R50/53 Thoughts on replacing front factory shocks?
#1
Thoughts on replacing front factory shocks?
I'm looking at replacing my front shocks. I currently have oem shocks installed w/lowering springs. Anyone have or familiar with BILSTEIN TOURING B4 shocks?
I am happy with the ride height with these lowering springs but need to be sure the springs will fit/work with the factory specs for new shocks.
I'm really tight on budget (can't really afford new springs, Koni, HR or other topshelf $$ right now) - Recommendations are always welcome.
Thanks.
I am happy with the ride height with these lowering springs but need to be sure the springs will fit/work with the factory specs for new shocks.
I'm really tight on budget (can't really afford new springs, Koni, HR or other topshelf $$ right now) - Recommendations are always welcome.
Thanks.
#5
I don't think I've ever heard a bad thing about the Special Actives. I've never experienced them myself though.
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ssoliman (12-29-2021)
#7
I've seen a few different used options on here recently, for a full set of 4 struts, springs and tophats/camber plates for about 350-450 shipped.
Example:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...11#post4608970
Example:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...11#post4608970
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Here2Go (12-30-2021)
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#16
Strut Sandwich = Strut Tower "Underators" + M7 Strut Plates
Received an email alert from the salvage yard that 2 Mini's ('04 & '05 R50's) hit the lot yesterday.
Despite the crappy weather; I headed out anyway (before they were cannibalized).
To my surprise - The '04 had super clean Bilstein B6's w/green lowering(?) springs...
...tempted.
Despite the crappy weather; I headed out anyway (before they were cannibalized).
To my surprise - The '04 had super clean Bilstein B6's w/green lowering(?) springs...
...tempted.
Has anyone done the "Strut Tower Sandwich" - Both using Top plates + under plates?
Long version:
I posted a question about NEW Strut rebound rate in the "wheels & brake forum". I didn't get any confirmed responses. Last week, I happened upon a local seller w/ 2 new, in-box Front Bilstein B6's ($400/pair). I held off (saving for Koni Yellows maybe?). Those brand new B6's had drastically different rebound rates. I decided to hit the salvage yard and yank the B6's as [quoted] above. Just to compare. Not surprised -They were gone.
Before leaving, I looked at an '05 and noticed it had brand new strut plates and fairly new stock struts. I noticed the bearing studs were new and longer than stock. Curious; I pulled the struts (OEM), just to compare the rebound rates on a broken in set. To my surprise; what appears to be a Cravenspeed "Underators", fell out from under the tower recess'.
Went home w/the pair + (U)Indurators = $50.
I checked the compression on the salvaged pair and - they compressed firmly and rebounded at the same rate = 8 seconds. Although I don't plan to install the (OEM) salvage yard struts. It's yet another good score for my collection of good backups.
So what do you think about the "sandwich" question?
#17
I feel like I’m always replying to your questions. I swear I’m not just following you around the forum…
Logically I like the idea of sandwiching the tower the best, but I don’t know how good my logic is. I should probably ask one of my ME friends. My towers had some mild mushrooming, and I was on the lightest stock wheels, tallest sidewalls, and softest stock suspension. That makes me believe that the towers were really under-engineered. My camber plates serve as the bottom of the sandwich, so they won’t bend easily like the stock mount.
Logically I like the idea of sandwiching the tower the best, but I don’t know how good my logic is. I should probably ask one of my ME friends. My towers had some mild mushrooming, and I was on the lightest stock wheels, tallest sidewalls, and softest stock suspension. That makes me believe that the towers were really under-engineered. My camber plates serve as the bottom of the sandwich, so they won’t bend easily like the stock mount.
#18
^^^ Agreed, I read all 1st Gen "New Posts", with all contributors to this topic often replying. Likewise, me too!
Pics I took while swapping front coils on Koni Yellows show thickness of the Helix adjustable camber plates. Too few total miles on my R53 for tower mushrooming, however seems unlikely with such reinforcement.
Pics I took while swapping front coils on Koni Yellows show thickness of the Helix adjustable camber plates. Too few total miles on my R53 for tower mushrooming, however seems unlikely with such reinforcement.
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Here2Go (01-08-2022)
#19
I have the M7 plates and the salvage strut bearing mounts + Indurators and will do a test fit next weekend. It looks like the CS Indurators are slightly over 1/8" thick. I think the salvage strut mount studs are long enough for a test "sandwich". I also bought/have brand new (OEM) strut mount/bearing plates but oddly - the studs seem to be a bit shorter.
Thanks for another insightful reply @deepgrey& @MCS4FUN .
Last edited by Here2Go; 01-09-2022 at 08:31 AM.
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ssoliman (01-09-2022)
#20
Koni Yellows - The Correct One?
Belaboring my post....
Still comparing my options on purchasing front struts. ' Decided Koni deserve a closer look.
Can anyone shed some clarity as to what the differences between these two Koni adjustable are? The only thing that strikes me is build = painted vs chrome spring seat.
I see the notation "Representative Image - Actual Product May Vary" in the second image. Is there really a difference? The price is negligible. Which one is correct?
Still comparing my options on purchasing front struts. ' Decided Koni deserve a closer look.
Can anyone shed some clarity as to what the differences between these two Koni adjustable are? The only thing that strikes me is build = painted vs chrome spring seat.
I see the notation "Representative Image - Actual Product May Vary" in the second image. Is there really a difference? The price is negligible. Which one is correct?
#25
Short version:
Has anyone done the "Strut Tower Sandwich" - Both using Top plates + under plates?
Long version:
I posted a question about NEW Strut rebound rate in the "wheels & brake forum". I didn't get any confirmed responses. Last week, I happened upon a local seller w/ 2 new, in-box Front Bilstein B6's ($400/pair). I held off (saving for Koni Yellows maybe?). Those brand new B6's had drastically different rebound rates. I decided to hit the salvage yard and yank the B6's as [quoted] above. Just to compare. Not surprised -They were gone.
Before leaving, I looked at an '05 and noticed it had brand new strut plates and fairly new stock struts. I noticed the bearing studs were new and longer than stock. Curious; I pulled the struts (OEM), just to compare the rebound rates on a broken in set. To my surprise; what appears to be a Cravenspeed "Underators", fell out from under the tower recess'.
Went home w/the pair + (U)Indurators = $50.
I checked the compression on the salvaged pair and - they compressed firmly and rebounded at the same rate = 8 seconds. Although I don't plan to install the (OEM) salvage yard struts. It's yet another good score for my collection of good backups.
So what do you think about the "sandwich" question?
Has anyone done the "Strut Tower Sandwich" - Both using Top plates + under plates?
Long version:
I posted a question about NEW Strut rebound rate in the "wheels & brake forum". I didn't get any confirmed responses. Last week, I happened upon a local seller w/ 2 new, in-box Front Bilstein B6's ($400/pair). I held off (saving for Koni Yellows maybe?). Those brand new B6's had drastically different rebound rates. I decided to hit the salvage yard and yank the B6's as [quoted] above. Just to compare. Not surprised -They were gone.
Before leaving, I looked at an '05 and noticed it had brand new strut plates and fairly new stock struts. I noticed the bearing studs were new and longer than stock. Curious; I pulled the struts (OEM), just to compare the rebound rates on a broken in set. To my surprise; what appears to be a Cravenspeed "Underators", fell out from under the tower recess'.
Went home w/the pair + (U)Indurators = $50.
I checked the compression on the salvaged pair and - they compressed firmly and rebounded at the same rate = 8 seconds. Although I don't plan to install the (OEM) salvage yard struts. It's yet another good score for my collection of good backups.
So what do you think about the "sandwich" question?
I have the sandwich arrangement and it's working fine. I don't recall which plates I'm using.
I'm not sure if you've already bought a shock/strut set, but you shouldn't be putting lowering springs on B4 or B6's. If you need to save $ for a bit longer to get the right thing, do that. There's no value in half-assing it just so you can save $200 and swap the parts a month earlier.
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ghostwrench (06-03-2023),
ssoliman (01-17-2022)