Thread: Shock absorbers for Classic on AIR

James, I would be very hesitant to use aftermarket shocks, even Bilstein or Koni as it will noticeably change what is a superbly smooth suspension.

If you do replace with OEM, make sure they are to genuine quality... and suit EAS. Don't buy Britpart or Allmakes/Bearmach.

Talk to either Bilstein or Koni head office if you want to go aftermarket, and make sure what they are selling you suits air springs, as the factory dampers are not charged, they are an old school hydraulic shock (do not expand on their own).

I'd be looking to Koni as they make shocks like this...

James, for what it is worth, Bessie has adjustable Konis per PO, and I don't think they were all that expensive (relatively speaking of course).

Have read the koni's work quite well with eas, and that the bilsteins are a bit harsh

...From a quick look at the Usual Suspects, the best price from Blighty ... about $180 for a pair... "aftermarket".

Ouch!

The Bilsteins were recommended by the mechanic... He does a lot of modifying/beefing up of Deefers etc, so I guess he's biased towards "performance".
- I'm only after Comfort

Pillows then sir?

That's very cheap! lol!

Bilstein do comfort too... but I'd look to Koni first.

I installed a set of Koni reds (adjustable and designed for EAS) years ago (probably ten or more) and they are still excellent. Driving is both road and off-road, probably about 100,000kms. They are adjustable so that as they wear, you can tighten them back up to spec. I tried this a few years ago, but it turned out that they were still on spec so I returned them to standard plus half a turn. They have stayed this way ever since. Could probably do with another half turn now. From memory, I think you have five full turns of adjustment.
For off road use, it is important to replace the rubbers every now and again. I've done this once and it's probably time to do it again.
FYI I have an LSE with EAS and with standard size tyres.

For what it's worth I contacted paddocks for some Bilsteins they wouldn't sell them as they were not allowed to freight them due to Nitrogen charge. They have to go sea freight which they weren't prepared to do.