yes. The best money I've spent on suspension parts PERIOD. And I had the Monroe Severe Service 550012 / 550013 combo before so I know what they're like too.

Works for me as I am going to put new shocks on the 95 RMW.I have used Bilsteins years ago
on my vettes and my brothers suburban and they were like night and day as far as handling
and road feel go.
Thanks AGain
Jim Gordon

Wish this thread was started last week, before I went and bought my Gabriels. Didn't hear anything bad about them. I would just have rather bought parts people recommended.

Cadet57 wrote:

Wish this thread was started last week, before I went and bought my Gabriels. Didn't hear anything bad about them. I would just have rather bought parts people recommended.

I went with as well man.. i had them for goin on a year or so.. still have a cozy ride..

Enjoy the Gabriels. They'll last for a few years. Save up for the Bilsteins in the meantime.

I have bilstiens in the rear but none up front yet,.. but they wil be there before wagonfest. along with new springs, all the way around.

Anyone running the Bilsteins just in the front? I want to put new shocks in my RMW, but don't want to do the rears so I can keep the ALC in place. After 16 years it still holds air. Just wondering how that would affect the feel just having the fronts replaced.

Ordered and installed the Bilsteins in the front of my RMW over the weekend. WOW! It rides like a new car! The old shocks, that looked factory, were done. One I was able to push the cylinder in, and it stayed there, the other fell apart as I took it out. This whale handles great now and doesn't bounch like a boat on rough seas. I highly recommend these shocks. I only did the fronts, the rears still hold air (for now).

I ordered my Bilsteins at shox.com, $300.03 shipped. I've also got the airlift bags coming too, can't wait to get it all in.

Mike

Based on this blog, I went on a search.
My wife drove the wagon for the first time last night. When she came home, I asked her how it was; she replied, "I almost got seasick from the body sway." SO, -----
when I saw this post, I went looking.
Bottom line: ordered new Bilstein shocks fromAmazon. com. Total: $310.16
BUT THEN ---- I kept looking and found this source:

Order Summary

product unit price qty price action
CHEVROLET Full Size: Caprice Classic, Caprice, Impala (B46-0929 - HD) (REAR RIGHT&LEFT) $62.95 $125.90

CHEVROLET Full Size: Caprice Classic, Caprice, Impala (B46-1104 - HD) (FRONT RIGHT&LEFT) $85.80 $171.60




Sub Total: $297.50

This is from: Turner Motorsport. You can order them on-line by going to:
http:www.bilsteinshocks.com/bilstein/html/show_shocks.asp?make='CHEVROLET'&mo...

I was happy with Eshocks. They have 1104/0929 sport shocks for $279.80 with free shipping.
http://www.eshocks.com/bil_veh.asp?Model_Index=7Q11&Manf=Bilstein&SubChar=Q

I was told the B46-0929 shocks (rear) were superseded by BE5-E250-MO, is this true?

Don't know about that.
I just placed an order for 4 new shocks, and those are the ones
I am supposed to be getting for the rears!

There is a lot of confusion at some of these web sites about applications.
Some do not even make a distinction between a wagon and the sedans,
or the Impala SS!

rkmdogs wrote:

Don't know about that.
I just placed an order for 4 new shocks, and those are the ones
I am supposed to be getting for the rears!

There is a lot of confusion at some of these web sites about applications.
Some do not even make a distinction between a wagon and the sedans,
or the Impala SS!

Supposedly the sedan and wagon's share the same rear shocks, so it should not matter.

Update -- Looked at several blogs from the Impala SS club and other gurus,
on improving the ride & handling of our "beasts".

Recommendation is to change the front sway bar to a 2nd generation Camaro bar ----
except you can't find them anymore, and GM is not making it anymore!
Solution: My wrencher told me about these guys & I have ordered the F-body styled bar
for my wagon. Only big admonition ---- cannot use on a lowered car! NBD!

http://www.bmrsuspension.com/index.cfm?page=products&vehicleid=16&maincatid=50&catid=115&productid=40

[quote="95BRMW"]

rkmdogs wrote:

Supposedly the sedan and wagon's share the same rear shocks, so it should not matter.

Not true on some of the application charts I have seen! There may be a valving difference.
The site I mentioned above, shows some sedan shocks are NOT for wagons!

200OZ wrote:

I was told the B46-0929 shocks (rear) were superseded by BE5-E250-MO, is this true?

Check your info source. I just went to the on-line Bilstein catalog, put in that number,(BE5-E250-MO),
and the response was, no such numbered item!

Either the number is wrong, or somebody gave you bad info!

Mike - springs? What are you doing for them? I haven't seen very much info on springs other than the CC623's. Anybody else have any input?

Good info for my wagon. I've been "thinking" of Bilsteins .. Car handles very good now with the Hotchkis front & rear sway bars and the rear adjustable upper & lower control arms.

rkmdogs wrote:

200OZ wrote:

I was told the B46-0929 shocks (rear) were superseded by BE5-E250-MO, is this true?

Check your info source. I just went to the on-line Bilstein catalog, put in that number,(BE5-E250-MO),
and the response was, no such numbered item!

Either the number is wrong, or somebody gave you bad info!

The shox.com web site. After looking again the # is BE5-E250-M0, not MO, sorry.
http://www.shox.com/appguide/shoxshop/productsdisplay.php

Mike

Stingroo wrote:

Mike - springs? What are you doing for them? I haven't seen very much info on springs other than the CC623's. Anybody else have any input?

Stock springs, I like the Buick ride for the most part. I'm using airlift bags in the rear in place of the air shocks.

Mike

200OZ wrote:

The shox.com web site. After looking again the # is BE5-E250-M0, not MO, sorry.
http://www.shox.com/appguide/shoxshop/productsdisplay.php

Mike

They don't like that link. "Illegal access to the page."

And when I go through the system of Make and Model, all they tell me is that 4 Bilstein shocks are in my cart.

Nick Danger wrote:

200OZ wrote:

The shox.com web site. After looking again the # is BE5-E250-M0, not MO, sorry.
http://www.shox.com/appguide/shoxshop/productsdisplay.php

Mike

They don't like that link. "Illegal access to the page."

And when I go through the system of Make and Model, all they tell me is that 4 Bilstein shocks are in my cart.

I used an Impala SS for the model, it will give you #'s that way. I talked to a rep and he said wagon guys generally like the Imp shocks for a bit better ride control.

Mike

how does a wagon handle/ ride with impala ss springs and shocks? I imagine sitting 2 inches lower helps sway, but would that 2 inch drop hurt ride comfort alot?

I got the shocks and airlft bags in last night, and all I can say is WOW. What a difference, if you can swing the price tag go with Bilstiens, no question.

Just had a revolting development!
As I said before, I bought a set of brand-new Bilsteins, as
stipulated for our wagons.
Finally got to the shop today to install them, along with a new
beefy, 35mm BMR stabilizer bar. GUESS WHAT?

My wagon HAD these same Bilsteins already on it! ---- but with a
two-letter prefix instead of just the B46.
I think, that from some of the previous threads, the former owner
got a set for the Impala SS, which calls for this number.
Anyway, we went ahead and put the new shocks on my car, so
I have a set of good, slightly used Bilsteins for sale, very reasonable.
You will just need to get new installation kits, and I have the numbers
for those.
I will also be selling the original wagon stabilizer bar if anyone is interested.

I don't know that I would find that a revolting development.

Interesting maybe but not revolting.

Besides you can recoup some of your cost! I would consider that a bonus.

I have had Bilstiens on both of my wagons. The first wagon had the softer ones and my current wagon has the stiffer ones. The stiffer ones are the way to go in my opinion.
I also have airlift 1000 bags in the rear springs. Best setup by far.

rkmdogs wrote:

Just had a revolting development!
As I said before, I bought a set of brand-new Bilsteins, as
stipulated for our wagons.
Finally got to the shop today to install them, along with a new
beefy, 35mm BMR stabilizer bar. GUESS WHAT?

My wagon HAD these same Bilsteins already on it! ---- but with a
two-letter prefix instead of just the B46.
I think, that from some of the previous threads, the former owner
got a set for the Impala SS, which calls for this number.
Anyway, we went ahead and put the new shocks on my car, so
I have a set of good, slightly used Bilsteins for sale, very reasonable.
You will just need to get new installation kits, and I have the numbers
for those.
I will also be selling the original wagon stabilizer bar if anyone is interested.

Did you notice any difference with the new ones? What would you want for the used ones, interested in a set for one of the other wagons

I want second place on your list!The sway bar was for the front,correct?
Jim Gordon

So for those who have had both:


Bilsteins vs. Monroe Severe Service...

Are the Bilsteins worth the price? I decided to push my shocks back to fall when I get my bonus check... just a little curious.

I've had Monroe Sensa-tracs, and now Bilstiens on my wagon, I've driven Tim Swinks (BigBlackBeaSSt) wagon with the Monroe SS shocks and I think the Bilstiens ride the best. of them all. Sensa-tracs are to soft, Monroe SS's are too stiff, and the Bilstiens are just right, stiffer, but not jarring.

Mike

95BRMW wrote:

rkmdogs wrote:

....I have a set of good, slightly used Bilsteins for sale, very reasonable.
You will just need to get new installation kits, and I have the numbers
for those.
I will also be selling the original wagon stabilizer bar if anyone is interested.

Did you notice any difference with the new ones? What would you want for the used ones, interested in a set for one of the other wagons

There appears to be a substantial difference in the handling of the car. Most of it due to the
bigger beefier, stabilizer bar.

My set of good, but used Bilsteins are available for $150.00, plus shipping or
pick-up somewhere convienent for both.
The stabilizer bar, which is for the front, is available for $35.00, plus shipping.
Contact me at: rkmdogs@tampabay.rr.com if you are interested.
Put "B" shocks in the subject or I will blow your message away without opening.
It just cost me $190.00 to get my computer "fixed" from hidden viruses sent with e-mails!

[/quote]

Did you notice any difference with the new ones? What would you want for the used ones, interested in a set for one of the other wagons [/quote]

I'm asking $150.00 for all four Bilstein shocks, plus shipping.
The stabilizer bar is @35.00 plus shipping.

I'm installing a suspension today into a 96 RMS with the V92 springs (the trailer towing spring which GM charts as one step stiffer than the 9C1 spring while sitting lower. I've measured the spring installed at 27" front and 20 1/4 " rear with a 27.1" diameter tire) The goal is a softer riding RMS than one with Eibach springs. Airlift #60755. ZQ8's, 35mm F+R sways, UMI #3615-B LCA's, DMR 5029-W rear frame braces, Koni 1087-1088 shocks. I'm going to adjust the Koni's half way to between full soft and full hard, expecting that to keep things soft I'll have to readjust then toward full soft. Has anyone here ever used soft springs like these (compared to aftermarket lowering springs) with Koni's?

Scot wrote:

I'm installing a suspension today into a 96 RMS with the V92 springs (the trailer towing spring which GM charts as one step stiffer than the 9C1 spring while sitting lower. I've measured the spring installed at 27" front and 20 1/4 " rear with a 27.1" diameter tire) The goal is a softer riding RMS than one with Eibach springs. Airlift #60755. ZQ8's, 35mm F+R sways, UMI #3615-B LCA's, DMR 5029-W rear frame braces, Koni 1087-1088 shocks. I'm going to adjust the Koni's half way to between full soft and full hard, expecting that to keep things soft I'll have to readjust then toward full soft. Has anyone here ever used soft springs like these (compared to aftermarket lowering springs) with Koni's?

I think the ZQ8's might defeat the purpose on the front,.

Nick

With V92 springs in a sedan?

The Monroe SS shocks are TOO stiff in my opinion. I'm still planning to replace the ones I put on the front of my car soon. Keep having other things come up, but I'm tired of feeling every bump in the road and want some of my Buick ride back.

My 2-cents!

will these 1104/0929 Bilsteins work on lowered wagons?

[quote="rkmdogs"][quote="95BRMW"]

rkmdogs wrote:

....I have a set of good, slightly used Bilsteins for sale, very reasonable.
You will just need to get new installation kits, and I have the numbers
for those.
I will also be selling the original wagon stabilizer bar if anyone is interested.

My set of good, but used Bilsteins are available for $100.00, plus shipping or
pick-up somewhere convienent for both.
The stabilizer bar, which is for the front, is available for $35.00, plus shipping.
Contact me at: rkmdogs@tampabay.rr.com if you are interested.
Put "B" shocks in the subject or I will blow your message away without opening.
It just cost me $190.00 to get my computer "fixed" from hidden viruses sent with e-mails!

UPDATE:
Since I just sold my wagon, I am having a clearance sale! I reduced the price on the shocks
to $100. -- for all four + shipping!
Still have the stabilizer bar available too! Call me!!
863-858-6688 That is in Lakeland, FL.

I'm interested. I sent you an email.

The Bilsteins are gone, so please do not contact me about them any more.
Thanks for all the inquiries.

Man from Knobstock wrote:

After researching this for weeks and pondering all the pros and cons, I settled on Bilstein HD's and -- WOW! -- it turned out to be a great decision. Now, I actually like the cruiser feel on highway, and these still give me that smooth ride at speed but still are stiff in the corners. I can't say enough good about them, and would recommend them to anyone. Swapping shocks on one of these large cars is a knucklebuster, though. GM apparently didn't think anyone but a long-armed midget would want to get to the top bolts at the back of the car.

I just drove Pacific Coast Hwy 101 about 120 miles with my 4 new Bilstein HD B46-1104 and B46-0929. That highway is up and down and very curvy, with lots of sunken places. It used to pitch and roll like a boat on rough seas. It is firm but comfortable and great in the corners. I ordered them on line from eshocks.com for $289.00 and free shopping.

I join those before me with a strong recomendation. I did not have time to get my AIRLIFT 1000 on yet. I will get that done before our trip to Sacramento, Calif towning the Airstream.

COL