Bilstein 5100's + BPE's = Bad Idea?
 

Hey all,

I have a set of 5100's waiting for me to get home from college, and I ordered the whole set of IRO BPE's earlier today. However, after some more researching, it seems as though getting the bar pins out of the shocks might require new bushings, etc...and since the bushings and bar pins are bonded, it's even harder. Do I even need BPE's immediately with these shocks? I'm running a mild lift with no hardcore wheeling. Just trying to spend my money wisely.

Thanks!

Anything? I'm trying to figure out if I should cancel my order before they ship them or not!

I don't see why you'd need bar-pin eliminators.

Then again, I've also never seen shocks that you couldn't remove the bar pins.

I have 5150's with bar pins and they come right out...

They're not bonded together at least not on any shock I've ever had. You need to put a metal sleeve in the shocks bushing when using BPEs. I believe its there to keep the bolt from seizing to the bushing. Most BPE (I know IRO fronts do) come with that sleeve.

A note on IRO BPE kits. I have their front set, very nice stuff, not installed yet but came with all the hardware. I almost ordered their rear set when I needed some recently, BUT they are made so that they turn the shock the wrong way. This might be due to the fact that they're weld on axle side rear shock mounts also turn the mount. Either way I went with Zone for the rear they keep it in the stock direction.

i got a set of 1550's they came with everything i needed... didnt need new bar pins

I'm starting to think that I might cancel the order and use the money elsewhere, and decide if I really need the BPE's later on down the road...

Well, for the rear, if your upper bolts snap, they are worth your time. That way however you fix the bolts snapping issue, you only do it once.

I have never needed to use bar pin eliminators. Bar pins work just fine as long as the shock isnt your bumpstop or limiting strap. As for the rear bolts snapping, just punch it out and use a regular nut and bolt.

That and they take away about an inch of room that could be used for a longer travel shock.

I didn't like my 5100 on my YJ. Post back when you put them on your XJ. Curious. The YJ was too boaty for me on highway.