Thread: New bloke on the block

Bilsteins on mine[95 110] and if they ever die they will be replaced with the same again, cheap from e.shocks.com

open a can of opinion asking a question like that.

I have Koni, I would by them again, if I ever have too that is. Visit Beadell Tours and read his review on them. Explains everything really.

I just picked mine up from Suspension Stuff where they fitted Bilstein shocks and Damper and King coils.. I chose Bilsteins after talking to a lot of suspension people who said that they seem to be the best shocks for Defenders. The ride seems 'stiffer' but I suspect that once I have my bullbar, winch and extra tank fitted it will loosen up.

They sell both Koni and Bilsteins and as Koni's are more expensive I thought they would try to talk me into them instead when I asked about the Koni's the still maintained that the Bilsteins were best for my car. I do believe that both are good though so it's probably a matter of personal choice and finances.

Sue brings up a very good point. Amongst other reasons I chose Koni as I really wanted to keep the Landy's original feel. I had heard from many that Bilsteins were a firmer ride, where as the Koni was a softer ride.

One doesn't really know unless one fits both, and either way you will most likely appreciate whatever you buy. But don't write of your standard shocks, they are quite good for the money, in most applications. I am under the impression however, long days with close to GVM trucks they get a bit faded.

I'm not a gas fan, but each to there own. Nugget on here cooked his gas OME's to the point they burnt the yellow paint black. They didn't spring a leak and still worked when cooled down. Not sure how effective they were at that point of heat though. Where as the Koni tend to hold that much oil they simply don't get that hot. So should work at optimum all day long.

I don't think Bilsteins single skin is an issue. The benefit of any good quality shock is the welds and build strength. No snapping the eyelets off and that type of stuff.
It's hard to find good reviews on Koni 82 and 90's, but there appears to be very little failure, where as I personally know several people who have had warranty claim within 3 months of buying their Bilsteins. Still they have been exchanged no questions.

I chose Bilstiens because they are quality, this set has been transferred from my last 3 Discos over the last 5+ years, they are superb on and off road and if they ever wear out (knock on wood) I will have them rebuilt for less than the cost of a crap set of shocks, or replace them, I would not consider any other shock, Regards Frank.