Which shocks for African expedition

**justinc** · 11th July 2016, 06:01 AM

I'm presuming the 90 is a new one? If so the oem shocks are gas charged unlike the td5 and tdi era ones and are a lot better however if you decide to change them out then out of your 2 choices bilstein definately. The other most important factor for shock absorber performance is correct tyre pressures for the terrain. Lower and slower for corrugations especially if experiencing high ambient temps.

Jc

**Michael2** · 11th July 2016, 09:25 AM

Between the OME and Bilsteins, I'd recommend the Bilsteins.

I had OME on my 110 and found that on the rear axle the limited downward travel, resulting in air under a tyre on many occasions. This caused the shocks to bottom out and prematurely fail. When I made some measurements, I found that they were bottoming out (on extension) and holding the axle in place, when the spring had another 10cm of down travel before looking like dislocating. I spoke to ARB about this, but they said that's how they were designed to work.

I replaced them with Bilsteins, and fitted dislocation cones. Now the back axle articulates well and the shocks offer good control with a variety of payloads.

There was an aussie couple who did an Australian / African / European trip in a Land Cruiser troopy recently, and on their return they removed their Bilsteins to have them checked, and the resultant test machine graph was the same as when they went on the car new.

I think that the only option other than Bilstein is KONI.

**strangy** · 11th July 2016, 10:56 AM

I'd agree with the above.
Same experience with OME shocks (though on a D2) good shock, but reduction in travel.
If changing out from originals I'd choose the Bilsteins over OME.

**Sirocco** · 11th July 2016, 12:02 PM

I wouldn't recommend Koni. Blew a full set of 4 in 38,000 km.

Hard driving though so I wasn't surprised.

G

**Arierep** · 12th July 2016, 06:41 AM

Thanks for all the help,

If I upgrade I'll go for the Bilsteins B6.
Trying to decide now if I really need to upgrade or not

**steane** · 12th July 2016, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by Sirocco

I wouldn't recommend Koni. Blew a full set of 4 in 38,000 km.

Hard driving though so I wasn't surprised.

G

Which Koni shocks?

I would recommend Koni 90 Raids to anyone, having seen what they'll deal with.

**Leyland1980** · 12th July 2016, 01:14 PM

When talking about parts (particularly shocks) it is useful to make an obvious distinction between OME (original manufacturers equipment) and OME (Old Man Emu).

I suspect the the OP has OME (original manufacturers equipment) shocks on his vehicle. Some subsequent posters seem to be offering opinions on OME (Old Man Emu) shocks as they understand that is what the OP has.

In my opinion stick with what you have and take spares (one front, one rear) that are reasonably priced. I drove Cape Town to UK on well worn OME (Old Man Emu) shocks. I snapped one of the rears in Tanzania and bought a replacement (Armstrong) in a small town without any problems, I also had the broken shock repaired. Once I arrived in Nairobi I got a full set of Britpart super gaz. I have since used Britpart as they are cheap to replace and easy to obtain.

**PAT303** · 12th July 2016, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Arierep

Thanks for all the help,

If I upgrade I'll go for the Bilsteins B6.
Trying to decide now if I really need to upgrade or not

My originals have done a lot of outback driving and are still good,most of the Pilbara tracks plus it's going to Maralinga in December and back via the GCR from Queensland and I'm not changing them.The original fitment TDCi shocks are as good or better quality than most of the brands people replace them with. Pat

**Slunnie** · 12th July 2016, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by Leyland1980

When talking about parts (particularly shocks) it is useful to make an obvious distinction between OME (original manufacturers equipment) and OME (Old Man Emu).

I suspect the the OP has OME (original manufacturers equipment) shocks on his vehicle. Some subsequent posters seem to be offering opinions on OME (Old Man Emu) shocks as they understand that is what the OP has.

Sort of.
He has OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) shocks on the vehicle
He is looking to buy either:
OME (Old Man Emu) or
Bilstein.

Originally Posted by Arierep

My 90 currently sits on OEM shocks, but I'd like improved durability for the constant loaded beating.
Trying to chose between Bilsteins B6 and OME Nitrocharger Sports.
The whole Bilstein set would be ?200,00 cheaper for me...
Any opinions?

Thanks in advance

**Slunnie** · 12th July 2016, 02:16 PM

In my opinion the design of the Bilstein which is significantly different to the OME, and is a better proposition for that constant pounding that you'll get when offroad touring on that fast dirt.

The Bilstein gas is separated from the oil which makes them very difficult to fade - as the high pressure gas increases in pressure with heat they probably work better. That design feature is used in all high performance shocks including remote reservoir and also bypass shocks. I tend to think it doesn't matter if you run an OME, a Koni or whatever, they are still a twin shell design that has the gas in with the oil and irrespective of the quality and durability, they will both be similar (valve rates depending) in terms of fade resistance.

For heavy loaded touring (D2, not D90) in rough and fast dirt I put my money down on Bilsteins and they have been really strong where others including Koni have faded off to nothing.

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