The BEST Suspension is HERE: Bilstein 8112 DSA+ for Ford Bronco!

[Mikerider]

Has anyone hit their front resi when rock crawling? It looks like aftermarket bash plates and even the stock bash plate would leave the front resi exposed for rock crawling.

I was concerned about mine also, made some brackets to mount them up behind my fog lights. stock hose length works and no issues so far.

Stock location

Revised location

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[telenerd]

I was concerned about mine also, made some brackets to mount them up behind my fog lights. stock hose length works and no issues so far.

Stock location

Revised location

Hum still seems to exposed unless the camera angle is off.

Good idea.

 

[DrRoboto]

How do people deal with added weight in their Broncos? I want to get these 8112's but need to figure out how to handle the sag first. I've got a '22 Badlands with the 2.7 and Sasquatch package, plus upgraded body armor, rock rails, and a big heavy winch on it, so I'm sagging 1.4" in the front right now with the stock suspension. Bilstein says they're going to offer a stiffer spring in 6 months or so... But then I'm worried the rebound and other valving will be the wrong tuning for the spring.

 

[psdtime]

How do people deal with added weight in their Broncos? I want to get these 8112's but need to figure out how to handle the sag first. I've got a '22 Badlands with the 2.7 and Sasquatch package, plus upgraded body armor, rock rails, and a big heavy winch on it, so I'm sagging 1.4" in the front right now with the stock suspension. Bilstein says they're going to offer a stiffer spring in 6 months or so... But then I'm worried the rebound and other valving will be the wrong tuning for the spring.

I'm no expert, but couldn't you just increase the preload?

 

[DrRoboto]

I'm no expert, but couldn't you just increase the preload?

My understanding so far: yes, in theory you can increase preload. That's what the threaded nut does, to set the ride height. But 1.4" is a lot, and I'd max out the range. If I added a spacer (Bilstein has a kit coming for the 6112s I understand, but not the 8112's), they also add a bump stop spacer to prevent coil bind. That means reduced articulation range.

Also, one reason I need better shocks is so I don't bottom out while driving fast on the dunes. Heavier weight means hits have greater force on the stock softer spring rate. It's better to raise the sag with increased stiffness for this reason. However - the valving in the shocks are tuned for a particular spring stiffness, so rebound and other dynamics happen properly.

I could go down the rabbit hole of custom-valved Fox or King or something suspension with an external bump stop, but that is getting even more expensive than the Bilsteins, complex for the installation, and more maintenance. I LOVE the idea that the Bilstein 8112's are really great performance, with an internal bump stop, and just bolt-on, and last 50-100k miles before needing service.

So what I want is a Bilstein 8112 set that's got a spring and valving arranged for my heavier, loaded Bronco.

 

[userdude]

My understanding so far: yes, in theory you can increase preload. That's what the threaded nut does, to set the ride height. But 1.4" is a lot, and I'd max out the range. If I added a spacer (Bilstein has a kit coming for the 6112s I understand, but not the 8112's), they also add a bump stop spacer to prevent coil bind. That means reduced articulation range.

Also, one reason I need better shocks is so I don't bottom out while driving fast on the dunes. Heavier weight means hits have greater force on the stock softer spring rate. It's better to raise the sag with increased stiffness for this reason. However - the valving in the shocks are tuned for a particular spring stiffness, so rebound and other dynamics happen properly.

I could go down the rabbit hole of custom-valved Fox or King or something suspension with an external bump stop, but that is getting even more expensive than the Bilsteins, complex for the installation, and more maintenance. I LOVE the idea that the Bilstein 8112's are really great performance, with an internal bump stop, and just bolt-on, and last 50-100k miles before needing service.

So what I want is a Bilstein 8112 set that's got a spring and valving arranged for my heavier, loaded Bronco.

I really think you just get a spring rate measured to your weight, but I didn't stay in a Holiday Inn last night. @Snacktime and @5GENIDN may have some advice. I believe @AccuTune Offroad specializes in this type of consulting (they have their own Ride shocks that are direct competitors to the 8112's, FYI).

 

[psdtime]

I really think you just get a spring rate measured to your weight, but I didn't stay in a Holiday Inn last night. @Snacktime and @5GENIDN may have some advice. I believe @AccuTune Offroad specializes in this type of consulting (they have their own Ride shocks that are direct competitors to the 8112's, FYI).

I agree with the Accutune suggestion. I was between their ride shock that the 8112s. I bought shocks for my Rubicon from them and they were great to deal with. The Ride's weren't available then, so I ended up with Foxes. I have no complaints. If you have access to a scale, it would be beneficial because they are going to want to know your axle weights.

 

[DrRoboto]

I agree with the Accutune suggestion. I was between their ride shock that the 8112s. I bought shocks for my Rubicon from them and they were great to deal with. The Ride's weren't available then, so I ended up with Foxes. I have no complaints. If you have access to a scale, it would be beneficial because they are going to want to know your axle weights.

Yes, I have axle weights:

Gross weight: 5920lb
Front Axle: 3840lb
Rear Axle: 2440lb

I'm a bit hesitant to try the Ride shocks, just because they are relatively new and I don't see a lot of side-by-side testing or know much about their reliability over time. Bilsteins are known for their durability. Plus, the position-sensitive damping seems like it would make a huge difference, along with the internal bump stops - nobody else does that!

 

[userdude]

just because they are relatively new and I don't see a lot of side-by-side testing or know much about their reliability over time

along with the internal bump stops - nobody else does that!

These two things are in tension...

 

[Snacktime]

@DrRoboto 8112 are designed for 35s and set up with those internal "Zone Control". They are optimized for a specific ride height to balance out the technology just like stock SAS shock. They are a new take on trying to provide a progressive shock that has nice street manners with aggressive offroad performance.

@AccuTune Offroad is a shock tuner that released a product which means it can be dialed in. The linear travel without the zone control gives you more consistent performance. Shock acts the same the whole shock stroke which helps make high speed runs more predictable.

Two very different design functions! One is trying to keep you in the middle zone with the most authority and the other shock is being linear to keep handling predictable. Funny thing was while chasing the Custom tuned 8112 in RJ gutted special 2 door, the fully loaded down 4 door patty bronco was only 3-4 mph off his pace running ride shocks.

 

[AccuTune Offroad]

Yes, I have axle weights:

Gross weight: 5920lb
Front Axle: 3840lb
Rear Axle: 2440lb

I'm a bit hesitant to try the Ride shocks, just because they are relatively new and I don't see a lot of side-by-side testing or know much about their reliability over time. Bilsteins are known for their durability. Plus, the position-sensitive damping seems like it would make a huge difference, along with the internal bump stops - nobody else does that!

We don't blame you for your hesitation, but one of the many things that we can be proud of, is having a direct line of communication with our customers, being a part of the forums, and really evolving the RIDE Shocks over these years with direct input from you all!

Bilstein is a great brand, but our RIDE shocks are top notch when we look at:

• Warranty
  • RIDE = 3 year / 50k mile (covering Rebuilds in that time!)
  • Bilstein = 2 Year Limited (does not cover normal wear and tear)
• Ride Quality and Tuning
  • RIDE = Tailored ride based on the weight of the vehicle, with difference of spring rates provided
  • Bilstein and others = Generic Valving with single spring rate option
• Future-proofing
  • RIDE and AccuTune are able to revalve, and re-spring as your vehicle evolves or your needs change
  • Bilstein does not offer that luxury without a drawn out customer service battle, with only meager changes offered.

A side note I will make, is that Bilstein is using a 288lb Progressive Spring, but the coil is nearly bound at full extension, meaning there is not really any real progression to that rate. RIDE will have a true progression through (3 rates for WR1 and 2 for WR2) rates that are more usable and help to prevent more sag with loads than others.

TLDR: With the weight of your Bronco, Bilstein did not valve the shock for your uses, and you will be in that extra bumpzone more than you care to be. We would recommend our WR2 Coilovers on Front and Rear.

 

[87-Z28]

If you are bombing through dessert and looking for improved suspension performance then you really need to get spring rates correct. Long version here.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/bronco-ifs-sdof-model-why-is-spring-rate-so-important.116898/

8112s are designed for near stock weights. Running heavy does the obvious thing and affects ride height. But more importantly it drives fundamental frequency down. This results in increased displacements across the board for all driving conditions. Thus damping needs to be significantly increased to combat the increase in displacements. Driving up damping forces and heat. It is much better for shock response to increase spring rates and get fundamental frequencies back up to desirable level. Shock then does much less work for same response.

 

[DrRoboto]

If you are bombing through dessert and looking for improved suspension performance then you really need to get spring rates correct. Long version here.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/bronco-ifs-sdof-model-why-is-spring-rate-so-important.116898/

8112s are designed for near stock weights. Running heavy does the obvious thing and affects ride height. But more importantly it drives fundamental frequency down. This results in increased displacements across the board for all driving conditions. Thus damping needs to be significantly increased to combat the increase in displacements. Driving up damping forces and heat. It is much better for shock response to increase spring rates and get fundamental frequencies back up to desirable level. Shock then does much less work for same response.

Yes, I understand the point of the 8112's is to have a good ride for commuting by having soft spring rates and low damping in the mid range, along with increasing stiffness and damping as deflection goes past the middle range. Seems like a win-win that gets around the problem of harshness vs high speed handing.

Bilstein service did tell me that that are releasing a stiffer spring version on the 8112, probably in around six months. I don't know if they will also tune the rebound and other valving accordingly. (I just don't want to wait really)

 

[87-Z28]

Yes, I understand the point of the 8112's is to have a good ride for commuting by having soft spring rates and low damping in the mid range, along with increasing stiffness and damping as deflection goes past the middle range. Seems like a win-win that gets around the problem of harshness vs high speed handing.

not trying to be difficult here. The 8112s have a mechanical spring. Linear, progressive, … regardless, the spring stiffness is dictated a priori and thus so is the natural frequency. Sure a progressive spring will increase stiffness as displacements increase. But you have significantly increased vehicle weight and thus lowered your natural frequencies. The 8112s configured with springs “tuned” for stock weight (ie, to dictate natural frequency) will have the behavior I described in previous post. Only way to improve this is with different springs, ie, drive natural frequencies back up to a more manageable place for the shocks. A subtle point few really understand. The progressive stiffness of the spring has nothing to do with this or my previous post.

this is why bilstein is looking to provide a heavier spring. Not just for static ride height but, more importantly, for dynamic response at heavier vehicle weights.

 

[userdude]

not trying to be difficult here. The 8112s have a mechanical spring. Linear, progressive, … regardless, the spring stiffness is dictated a priori and thus so is the natural frequency. Sure a progressive spring will increase stiffness as displacements increase. But you have significantly increased vehicle weight and thus lowered your natural frequencies. The 8112s configured with springs “tuned” for stock weight (ie, to dictate natural frequency) will have the behavior I described in previous post. Only way to improve this is with different springs, ie, drive natural frequencies back up to a more manageable place for the shocks. A subtle point few really understand. The progressive stiffness of the spring has nothing to do with this or my previous post.

this is why bilstein is looking to provide a heavier spring. Not just for static ride height but, more importantly, for dynamic response at heavier vehicle weights.

Honestly Andy, all the yelling and hair pulling has to stop.

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