I just got my used MR Bilsteins installed and when I was swapping the stock shocks I noticed the stock shocks seemed stiffer. I pushed the rod end down on both and the stock ones seemed stiffer on all 4. Is this normal or did I get blown shocks? They seem to ride good w/ no bouncing.

 

Yes, the MRs are softer.

 

Highly unlikely they are blown.. Usually a few good pumps is needed to build pressure after the shocks have been sitting on their side during shipping, storage etc.. Mike is rt, they are softer but you would feel that iafter the install, not on the ground or by hand.. I have them, they are great.

 

its softer but u should feel resistance pushing it down

 

Yeah, they are softer. So would the stock shocks ride stiffer? I don't autocross or nothing like that, I just figured they would be a little stiffer.

 

stock KYBs would feel stiffer over bumps and whatnot.

 

So, why are Bilsteins "better"???? This isn't adding up?

 

It has to do with compliance....with our bumpy US roads, having a shock that is slightly softer, or better subscribed as complaint, does a better job of keep our tires on the road giving us grip rather than having them up in the air because the suspension couldn't soak up the bumps.

 

I was under the impression that the Bilstein/swift set up was superior to the KYB/swifts, is this not true? I might swap back to KYB's unless someone convinces me otherwise.

 

See the post right above yours. Stiffer isn't necessarily better.

 

Yeah, they just feel "sloppy", I've had lowered cars w/ aftermarket shocks and they have always had a stiffer feel. I was just expecting a more precise, controlled feeling. I've only had them on for 2 days so maybe I'm jumping the gun.

 

How was the car aligned after the install?

 

I got it checked the other day and it was pretty close to perfect, its good to go now.

 

Are you sure the Bilsteins aren't blown? Any fluid leaking out? How many miles on them?

It is a very different feel from the KYB's, but "sloppy" concerns me. Do transitions/slaloms feel especially bad?

- Andrew

 

I don't think there blown, I guess sloppy is the wrong word to use, not as stiff as I was thinking would be a better description. Overall it rides good for a lowered car, it handles great. I'll probably roll on these for a while and maybe in a few weeks swap to the KYB's and see the difference.