BajaNomad - Mex 5 and blown out shocks.

Mex 5 and blown out shocks.

Rumrunner - 10-31-2016 at 11:23 AM

Put bilstiens on the new f250 diesel thinking they have
To be better than stock. Coming back from La Bocana on mex 5
Blew both front shocks. I found the dirt section in pretty good shape.
Made it in 56 minutes. 4 wheel parts will warrrenty but don't want to put
The same ones on. Ran ranchos on the last truck with no problems for 19 years
And 259,000 mi. 4 wheel parts wants to sell me $500 Fox shocks. What's your
Thoughts?

David K - 10-31-2016 at 11:28 AM

Which model Bilstiens???
5100s are twice the size of stock Bilsteins, and not expensive, plus front adjustable for height (at least for Tacomas).

TMW - 10-31-2016 at 11:53 AM

I run the Bilstein 5100 front and rear on my 04 GMC Z71 and my 04 Tacoma. I had one shock go on the left rear of the Tacoma after 5 years of abuse. Replaced both rears and kept the good one as a spare.

Rumrunner maybe you should put reservoir shocks on.

StuckSucks - 10-31-2016 at 12:18 PM

I've been running King Shocks on all corners of my Tacoma - they seem to do a very nice job. Beefy, but not exactly inexpensive.

rts551 - 10-31-2016 at 12:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Which model Bilstiens???
5100s are twice the size of stock Bilsteins, and not expensive, plus front adjustable for height (at least for Tacomas).

Only adjustable for trucks running struts.

rts551 - 10-31-2016 at 01:04 PM

You can not compare Toy Trucks with a F250 diesel.

I have run Monroe, Bilstein, and Ranchos on my F250's. Blown them all out.

I quit using gas charges shocks...that helped...I slowed down and that made a huge difference. Problem is withe such a heavy truck the suspension really works hard on Washboard roads overworking the shocks. Fox would work great but are pricey. Worth it if you are going to continue driving that fast on dirt roads.

In my RAM 1500 it normally takes me 1 1/2 hours on that road.

Rumrunner - 10-31-2016 at 03:49 PM

Ordered the fox 2.0 reservoirs. I carry 135 gallons of diesel
And a lot of gear, ice etc. Probably 9000 lbs Gvw. And I can't slow down....
The 5100 Bilstiens lasted less than 1,000 mi.

[Edited on 10-31-2016 by Rumrunner]

BooJumMan - 10-31-2016 at 04:12 PM

The remote reservoir design will help a lot with heat buildup, which probably attributed to your blown shocks. So that's good you went that direction. I am surprised to hear your Ranchos lasted that long. Probably better design and materials 20 years ago though. Now a days they aren't quite as highly regarded.

I run Fox 2.0 remote reservoirs on my heavy land cruiser and been liking them alright. They are relatively easy to get re-valved as well, so you can really dial in the ride you want.

bajabrant - 10-31-2016 at 04:25 PM

most likely wrong length shocks

willardguy - 10-31-2016 at 04:50 PM

so with your blown shocks did you stop in alfonsinas and check out the progress on the new restaurant? pretty snazzy! :yes:

rts551 - 10-31-2016 at 04:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

so with your blown shocks did you stop in alfonsinas and check out the progress on the new restaurant? pretty snazzy! :yes:

At the prices they charge for the rooms, everything should be "snazzy"

Udo - 10-31-2016 at 05:07 PM

I also run Fox 2.0 on my FJ Cruiser (Installed by 4WD parts as part of a major suspension makeover).
Yes, I do go fast off-road, but I also reduce my air pressure on the tires considerably.

Rumrunner - 10-31-2016 at 05:12 PM

Was told that the leaf springs on my old f350
Helps the shocks last longer. Dunno.
Double checked the shock application. Was correct.
Now I have to buy some cheapo shocks until the
New ones arrive. Can't find any fox 2.0 in SD.
Tossed the factory ones when I put the Bilstiens on 3 weeks ago!

Sweetwater - 10-31-2016 at 05:54 PM

Thanks for the thread, I was considering the Bilstiens on my 2500 Sierra. My stockers are not blown but arriving at the end of their natural born life cycle. I like speed but don't usually load in that 9000 lb GVW. My buddy bagged his system and I was hoping to avoid that much suspension mod, I'll start looking for the Fox option.

Fernweh - 10-31-2016 at 06:08 PM

Speed costs money.......How fast do you wanna go?

MMc - 10-31-2016 at 06:35 PM

If you send the Bilstiens back, they will rebuild they them at a cost.
I have burned down stock, Bilstiens and Foxs shocks. I hate the Ranchos so much I just took them off after 6000 miles. It's not the shock it's me. I am running factory Dodge now but will be going with Radflo next.
http://www.radflo.com/moto/default.
I like King too but Radflo gives very personal service.

[Edited on 11-1-2016 by MMc]

Udo - 10-31-2016 at 08:49 PM

About 100 MPH+ on the off-road. At least 70 MPH on whoopee dooos, and wash board roads.

Quote: Originally posted by Fernweh

Speed costs money.......How fast do you wanna go?

MMc - 10-31-2016 at 09:18 PM

That trophy truck money.... Bentley's are cheaper, but not as much fun. http://www.race-dezert.com/classifieds/index.php?ct=orrace&a...

Quote: Originally posted by Udo

About 100 MPH+ on the off-road. At least 70 MPH on whoopee dooos, and wash board roads.

Quote: Originally posted by Fernweh

Speed costs money.......How fast do you wanna go?

mtgoat666 - 10-31-2016 at 09:28 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Rumrunner

Ordered the fox 2.0 reservoirs. I carry 135 gallons of diesel
And a lot of gear, ice etc. Probably 9000 lbs Gvw. And I can't slow down....

That's a lot of weight (and a lot of fuel!). You're 9000 lbs in a truck rated maybe 10000 gvwr?
If you blew 2 shocks in one day, sounds like you had too much wt, too fast, too rough. You can put in super duty shocks, and the rest of your truck may still be beaten to pieces.

MMc - 10-31-2016 at 11:08 PM

Goat, You don't get it, or you are trolling. They are our trucks and we will drive them the way we want. When we break'em, we fix'em. I buy the truck I want, put all the best parts on them and drive them hard. Sometimes they break. We are not looking for your approval, we are looking for insight to a the issue at hand,

chuckie - 11-1-2016 at 02:44 AM

People here, Farmers/Ranchers drive Big trucks with big loads...I have heard several comments about the Bilsteins not doing the job...

Rumrunner - 11-1-2016 at 06:25 AM

Yep. Too heavy, too fast. Can't burn the mex
Diesel so I have to carry enough for the trip. Sometimes
I'm towing a 7,000 lb boat. First set of shocks
I've blown out in 40 years of Baja. Too stubbborn
To slow down!Just have to pay the price...

chuckie - 11-1-2016 at 07:50 AM

$$$ Ba Da Bing$$$

pacificobob - 11-1-2016 at 11:33 AM

i always wonder what the folks who choose to drive really fast over the rough parts do with all that extra time they save?

mtgoat666 - 11-1-2016 at 12:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob

i always wonder what the folks who choose to drive really fast over the rough parts do with all that extra time they save?

They spend that extra time fixing all the stuff broken on the rough road! :lol:

Rumrunner - 11-1-2016 at 12:14 PM

Well, 22 mi in 56 min. Is about a 22 mph average.
In my case I'm trying to get to my place in La Bocana by dark
To gas and ice a boat, rig fishing gear, check all the systems on the
Trailer that's been sittiing for months. All so I can get up before dawn and go fishing! Only so many vacation days per year.
Most people that fish will relate.

willardguy - 11-1-2016 at 12:36 PM

here I always thought it was just plain fun to go fast on dirt roads! :bounce:

Rumrunner - 11-1-2016 at 12:44 PM

Well, there's that too.

msteve1014 - 11-1-2016 at 03:40 PM

You need to retire so you can drive slower and still work on boats and fish more.
I like your report on BD better.

mtgoat666 - 11-1-2016 at 04:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

here I always thought it was just plain fun to go fast on dirt roads! :bounce:

Sure is fun to drive fast on dirt in a proper vehicle. My 4runner does it well. A PU carrying 3 ton load aint fun.

Seriously, after seeing a few very bloody wrecks in baja, i drive sane speeds. I Really got better things to do with my friends and family than experiencing emergency care and funeral arrangements in remote baja.

Rumrunner - 11-1-2016 at 06:28 PM

Working on it Steve! 75 hrs a week for now.
Me, I have about 1 ton of load on my truck.
Should ride nice with some good shocks.
Don't tow the boat on Mex 5 yet.