D2 Bilstein Questions

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Originally Posted by Michael2

If you look at the UK websites, they specify D2 shocks, then with ACE and no SLS, with ACE & SLS, with SLS and no ACE. Each type is a different p/n. That's for stock shocks. then they also advertise KONI and Bilstein shocks for D2s, but with no further detail about compatibility. The KONIs come in a +2" option.

I've sent a query, but as with everything overseas, I may or may not get a response. I've had times where I've bought something one week, and the following week they don't even answer an unrelated query.

I'll let you know if I learn any more.

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This is starting to get complicated. Sounds like there may be no or different bilsteins for SLS D2s & some sites don't mention this. I'll give them a few more days, but eshocks seem to have gone to sleep on me when I mentioned SLS. Strange 'cause I thought most US D2s would have SLS.
Cheers Discolaw

AFAIK sls was a requirement with 7 seats,,
but was also a standard option.

no reason to think 4.6 V8 owners have more kids:p

Okay,

Have done some research!!

MR automotive in Brisbane (Land Rover Specialists) sell Bilstein's.
They told me that they use part # BE5B994 (front) and BE5B995 (rear) for standard height D2's with SLS. These are Extra Travel shocks (50mm) and allow for Off Road Extended Height Mode.

They also work with 40mm Lifted Disco's with coils all round.

Will work with 40mm Lifted Disco's with SLS but CANNOT use Offroad Mode. (shocks will top out)

Standard height Bilsteins for D2 without SLS part # BE56046 (front) and # BE56047 (rear)

SORRY BUT I DIDN'T ASK ABOUT ACE COMPATIBILITY!

To put all this together I cannot find any reference to the B994/B995 shocks outside of Australia or anything comparible.

There plenty of overseas places selling the 6046/6047 shocks CHEAP.

So if you have a standard height D2 with SLS and want Bilsteins you could get the B995 rear shocks locally for around AU$250 each and get the 6046 front shocks online for around US$90 each. (excluding shipping - someone else can find that cost out for me:p)

Hope this clarifies some things out and helps someone out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mattyg

Okay,

Have done some research!!

MR automotive in Brisbane (Land Rover Specialists) sell Bilstein's.
They told me that they use part # BE5B994 (front) and BE5B995 (rear) for standard height D2's with SLS. These are Extra Travel shocks (50mm) and allow for Off Road Extended Height Mode.

They also work with 40mm Lifted Disco's with coils all round.

Will work with 40mm Lifted Disco's with SLS but CANNOT use Offroad Mode. (shocks will top out)

Standard height Bilsteins for D2 without SLS part # BE56046 (front) and # BE56047 (rear)

SORRY BUT I DIDN'T ASK ABOUT ACE COMPATIBILITY!

To put all this together I cannot find any reference to the B994/B995 shocks outside of Australia or anything comparible.

There plenty of overseas places selling the 6046/6047 shocks CHEAP.

So if you have a standard height D2 with SLS and want Bilsteins you could get the B995 rear shocks locally for around AU$250 each and get the 6046 front shocks online for around US$90 each. (excluding shipping - someone else can find that cost out for me:p)

Hope this clarifies some things out and helps someone out.

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Thanks mattyg--very helpful & shows we need to know what we are doing before ordering ex overseas. Funny those part nos. seem only on offer in Oz.--they must be the "std" extended bilstein shock. SuspensionStuff show them for lifted D2s. I did think of ringing MR or similar but felt a bit guilty about picking their brains if you know what I mean.
Cheers Discolaw

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Originally Posted by Michael2

I spoke to Quadrant Suspension today (Bilstein in Melbourne), and they don't do shocks for SLS and ACE equipped D2s.

Rovacraft has some Terrafirma shocks that are supposed to do the job.

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I wonder if This mob could help, their prices look similar to eshocks, and they say they know their Rovers, AND they ship internationally.

Cheers,
Fraser

Does anyone know or has measured the max extension you should go to on an SLS air bag?

That should determine the open length shock that is suitable as you want the shock to limit the travel to avoid ripping your bags to shreds.

I've been running OME N108 for years which are only 593mm open length and the +2" Bilsteins are I think 615 so I've been limited on extension as I have a 30mm spacer under the bags. They certainly top out on the bumps!

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Originally Posted by fraser130

I wonder if This mob could help, their prices look similar to eshocks, and they say they know their Rovers, AND they ship internationally.

Cheers,
Fraser

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o.k have emailed Great Basin Rover some Qs & will report on any reply. The position seems to be that if you want bilsteins for an SLS D2 you need the extended ones BE5B-994 & 995 if you want to use the offroad raised height function. Jury still out re: any bilsteins for ACE. So just a question of finding a US supplier for these before the AUD$ starts sliding back down.
Discolaw

Quote:

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Originally Posted by discolaw

o.k have emailed Great Basin Rover some Qs & will report on any reply. The position seems to be that if you want bilsteins for an SLS D2 you need the extended ones BE5B-994 & 995 if you want to use the offroad raised height function. Jury still out re: any bilsteins for ACE. So just a question of finding a US supplier for these before the AUD$ starts sliding back down.
Discolaw

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I'm no engineer, however all ACE is is an active anti-roll system, I can see how the length of the shocks, etc can affect the suspension travel significantly, and either restict the advantages of the "high" mode on SLS or allow the bags to over-extend and rupture but if you fit bilsteins, you are going to firm up the standard suspension anyway as they are much more effective than stock. ACE doesn't have any impact on the firmness of the ride as the ACE bars are isolated from the chassis (as far as overall up and down and firmness are concerned) it only has impact on body roll.
What I'm trying to say is I would ignore whether or not you have ACE, and base your decision on SLS or not.

To be honest I've toyed with the idea of fitting ACE to my defender, as it's an awsome system! - but that's another story!

Cheers and good luck
Fraser

Still no reply from the UK, but I did speak to MLR today who suggested that SLS fitted vehicles are a bit less supple over bumps, but that the suspension gets softer with added weight. If I "bounce" the front or rear of the car the shocks seem to be doing their job well. With this in mind, I think I'll leave the current shocks on and keep researching to find a suitable shock for when the time to replace them comes.

Update--no replies from eshock or great basin rover re: BE5B 994 & 995 bilsteins. Now trying TruckSprings in US, at least they refer to them on their site. AUD$ now really good. Can't last.
Another thought. With SLS would std. height be ok for the front as the back raises via the extended height function or does the front go up slightly as well-- have never checked & can't ATM. As per an earlier post MR recommend extended F & R.
Cheers Discolaw