FS Revalved Bilstein shocks

This set of four Bilstein shocks was revalved by Bill Hindorff @ Bilstein for a set of linear 750 lb/in front springs and linear 154 lb/in rear springs.(Global West in F and 9C1R best shock for them of all I tried) Using degressive valving, the fronts are 1650 comp and 6410 rebound. A stock Bilstein #1104 would be 1200 comp and 4275 rebound. The rears are set at 1035 comp and 3200 rebound. A stock #0929 would be 1035 comp and 2135 rebound. These shocks are very firm and controlled with very stiff front springs without being harsh, but on a stock Impala SS front spring, they ride objectionably hard. They are even worse with a FE 1 spring set. With a Hotchkis set (a progressive 630lb/in front spring) and all that rear rebound, brake dive all but disappears, as does squatting on acceleration. There is zero float at high speed with very immediate and firm suspension response to dips, without being harsh. $250 plus shipping
They can be shipped from 01835 until mid Sept
or 23168 after that.
PM for more tech info but there will be a delay between messages

In a PM, I've been asked about using these shocks with 9C1 springs on a Caprice wagon.


The wagon using 9C1 springs is complicated by how the weight distribution of the wagon differs from the sedan. There is less weight on the front wheels in the wagon because the overhang cantilevers the weight distribution to close to 52% front and 48% rear. The 9C1 front spring is almost identical to the V92 (OEM trailer tow) front spring in spring rate and ride height. The rear 9C1 sits lower than the V92. Because of the weight distribution, the front will sit a little higher than the same spring in a sedan ( a similar effect to being a stiffer rate spring), and the rear will sit lower, giving you no rake at all with all four tops of the wheel well about 28+ inches from the ground (on the RMW the rear wheel wells sit about 22 inches of the ground). The added rebound in the rear shocks will give excellent anti dive when braking.The front shocks will be very firm with some noticeable harshness on impacts like frost heaves and potholes. Because of the added front height the suspension travel will be extended but I'd want ZQ8's instead of OEM bump stops. At this height, the ZQ8's will not have to be trimmed. The shocks will make crashing into the bump stops very unlikely and the ZQ8 would act as a supplemental spring, softening the harsh resistance to compression the shocks have. The added rebound of the front shocks will eliminate any acceleration squat, and using AirLift # 61792 bags in the rear would be the # for 9C1 springs ( or #60755 without the spacer) and allow you to balance off the F to R and L to R stance. They will also allow for the static weight distribution to get close to 51/49. I've used the scale at a local gravel company to confirm this on a RMW. The ride harshness will be most noticeable with any front sway bar greater than 1 3/16 and any rear sway bar greater than 1 1/16. The added rebound acts as a kind of anti sway effect because the shock is resisting the expansion of that spring from cornering forces as much as from road impacts. IE.. If a hard left turn forces the left front fender down, the right front shock is resisting that right front fender from rising ( body roll) so the perceived effect is a flatter corning stance, as if larger sway bars were being used. Poly bushing in control arms will amp up the perceived harshness with these shocks as well. On the highway, the wagon will have no float and high speed recovery from dips will feel very fast, even severe. The bigger and heavier the wheels and tires, the more aware you'll be of the shocks revalving.
As you can see from the values of stock VS this revalve, this is a radical change to the ride/handling trade off.
Finally, assuming a wagon typical 28" diameter tire, like a 235/70-15 would put the front wheel wells about 28" off the ground and give about as comfortable and controlled a ride balance as possible with these shocks. The rear 9C1 springs are the springs these shocks were originally revalved for. These shocks with 9C1 front springs in a wagon is the variable tires/wheels/sways/bushings have to be added to.