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

[BroncoStorm]

Can't wait to see the video!

I am going with an optimized 35" setup in order to get the most out of them.
I'll be doing moderate to more extreme off roading (I have two off road parks within driving distance) with lots of street driving as this is my daily.

I have finally received my Bilstein 8112 (TY Panda!)
I also have the APG Upper control arms, 74 Weld billet rack and when they finish them, the Next Venture aluminum skids.

I have Bilstein coil overs on my 911 too. Love them!

That sounds like a dialed set up! You'll be pleased with these for sure. They ride so well. My buddy in his Stage 9 built raptor could not believe the performance.

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[Bronc69]

That sounds like a dialed set up! You'll be pleased with these for sure. They ride so well. My buddy in his Stage 9 built raptor could not believe the performance.

That is exactly what I'm looking for. I'm really looking for more control.

At this point in my life, I just don't mess around trying to get what I'm looking for with less than optimal parts.
I spent a ton of time developing a BMW 330 for track use and the end result was stellar (I ended up getting my SCCA and BMWCCA comp licenses).
Then I did the same with a 2015 GTI that was more trial and error. It took a couple of years to fully sort it out. The end result was fantastic (the guy who purchased my GTI said it was the best setup car he's ever driven).
The 911 was a bit easier as it was already REALLY good from the factory. I ended up doing toe links, sway bar links and the Bilstein B16 coil overs, plus a proper alignment.

To me, the stock Fox shocks on my Wildtrak is not that great. It washboards over bumps at speed. The damping seems to be be way too stiff and the shock reaction is way too slow. I can feel the entire truck losing traction and just moving all around the road.

I can't wait to see the results of my setup.

 

[telenerd]

Waiting for results. Please update with pics and ride report.

 

[BroncoStorm]

Waiting for results. Please update with pics and ride report.

Alright, here’s my ride report after putting about 1,500 miles on the 8112s, with 150 of those off-road

On-Road Comfort & Performance:
The ride feels similar to the stock SAS but with significantly better handling in corners and much less nose dive under hard braking. Also, small bump sensitivity was improved but its still there, you can feel the road but more plush. There’s a noticeable improvement in control and stability.

Off-Road Performance:
These shocks have some real wizardry built into them. The “position sensitive dampening” isn’t just a gimmick you can actually feel the increased damping and control as you get deeper into the travel. It feels bottomless, even on hard-hit G-outs

I tweaked the high-speed and low-speed compression up a few clicks for desert running and adjusted the internal jounce cutoff up one click. That made cruising by at 55-65 mph through medium whoops feel like easy work.

The biggest improvement was the washboard and smaller bumps, its actually very enjoyable now the truck doesn't feel like it will rattle apart or beat you up off road. there is no shock fade. After an hour of duning and getting after it I went out and put a hand on the shocks, they were bairly warm.

 

[Tonka Bronka]

The "best" Bronco suspension is the one engineered by Ford engineers.

I would agree with you, ( I love the way my 21 Badlands no sas rides and drives), except it seems as though the reservoirs are falling OFF!!

 

[F-Spot]

On-Road Comfort & Performance:
The ride feels similar to the stock SAS but with significantly better handling in corners and much less nose dive under hard braking. There’s a noticeable improvement in control and stability.

I know ride feel is very subjective, but the on-road stock SAS bilstein ride is horrible, especially bumps and ruts in the road...in my opinion. I do like the looks of how your ride is handling offroad...the body seems to stay flat. I was hoping to hear the on-road feel would be at least a couple steps better than stock SAS.

 

[BroncoStorm]

I know ride feel is very subjective, but the on-road stock SAS bilstein ride is horrible, especially bumps and ruts in the road...in my opinion. I do like the looks of how your ride is handling offroad...the body seems to stay flat. I was hoping to hear the on-road feel would be at least a couple steps better than stock SAS.

Small bump sensitivity on road is vastly improved. I'm running at 36 PSI as well. Good example is the gaps getting on a bridge or onramp it doesn't jar you anymore.

 

[F-Spot]

Small bump sensitivity on road is vastly improved. I'm running at 36 PSI as well. Good example is the gaps getting on a bridge or onramp it doesn't jar you anymore.

Ok, that sounds much better than "similar to stock" lol . Looking forward to more updates!

 

[Bronc69]

Small bump sensitivity on road is vastly improved. I'm running at 36 PSI as well. Good example is the gaps getting on a bridge or onramp it doesn't jar you anymore.

Are you running them wide open on the road to get the ride really soft or are you still playing with the settings?

 

[crenca]

I know ride feel is very subjective, but the on-road stock SAS bilstein ride is horrible, especially bumps and ruts in the road...in my opinion. I do like the looks of how your ride is handling offroad...the body seems to stay flat. I was hoping to hear the on-road feel would be at least a couple steps better than stock SAS.

That is the trade-off with shocks and suspension in general - the more soft/smooth/compliant, the less control/stable/high speed capable (both on and off road).

That said, short of the "best of all worlds" electro quick acting (in terms of milliseconds) variable shocks (GM MagneRide's for example), a design like this 8112 in theory has the ability to give you a soft/compliant feel in the "ride zone" (where you will be 99% of the time on road) and yet give the control/stability desired in high amplitude off road.

Still, I suspect what a majority (maybe 75% to just throw out a number) of people actually want (both on and off road) is the compliant Cadillac feel of Fox/King/etc. (adjusted in that direction), and Bilstien's commitment to digressive design and "controlled" ride zone will never really satisfy this itch...

 

[BroncoStorm]

Are you running them wide open on the road to get the ride really soft or are you still playing with the settings?

Running them on what Bilstein recommends out of the box, not fully open. High speed, BLUE, -6 clicks out from fully firm. Low speed, YELLOW, -13 clicks out from fully firm. JCO -6 clicks out from fully firm.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

I would agree with you, ( I love the way my 21 Badlands no sas rides and drives), except it seems as though the reservoirs are falling OFF!!

That's the undocumented GOAT setting of DILYSI - Drive It Like You Stole It. People keep inadvertently hitting this and triggering rando parts to fly off the truck.

 

[Dads_bronze_bronco]

@BroncoStorm any feel for articulation compared to stock?

Also, have you driven a Bronco Raptor to compare with?

 

[BroncoStorm]

@BroncoStorm any feel for articulation compared to stock?

Also, have you driven a Bronco Raptor to compare with?

I have not yet but I plan to next month and do a comparison vid, same suspension test at same speed & PSI. I did drive a Gen 1 Raptor though with a STAGE 9 ICON kit and the BILSTEINS are much more smooth in most everything. Lets just say my buddy in the Raptor road with me most the weekend.

 

[CoolContractor]

I have not yet but I plan to next month and do a comparison vid, same suspension test at same speed & PSI. I did drive a Gen 1 Raptor though with a STAGE 9 ICON kit and the BILSTEINS are much more smooth in most everything. Lets just say my buddy in the Raptor road with me most the weekend.

I am very interrested in this setup for my '24 Badlands 4 door.

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