Good evening all. Hope everyone is well. Allan here. I have just recently purchased a 2018 Armada Platinum and I do find the ride a little on the " bouncy " side. I know I had read through a few postings and one gentleman had said to install Bilstein shocks. Now I have looked into these shocks and I can't find anyone who has them available. ( Including Bilstein ) So.....that being said, has anyone out there changed their shocks to a different brand with some degree of success in controlling the bounce in the vehicle ?? Thanks in advance......Allan. ( In Canada )
golfballs
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I was thinking the same thing but here's what I found out when I cross referenced Monroe (73048) OE strut replacements for these trucks. The obvious, the Y62/Z62s share the same front strut but when checking the newer H61 Titans (non-XD), its still utilizes the same struts/specs (71358) up front as the original first gens. Our Y62/Z62 has a shorter strut body of about 3/4" and slight differences in compressed, extended and travel. I know Radflo and King have front coilovers available for the Y62 Patrol which would be the closest to our trucks.
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The reasons why Bilstein won't "fit" has to do with the bushing mount on the lower eyelet. The strut mount bracket on the LCA of the Z62/Y62 is slightly wider apart. Here's how I know 
The lower eyelet bushing on the OE struts are roughly 8mm wider than the Bilsteins.
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I installed these B8 6100s over a month ago. All I did was add a couple 1/2 SS spacers to fill in the gap on the LCA strut bracket. I bored out the holes to roughly 14mm in order for the bolt to pass thru. What I also found out, since the top strut mount is the same from 04-current armadas, titans, qx56/80 non-HBMC, so are the strut mount rubber bushings. In other words, if you were to replace just the top strut mount from Nissan, for a Y62...it would cost almost $50/each. Don't even get me started on the spring seat and strut rubber bushings. I paid right around $60, Rockauto.com, for new Moog strut mounts w/ spring seats and KYB strut rubber bushings for both sides. What a huge difference it made on my QX80. The ride feels firmer but not jarring and when driving over multiple road construction plates, the truck still feels so planted. I knew these B8 6100s would be overkill but I'm sure they would show their true worth for those off roading with their trucks.
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The lower eyelet bushing on the OE struts are roughly 8mm wider than the Bilsteins.
I installed these B8 6100s over a month ago. All I did was add a couple 1/2 SS spacers to fill in the gap on the LCA strut bracket. I bored out the holes to roughly 14mm in order for the bolt to pass thru. What I also found out, since the top strut mount is the same from 04-current armadas, titans, qx56/80 non-HBMC, so are the strut mount rubber bushings. In other words, if you were to replace just the top strut mount from Nissan, for a Y62...it would cost almost $50/each. Don't even get me started on the spring seat and strut rubber bushings. I paid right around $60, Rockauto.com, for new Moog strut mounts w/ spring seats and KYB strut rubber bushings for both sides. What a huge difference it made on my QX80. The ride feels firmer but not jarring and when driving over multiple road construction plates, the truck still feels so planted. I knew these B8 6100s would be overkill but I'm sure they would show their true worth for those off roading with their trucks.
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Before going with the Bilsteins, I contacted Radflo. They actually have a front coilover kit for the Y62 Armada which I was ready to buy. When I mentioned I had a QX80, I was told they would have to check with their engineers if it would fit. I tried explaining it would fit and even sent them pics of the non-HBMC suspension on my QX80. Never heard from them after several emails.
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With my QX80 breaking the 100K mark this year, its only proper to replace all those suspension related rubber bushings. A few things to note regarding this setup if you decide not to go with Radflo, King, etc.
I opted for the B8 6100s because it was as close as to the OE Tokico struts in regards to size, collapsed/extended lengths and travel. Now, the model I opted for was for the 04-16 Titans, 7 adjustable ride heights. It is also available for the 17-up Titan but it cost slightly more. From what Summit Racing had told me, the difference possibly has to do with how Bilstein changed up the slots for the adjustable coil perch on the newer Titans.
When I first installed it on the lowest perch setting, the front end of my truck was much lower than the rear. The coils on the Y62/Z62 are much softer and shorter than the previous gen. When I went to compress the springs to remove them from the OE struts, it didn't take much to do so with the manual strut compressor tools. I had to place the perch on the 4th or 5th slot; that pretty much leveled out the front end and brought the height right up to OE spec (35in. from ground to fender).
The rear OE pieces were already showing signs of cracks and splintering on the rubber bushings so I replaced those too.
Parts I installed:
Bilstein B8 6100 24-270182
Moog K160344 front strut mount w/ spring seat
KYB SM5700 front strut upper bushings
1/2" spacers, holes bored out to 14mm
I opted for the B8 6100s because it was as close as to the OE Tokico struts in regards to size, collapsed/extended lengths and travel. Now, the model I opted for was for the 04-16 Titans, 7 adjustable ride heights. It is also available for the 17-up Titan but it cost slightly more. From what Summit Racing had told me, the difference possibly has to do with how Bilstein changed up the slots for the adjustable coil perch on the newer Titans.
When I first installed it on the lowest perch setting, the front end of my truck was much lower than the rear. The coils on the Y62/Z62 are much softer and shorter than the previous gen. When I went to compress the springs to remove them from the OE struts, it didn't take much to do so with the manual strut compressor tools. I had to place the perch on the 4th or 5th slot; that pretty much leveled out the front end and brought the height right up to OE spec (35in. from ground to fender).
The rear OE pieces were already showing signs of cracks and splintering on the rubber bushings so I replaced those too.
Parts I installed:
Bilstein B8 6100 24-270182
Moog K160344 front strut mount w/ spring seat
KYB SM5700 front strut upper bushings
1/2" spacers, holes bored out to 14mm
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Wow, that is expensive. I paid $607/pair but I see you’re up in Canada so that likely explains the price difference. I did my own research, comparing the OE specs of the shocks and finding what was similar. I only opted for the B8-6100s because it’s the closest thing where the valving is similar to what you’d find in a coilover such as Radflo, Fox, etc. I had Fox 2.0 coilovers on my previous armada so I already knew what type of suspension I wanted to upgrade up front on the QX80.
The reason I mentioned it’s “overkill” is because I live in NYC and have no plans ever to take my QX80 off-roading, trailing or
muddling. That is where I’m sure the true potential of these 6100s would shine. Potholes, construction plates, the occasional pedestrian (lol, j/k) is what the majority of the suspension is ever going to see.
The reason I mentioned it’s “overkill” is because I live in NYC and have no plans ever to take my QX80 off-roading, trailing or
muddling. That is where I’m sure the true potential of these 6100s would shine. Potholes, construction plates, the occasional pedestrian (lol, j/k) is what the majority of the suspension is ever going to see.
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Even several months later, I still think to myself what a huge difference these 6100s have been. Don’t forget, we all have different opinions on ride characteristics and how we each expect a vehicle is supposed drive and handle. I personally don’t like the wallowing, multiple rebounding or bouncing feel of a suspension going over uneven pavement, chip seals or even taking swooping turns on roadway helixes. These 6100s checks off everything for me in what I look for when upgrading the shock/strut and I even feel these are better than the Fox 2.0 coilovers I had on my 04. Just the size of the body tells you these Bilsteins mean business. Not only that it significantly has more oil inside, throw in the larger piston and these 6100s just maintains a smooth, consistent response to bumps, hard hits or dips on the roads.
Btw, this was the video I found that had me sold on experimenting with the 6100s.
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This forum has been such a huge help going back to my early days with my 04 LE so I do what can to return the favor. Just to let you know, I’ve already begun my research for the rear. Knowing how these air compressors like to fail so easily, it’s only time when I’ll be ready to replace it with a non-leveling suspension. Of course, I’ll post that up too when it does happen.
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After having installed these 6100s, I honestly feel none of the other Bilsteins (4600/5100) comes close to how these perform. My QX80 is on 22s and it still has that firm, yet comfortable, supple ride. I’m actually glad Radflo never got back to me because I saved over $600 and couldn’t be any happier with these 6100s.
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Unless you plan on building up your Y62 as a truly dedicated, off-roading truck or lifting more than 2-3in, then the Kings would be a great option.
You’re better than I am because I wouldn’t be able to wait six weeks. Let me know once you get them and if you need any additional info when installing.
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FYI, I placed the adjustable perch on the 5th slot (starting at the lowest). It leveled up the front perfectly, OE height of 35.5 in.
The instructions says not to mount the perch higher but that is because the first gen coil springs are taller than the front coil springs on our Y62/Z62.
The instructions says not to mount the perch higher but that is because the first gen coil springs are taller than the front coil springs on our Y62/Z62.
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Don't forget, this is a custom install. Those instructions are specific to the first gens and having owned an 04 LE for 11 years, I already knew why. As I've mentioned, the front coil springs on the first gen are much taller (8 coils) vs. what's on the Y62/Z62s (6 coils).
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I’m not looking to replace the auto rear leveling suspension since it still works. In the meantime, I am trying to find what other options that will work in place of the OE leveling shocks. So when that time comes to replace the OE parts, I’ll be ready to so.
We can all agree, the general purpose of the auto leveling rear is to keep the vehicle balanced with the front end. When the auto leveling rear is functional, the rear end of these trucks maintains a firm and planted ride.
We can all agree, the general purpose of the auto leveling rear is to keep the vehicle balanced with the front end. When the auto leveling rear is functional, the rear end of these trucks maintains a firm and planted ride.
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The Bilstein spacer is used in place of the lower OE spacer.
Here’s a thread from TT with great pics:
www.titantalk.com
Here’s a thread from TT with great pics:
5100's Install and Tips
5100 Install and Tips There are countless threads about how to/ how not to install Bilstein 5100 series struts. Most of these are thrown together by someone who has had something go wrong, so I think its time for a proper review. First off, I have an 07 4x4 Titan with Bilstein 5100's, set at...
www.titantalk.com
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@ golfballs, great to hear and enjoy the much firmer, more controlled ride. About the height, my QX80 was right around the 100k mark so it settled down within a couple days considering the mileage on the OE coils. I'm sure you have less mileage so give it a week or so for the new front suspension to settle down.
I'll say it again, these 6100s so far, has been the best upgrade/mod I've done on my QX80; even over the VL2 CarPlay interface.
I'll say it again, these 6100s so far, has been the best upgrade/mod I've done on my QX80; even over the VL2 CarPlay interface.
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I wouldn't worry about it. Most aftermarket manufacturers doesn't even include these boots because the shock/strut is sheltered by the rest of the suspension components anyway. Even hard core off-roaders prefer not to have boots on any of their shocks/struts because it traps in mud and dirt.
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I have them listed and attached some pics in my showcase profile if you want to check them out.
Suspension wise, the next upgrade is the Hellwig 7769 rear sway bar; it should be arriving next week.
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Yes, exactly the same. My QX80 is also non-HBMC so you’ll have no issues bolting it on.
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