L300 Shocks Options

ScatteredPrints said:
Did you wind up forgoing any lift? If so do you regret it? I have the Bilstein front-KYB rear combo, but my leaf springs desperately need new bushings and at least a recurve /fortification for a buildout in progress. I’m on the fence about whether I really need to add height while I’m already having the springs worked on—doing the lift would require a complete new set of shocks I assume.
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Sorry for the delay in replying.
No, I don't have a lift, but never really had a desire for one. Mine seems fine at its current ride height with 235/75r15 tires. I definitely don't want or need bigger tires so stock is good for me and I would hate to put extra stress in an old tired engine having to turn the extra weight.

After the rear air shocks I noticed a HUGE difference in ride quality. I know they're kind of a band aid for springs, but well worth it for comfort. Since then I've done the leaf bushing(OEM) and the sway bar links(Moog) and that gained a little bit more noticeable quality gain.

As much as I would love to re-arch the springs, those guys are few and far between these days. 25 years ago there were 3 guys locally, but they have since retired or passed, unfortunately, taking their craft with them.

On an un-suspension-related note, I did the engine mounts from Kellyn and wow! What a driver comfort upgrade! The vibrato massage seats while idling are gone. I will miss them...kinda.
 
Allular said:
I did order and install them. I would put them in the "they're just shocks" category. Nothing amazing, nothing to complain about, but get the job done. I feel like for 30$ a piece and a 25$ rebate on a set of four they're serviceable until I get all the other suspension parts replaced and decide if I need or want an upgrade.
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I am trying to install the KG5458 in the front right now and they are a bit longer than the OEM shocks--so much so that I can't even get them into place. Any tips?
 
With suspension hanging down you can try putting the pin in the upper mounting position then use a jack to compress the shock from the bottom enough to get it in position.
 
bikerjosh said:
With suspension hanging down you can try putting the pin in the upper mounting position then use a jack to compress the shock from the bottom enough to get it in position.
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Thanks. I finally got them in. It was harder than I thought it should have been (like you said-had to compress the shock to get it angled in) but everything looks good inside and out.
 
I did this last week and it definitely took some work getting it in. Putting the pin in the upper mount then compressing them up worked. Putting in the rear right shock (mounted forward of the rear axle) was a whole different story and involved an entire thesaurus of swear words - if anyone has any tips for that I would be all ears.
 
tlipoma said:
I did this last week and it definitely took some work getting it in. Putting the pin in the upper mount then compressing them up worked. Putting in the rear right shock (mounted forward of the rear axle) was a whole different story and involved an entire thesaurus of swear words - if anyone has any tips for that I would be all ears.
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I compress the shocks with a cam buckle strap, so they're short enough to fit, then release the buckle a little to align the shock with the mounting holes and put the bolts in. Zip ties can also work, but are less adjustable.
 
Heads up! I just got an in-stock notice from Shock Warehouse for some Bilstein 24-013369 fronts. I already found some elsewhere and won't be completing my order.
 
joshualeonstauffer said:
I am trying to install the KG5458 in the front right now and they are a bit longer than the OEM shocks--so much so that I can't even get them into place. Any tips?
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Sorry I missed the question, I don't always get notifications. The zip tie trick did it for me. Leaned on em in the shop and cinched up the zips. Took a couple tries to get it right.
 
Allular said:
Heads up! I just got an in-stock notice from Shock Warehouse for some Bilstein 24-013369 fronts. I already found some elsewhere and won't be completing my order.
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I wish they shipped to military addresses... Still need one more
 
I'm sure I missed it looking through the forums, but will the Monroe air rears and Bilstein fronts work with a 2" lift? My rear leafs are very flat. So looking for an alternative to having new leafs made. I have rancho shocks on now that need replacing.
 
Just wanted to post that I did the Monroe air shocks in the back and the Bilsteins in the front and what a world of difference. Pretty easy install too. I used split bushings in the back for the Monroe's and did the ziptie trick to get the front shocks in. Also they definitely work with my 2" lift.
 
Racing4thesun said:
I'm sure I missed it looking through the forums, but will the Monroe air rears and Bilstein fronts work with a 2" lift? My rear leafs are very flat. So looking for an alternative to having new leafs made. I have rancho shocks on now that need replacing.
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Have you considered having them re-arched at a spring shop?
 
delicadenny said:
Have you considered having them re-arched at a spring shop?
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I did get a quote for new leaf springs at 800 dollars. I haven't looked around for quotes but it seemed expensive. Maybe it wasn't. But my shocks all needed to be done anyways. It was all rancho suspension that the previous owner did when he did the lift. They were very worn out.
 
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Racing4thesun said:
I'm sure I missed it looking through the forums, but will the Monroe air rears and Bilstein fronts work with a 2" lift? My rear leafs are very flat. So looking for an alternative to having new leafs made. I have rancho shocks on now that need replacing.
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I have the same question, specifically about shock fitment with a lift. I've read through this a few times and it seems the replacements being suggested are for stock ride height. Looks like the pro comps are all NLA, so looking for alternatives for a 2in lift. Any suggestions?
 
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