Frequently asked questions RCD Bilstein

These are some of the questions I get asked about RCD, shock fitment and suspension problems. If you have a specific question, please email or call. There are no stupid question and you might just get the answer to fix a problem. This page will continually be updated.

What other products do you sell?

We specialize in Bilstein shock absorbers, allowing us to work specifically on problems associated with ride and handling problems.

I installed a complete 4 link suspension in my vehicle and the ride is horrible, what can I do?

Unfortunately, most companies have one thing in common with these kits, they don't choose a good shock. The good news is that in most cases you can upgrade to a Bilstein.

Someone told me to ditch the straight axle set up on my 32 and go independent. Will it help?

First off, there is nothing wrong with a straight axle set up, if you want the traditional look. I have looked at a lot of these over the years and find that they tend to be over sprung and under shocked, which doesn't allow the suspension to move. In the Ego Rama Shoot Out it was proven by Jim Shelton's 32 roadster winning first in ride and drive ability over coilover cars, IFS, IRS and air bag. The shock played a very important role in this win. That said, an independent suspension does allow better isolation on irregular road conditions, where a solid axle will tend to transfer the bump from side to side.

Pulling out stock rear leaf spring set up and installing a 4 link with coilover shocks, is this the way to go?

I think we might have to add a page for this one. My first question is why? Don't get me wrong I do coilover shock set ups for all kinds of different vehicles...continued

I have heard that a gas shock will ride rougher than a typical hydraulic shock. Is this true?

The main purpose of the gas charge in a Bilstein is to stabilize the oil, keeping it from foaming providing consistent damping. Check out our Tech Page

Mustang II - I measured the mounting points on my front suspension with the shock out of the car and the shock would be fully extended at ride height? Making it too short.

When measuring a IFS (independent front suspension) if the vehicle has been raised allowing the suspension to droop it needs to be bounced up and down and rolled to allow it to settle back into correct resting ride height.

Measure shock for fitment - If the shock is measured extended and collapsed when off the car isn't that good enough?

I always will ask for a ride height measurement on the shock. Extended and collapsed lengths are fine, but as cars are bought, sold, lowered or raised little or no attention is given to the length of shock on the car. So to get the proper length measure ride height. This is normally for non stock applications such as hot rod straight axle, lowered vehicles and air ride.

What is the best way to find the proper shock length on an air bag set up?

The most common measurements I ask for are to measure from shock mounting points. #1 ride height (normally driven) this tells us where the shock is working at. #2 with bags dumped, since you don't want the vehicle to rest on the shock totally collapsed causing damage. For more info on measuring different mounting types on shocks...click here

My car is lowered, how do I find a shock that fits?

First, how much has the car been lowered? In most cases a vehicle can be lowered 1" without causing any problems. If it has been modified, by changing mounting points, angle etc. the shock needs to be measured to find the proper length. This should be done with vehicle at ride height.

Why is a Bilstein Shock more expensive than a basic replacement shock absorber?

A Bilstein Shock is built to tolerances that are on the same level as medical equipment standards. Because of the tight tolerances a mono tube is more expensive to manufacture than a typical twin tube designed shock. See our technical page

I think my shock is bottoming out, how can I check this?

If the shock has an exposed shaft, simply take a zip tie, click here for more information

Building car: The shocks I purchased are too short and cannot install them on my chassis.

The chassis must be loaded with engine, trans, fluids etc. in the vehicle to get the true ride height. The springs will naturally expand out lifting the chassis and not allowing installation of the shock. An example: Next time you are filling your car up with gas lean against the body and it will drop as the tank fills. Now imagine the car without the engine, fuel tank or other components.