T4 shock absorbers? Bilstein? $750 a set?

[munga]

So... the cheapest Bilstein HD shocks I can find come to just under $750 landed (from USA) for a set of four, which is a bit better than my mechanic says he can get them for ( try $330 each o.O ).

I work as a house painter, so carry about 300kg max, with the odd occasion where I transport some trestles and planks. Do I really need the heavy duty, or will the touring suffice?

Anyone care to steer me away from the billys for any reason? Overkill? Waste of money?

Further, any good workshops in Brisbane for T4's?

Cheers!

[Tombi]

Hi Munga,
I had a set of HD shocks (i think there were Bilstein) fitted to my T4 and the ride improvement was huge.I am a builder and carry a bit of gear, but for touring there were excellent.No complaints from the family either!!
My advice is go for the good stuff if you can!

[Seano]

Munga
Either the Bilsteins or Koni's are fine. I run the Koni's because they were cheaper at the time....and I wasn't quoted anywhere near $750 for either set from memory. But this was a few years ago. Regardless I have been very happy with their performance both on and off road - loaded and unloaded.

The Bilstein importer is Sydney Suspensions and I suggest you give them a ring via Bilstein shock absorbers - Sydney Shock Absorbers is the Australian distributor of Bilstein shocks
Koni's are bought in by Top Performance in Melbourne Welcome to Toperformance Products who distribute into QLD via HOME - Fulcrum Suspensions and GSA Wholesale Suspension - George Shepheard Auto so I'd suggest some ringing around

Pedders also supply Bilstein shocks nationally for the T4. They might be cheaper?

The OEM shocks in a T4 are Boge and I note that GSAD also stock this brand. Wouldn't hurt to ask...

[Seano]

Frantic.....Bilsteins (and most other gas shocks) are the last shock I would fit into a Defender. I know it's personal preference in the end but in my experience with LRs wearing Bilsteins (and not) I certainly preferred the 'not' in terms of preformance and ride quality. I've a Rangie riding on Disco springs with Billys and the ride is 'hard' and 'sharp' whereas my early 90's Defender had a set of Tough Dog Oil/Gas hybrid type units and it was comfort with a capital C especially on the dirt - they didn't fight the springs like the Billys seem to.

[munga]

Thanks, Tombi, Seano.
Frantic: Shock Absorbers, Shocks, Springs, Automotive Suspension, Struts, SHOX.com

Nobody seems to come close to matching diy-import prices.