Forum Discussion
- My King shocks are custom valved.
The valving profiles Carli Suspension uses are different for SWB trucks, versus LWB trucks. I'm not smart enough to know what the exact differences are.
Most off-the-shelf shocks use generic "one-size-fit-all" valving.
I'm somehwhat surprised that KYB makes a distinction. - KYB changed the chart. Now the shocks are listed for my wheelbase, and a 137" wheelbase crew cab that doesn't exist. Weird. Put the rears on this morning, ready for test. One of the originals was definitely shot.
KYB support wrote:
Steve,
The part numbers 565044 front and 565091 rear can still be used on your vehicle, the only reason we exclude it on our catalog is the ride being too firm for these applications.
Thank you
Tech Support
Looks like I'm back to the Monomax. I think we can deal with a bit of unloaded firmness to gain some loaded stability.- The straight-rail frame was used on commercial F350/450/550 cab/chassis (no pickup bed) trucks only.
All F250/350 pickups use the curved-rail frame. It does not matter which cab size or pickup bed length you have, the shocks are the same, for pickups, other than 2wd/4wd shock length differences. - I would send an email to Bilstein if you are going with them.
You are right that they do not show lengths. They also don't show wheel bases or type of rig, extended cab, crew cab or standard.
Info from other manufacturers show different lengths, like you said based on wheel base.
Make sure you can return them if they are the wrong ones! - Thanks for the link. KYB and Motorcraft speak of wheelbase, but the others speak only of cab style with no mention of wheelbase or bed length. The Motorcraft rear shock will work from 137 to 172.4 which covers every combination of bed and cab offered that year. How again does wheelbase apply here?
So the Bilstein 33-185347 will work with all three cab styles. Does that mean it will also work with every combo like the Motorcraft?
Meanwhile, the Monomax excludes 137 and 156.2. At 158, it should fit the Super Cab LB. This is only 1.8" longer than mine! And evidently it also fits the 141.8" Super Cab SB, which is right between the two sizes excluded. Puzzling.
Guess I'll go with the Bilsteins. Kinda liked the Monomax, though. - They should care as the compressed and overall length is different.
Slide down and compare lengths for your shocks. There are two wheel bases that have different numbers. Putting wrong length on could cause damage to brackets or break them or the shock.
O'reilly's shocks - Guess I wasn't clear on my question. Why does KYB care about my wheelbase (and it's effect on lever length) and Bilstein doesn't when choosing the right shock? Thanks.
