H&R sport springs w Bilstein HD

billpatterson

billpatterson

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HI!

With the only difference between Bilstein HD and their Sport shocks being the longer stroke of the HD shock, does anyone use the HD shocks with shorter sport springs (H&R, La Jolla for example)? I figure when the car is jacked up the shorter springs may shift but that is manageable either by wrangling them back or by wiring the springs to the spring perches (limiting travel).

Regards,
Bill
 
I use the HD on my front B&G lowering springs, they work fine. The only difference may be stroke but I had thought the sports were a bit stiffer, perhaps I’m wrong.
 
HI
That's good to know...thanks!

With shorter springs, folks also tend to use larger wheels and lower profile tires. Based on Bilstein info, the dampening is the same. I think the harsher rides come from lower profile tires.

Regards
 
Fairly sure the rear HD and sport shocks Bilstein makes for the Bav are exactly the same. In fact I think they only list one type now.
 
I have Bilstein HD's and use the -40mm e12 H&R spring up front, the springs stay compressed between the perches and can't shift.
This was quite important to me when getting the lowering springs, since it won't pass inspection if the springs aren't compressed when lifted.
 
Gransin said:
I have Bilstein HD's and use the -40mm e12 H&R spring up front, the springs stay compressed between the perches and can't shift.
This was quite important to me when getting the lowering springs, since it won't pass inspection if the springs aren't compressed when lifted.
Click to expand...

That is great news! THX. I too will be using the H&R E12 springs. Not haviing to buy shorter stroke Bilsteins is a big savings :)

Regards
 
I think due to the longer stroke of the HDs there is a problem keeping the rear springs captive on the perches when jacking the car up. Obviouwly not a problem with the struts
 
Yes Bert, you are correct and I was worried about that. It has never happened in driving. You just have to keep it in mind when you raise the car....that when you lower it, the spring and perch are lined up . I called Bilstein years ago, the rear shocks are valved the same for the Bav, the length difference was so little, they discontinued the sports for the rear.
 
There are thin helper springs designed to overcome this problem. They alphabet just enough spring rate to keep everything in place when the suspension is at full droop.

BavBob, I take it you haven’t tried going airborne yet in your Bav. It’s lots of fun but you can break stuff if you’re not careful.
 
HI
Interesting...the short HR springs with regular stroke Bilsteins, the springs are held in place by about 1" of compression. Standing over the assembly, transferring my weight unto the upper strut mount allows enough for the strut nut to be threaded. The rear assembly may be the same...fingers crossed. The gland nut came off the car and was installed with a monkey wrench and about 100 ft-lbs.

(Yes...thats a moose leg on the floor...what!? ;) )

Regards,
Bill

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I could be wrong, but my belief is when you jack the car up, the longer stroke HDs on the rear will not hold the springs on the perch. Let us know.
 
Hi Chris
I am about to disassemble the rear struts. How much potential energy is stored in an assembled rear strut? The same, less, more than the front struts with stock coil springs??

cheers
Bill
 

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Hi Bert
I just pulled out a rear strut with stock spring and regular stroke Bilstein. The assembly is tight. I asked HB Chris how much potential energy there’s stored in the assembly; wanna know what to expect and whether I can get away with wiring the coil spring before disassembly vs spring compressor. I did this on the fronts and there’s was some ‘jump’ but not a large amount. I dampened by wrapping with a pair of coveralls :)
 

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Bill, I don’t remember, I did it on our 2800 but it had the Nivomat self adjusting shock which was shot. I used compressors to install for sure.
 
“Wiring”
I suggest a 1” band clamp (cargo strap). Should be safer and just as easy.

I would not use them on a big front spring on an E9 front, but rear E9 springs or 1.875” coil overs on asports racer... fine. I find the band clamp easier to use than my real spring compressor.

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bfeng said:
“Wiring”
I suggest a 1” band clamp (cargo strap). Should be safer and just as easy.

I would not use them on a big front spring on an E9 front, but rear E9 springs or 1.875” coil overs on asports racer... fine. I find the band clamp easier to use than my real spring compressor.

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Pony Classic Band Clamp | Woodworking Tools Online

Looking for professional woodworker tools in Saddle Brook? Explore our Pony Classic Band Clamp page for Pony Jorgensen's extensive range of high-quality tools.
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Click to expand...

Hi bfeng,

Thanks for the method! Do you use the band clamp to compress the springs too?

Regards,
Bill
 
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