[BreezeWaveFun]

Can someone please list for me in order from softest to firmest the various shock options available for the P38. I've been trying to compile one myself but I run into loops in the reports on here such as: Koni is softer then Bilstein _and Bilstein is softer then Koni, which obviously doesn't make any sense. Any kind of hard comparison numbers a great, valveing for example, but first hand comparisons will do too. Just post what you know for certain and I will put a spreadsheet together.

Thanks!

 

[kmagnuss]

That would be pretty tough to do unless we had one test rig and swapped out the shocks, since everyone's bushings and other variables are different. Having said that....I would say that the bilstein's are the firmest, followed by the Koni adjustables (even on the softest setting), then stock, and the softest (but closest to stock) would be the Doets tech.

I'm not sure where the Boge's or monroes would fall in.

 

[RRToadHall]

That would be pretty tough to do unless we had one test rig and swapped out the shocks, since everyone's bushings and other variables are different. Having said that....I would say that the bilstein's are the firmest, followed by the Koni adjustables (even on the softest setting), then stock, and the softest (but closest to stock) would be the Doets tech.

I'm not sure where the Boge's or monroes would fall in.

Excellent point. You also have the butt dyno to take into account. What one person deems to be soft, another will say firm. Comparing shocks is rather like comparing tyres. Different strokes for different folks with different opinions.

 

[kmagnuss]

As many times as I've said it and written it, I can never seem to spell it correctly. It's DOETSCH TECH. :doh:

 

[RRToadHall]

As many times as I've said it and written it, I can never seem to spell it correctly. It's DOETSCH TECH. :doh:

DOE! :doh:

 

[vinniman]

BWF.

Kmag is on the money, as each manufacturer has different types of dampers that add another variable into the equation dude !

Personally I've used KYB's, Monroes, Koni's, Bilsteins and Doetsch Tech Pre-runner's on various vehicles in the past and present.

Each car or truck has certain traits that require a particular type of shockie that's suitable to the conditions rather than brands, just like P38's with EAS need a shock with extended travel to operate within the parameters of the OEM air suspension system ?

Cheerio,


Vinniman
'88 Highline
Perth, W.A.

 

[BreezeWaveFun]

Haha, well I suppose that answers my question. Its never as simple as it sounds, is it?

 

[leftlanetruckin]

You could call/email the manufacturers and ask for the valving. That will tell you how firm or soft they will ride.
This negates the "butt dyno" equation too, and only gives real world numbers.

Martin

 

[kmagnuss]

You could call/email the manufacturers and ask for the valving. That will tell you how firm or soft they will ride.
This negates the "butt dyno" equation too, and only gives real world numbers.

Martin

Only if they're made using the same internals...gas vs hydraulic, nitrogen gas vs whatever else, blah blah blah...

Hell, even the rubber bushing used in the shock mounts can make a difference. Not to mention the tire type, size, diameter, etc.

 

[leftlanetruckin]

Compression and rebound damping rates are what they are.
As I said, it would be the only way to set a bench mark of which to compare.
As for type of bushings used, that could be made equal easy enough.
OP asked for shocks only IIRC, and that is the only way to make an informed decision IMHO.

Martin

 

[lrscott]

My ride is a bit stiff, and I know the shocks I have are OEM. I have been looking for some that will give me a softer ride, so I don't break my back when I hit a bump . I am also on coils, which I am sure is the largest part of my problem.

 

[vinniman]

Scotty.

The type of high or lower speed driving has some significance on which brand of dampers I'd recommend with your P38 on coils !

I'm currently running heavy duty King springs with Bilstein shocks all-round on my Rangie Classic and this is perfect for what I want, as my beast is the last of a pre-roll bar model and I prefer better handling in respect of a slightly firmer ride on tarmac.
But the faster I travel, the more compliant and progressive the mono-shock Bilstiens become over rough roads or the sand hills.
Give Rick at www.doetsch-shocks.com a buzz about his Pre-runners out of California, as Kmag has these fitted to his P38 dude ?

Cheerio,


Vinniman
'88 Highline
Perth, W.A.

 

[gunemalli]

Vinniman,

I tried contacting them as i'm also looking for a replacement shocks for my P38, but they haven't responded to me yet.

Can you PM me some contact details for them.

Thanks

 

[leftlanetruckin]

Vinniman,

I tried contacting them as i'm also looking for a replacement shocks for my P38, but they haven't responded to me yet.

Can you PM me some contact details for them.

Thanks

Same problem I had with them.
I called and left messages, and then emailed etc. No replies at all, so I went with another make of shock. Hard to give someone your money when they act like they don't need or want it isn't it? :naughty:
Thought I was the only one, seeing as they keep getting glowing reports on here from a few members.

Martin

 

[vinniman]

Gents.

I last received an e-mail response pronto in August/September this year and made a purchase from their catalogue in Feb. '09 !

The e-mail response was from [email protected] and considering their product, you guys should get feedback within a week ?

Kmag might be of assistance with part numbers from their catalogue, otherwise quote your "Bilstein" equivalent part numbers.

Cheerio,


Vinniman
'88 Highline
Perth, W.A.

 

[hammerma]

called them monday told the gal who answered think she said "cathy" what I was looking for she called me back a couple of hours
later and said their dt9000 would be good for my application. I ordered 4 shocks over the phone $48/each.

 

[kmagnuss]

I think the dt9000's are stiffer than the 3000's that I have. More $$ too.

 

[vinniman]

Dudes.

How many of us folks are looking to replace shockies and steering stabilisers in the next year on our P38's or Classic Rangies ?

I was wondering if either a whole bunch of us could purchase several sets of dampers from Doetsch-Tech for a group discount !

My wholesale Fedex account could be used to ship door to door and there would be definite savings in expenditure, let alone the advantage that Doetsch-Tech can supply various standards of dampers for either E.A.S., lifted or coil suspended Range Rovers.

Cheerio,


Vinniman.
'88 Highline
Perth, W.A.

 

[gunemalli]

@Vinniman,

I'm interested in your offer. Need 4 shocks in total, 2xfront 2xRear for a RR P38 1998. Shipping needed for Sri Lanka. Want to get this by end of december tho.

Thanks

 

[vinniman]

G unit.

Ping me an e-mail with the current set up of your suspension whether running E.A.S. or coils on your P38 Rangie in India and I can offer you a wholesale price for International Priority Express Courier via Federal Express ex. US for the Doetsch Tech dude !

My contact e-mail address is [email protected] and the dead weight of the Four shocks is usually about 17kg's in total ? ?

Please confirm what the truck is setup for if 4WDing, towing, expedition's, fully loaded, exterioir accessories and the like etc.

Cheerio,


Vinniman
'88 Highline
Perth, W.A.