Grande needs new shocks

[ywork Member Find all posts View Profile Close ywork]

The time has come, my rear TERM shocks have died and I need to upgrade. From the below choice which are best and where can they be fitted around north Brisbane.
1. Bilstein
2. OME
I have KTFR101 springs in the front so would like to know what shocks to fit that would suit the front springs and the air bags at the back.

[Guest Close Guest]

Both will work. The Bilsteins have the advantage of front ride height adjustment if in the future the springs sag due to extra weight, you can still go up a notch without swapping out the spring.

[craigm Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close craigm]

Both are very good shocks. I have the Bilsteins and am very happy. There are a couple of Grande owners on this forum who also run the Tough Dog adjustables also but are typically matched up to their own springs (made by Kings however) OME are typically matched up to their own springs also and the Bilstien/Kings package is very well known as a good match up. Have a deeper look through this 120 suspension section, as there is some excellent info here that will assist you in making an informed decision.
Good Luck

[ywork Member Find all posts View Profile Close ywork]

Thanks, any one know what the part number is for the Bilsteins that would fit the 120 Grande front and back.Craigm where did you get the shock from and did you have them fitted or did you do the fitting yourself.

[Way2go Member Find all posts View Profile Close Way2go]

I have both.

Bilsteins on the front - and OME on the rear.

Very happy with the ride.

[ywork Member Find all posts View Profile Close ywork]

Any good dealers around North Brisbane that stock either of theses shocks?

[craigm Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close craigm]

Thanks, any one know what the part number is for the Bilsteins that would fit the 120 Grande front and back.Craigm where did you get the shock from and did you have them fitted or did you do the fitting yourself.

You'll find all the part numbers you're after are in the suspension database at the top of this forum matter. The Billies stk numbers are BE5-A712 for Fronts & BE5-A713 for the rears. I got mine at trade prices through a wholesaler thanks to a mate, and with his help, we installed the kit ourselves to save some dosh. But there are a number of places around Brisbane that will supply and install. Fulcrum suspension is just one of many around the traps . Being a southsider, I'm not too sure about north brisbane installers so perhaps a northsider member could recommend someone...


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[ywork Member Find all posts View Profile Close ywork]

Thank you Craigm,
Will now start looking for the best pricing. Think it’s going to be an expensive upgrade.
Cheers,

[Guest Close Guest]

As a guide:
http://www.4wddirect.com.au/scart/html/224.html $469.50 rear
http://www.4wddirect.com.au/scart/html/223.html $509.50 front

Then install it yourself

[ywork Member Find all posts View Profile Close ywork]

Thanks Amts,
Is it hard to fit the shocks yourself? Can anyone recommend a place for fitting the new shocks front and back? Im in the Brisbane area.

[Guest Close Guest]

What you need is:

• A good workshop trolley jack
• Jack stands
• A good socket set
• A good breaker bar
• An allen key you are willing to sacrifice to make it shorter
• A helper

The rears are easy.

1. Jack up and place jack stands on the chassis.
2. Remove wheel and place jack under the axle to jack it up.
3. Remove top shock nut and loosen bottom bolt. Lower axle a bit. Compress the shock and it should come free.
4. Replace new shocks and then jack up the axle.
5. Tighten bottom bolt and top nut.
6. Replace wheel and repeat for other side.

For the fronts:

1. Jack up and place jack stands on the chassis (under front doors).
2. Remove both wheels.
3. You will need a shortened allen key to remove the 2 socket head cap screws that holds the TEMS module to the bracket at the top of the strut. One screw can be seen. The other one is behind the TEMS module and can't be seen.
4. Remove TEMS bracket from the top of the strut. Feed the TEMS cables back into the engine bay and secure it away from moving parts.
5. Remove sway bar link. Loosen sway bar mount on the chassis or remove it altogether.
6. Jack up on the lower control arm (LCA) until the jack takes the weight.
7. Remove top strut nut.
8. Remove lower strut nut (do not turn the lower strut bolt as this will damage the screw thread).
9. Remove 2 bolts on the LCA (the ones either side of the castle nut).
10. Loosen the cam bolts on the LCA paying attention not to move the cam as this is the alignment adjustment (if it moves a bit, it doesn't matter as you will need an alignment anyway).
11. Now lower the jack and the strut will separate from the spring.
12. Once the strut is fully extended, remove the bottom strut bolt and the strut and spring is now free.
13. Put the new spring and strut in, inserting the lower strut bolt first and loosely spin on the nut.
14. with a helper, slowly jack up the LCA while threading the top strut pin through the hole. As you do this the spring will compress.
15. Jack up until the jack takes all the weight.
16. Tighten nut on top of the strut.
17. Replace the 2 bolts on the bottom of the LCA.
18. Tighten up the cam bolts.
19. Tighten up the lower strut bolt and nut.
20. Lower jack and remove (REMEMBER: steps 18 and 19 must be completed with the jack taking all the weight or the bushes will wear out prematurely)
21. Repeat for the other side.
22. Once both sides are done, replace sway bar.
23. Put wheels back on.
24. Go for a test drive and re-torque wheel nuts.
25. Once suspension height has settled, go for an alignment.
26. Spend the money you saved to take the missus out for dinner.

[ywork Member Find all posts View Profile Close ywork]

Thank you Amts, looking at your detailed procedure I’m sure I will be able to get it done myself. Really appreciate your time and effort to explain the fitting process.
Cheers.

[craigm Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close craigm]

Great work Andrew...(that deserves some reppies...)


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[Guest Close Guest]

Cheers guys! Might have to start a new thread.

[ywork Member Find all posts View Profile Close ywork]

Hi amts,
Man I wish it was as simple to remove the back shock top nut. The flipping thing is seized up and you can’t turn it without the whole shock turning. How do you get this nut lose? I see at the top of the shaft it’s been flattened on both sides. Do you get a tool that fits the top end that enables you to hold the shaft and then loosen the nut?