Bilstein Shock absorbers review for Jimny Gen 4

I just bought the German made Bilstein shock absorbers and installed them myself.

Note the stock front shock threaded shaft that protrudes from the top has flats on to grip when undoing the nyloc nut.

Bilstein has a larger thread and supplies a new nyloc nut. You will need to insert an Allen key into the top of the threaded shaft to prevent it turning when tightening the nut.

The number one reason these shocks are returned for repair is due to the above threaded shaft becoming detached from the piston inside.

Initial impressions are that the wobbly handling at lower speed and motor way speeds has been reduced and the handling feels far more controlled. 

Driving over speed humps is more controlled with better rebound damping.

The steering turn-in feels crisper at all speeds.

The ride at lower speeds over badly surfaced roads feels slightly harder but it never feels crashy.

There is a slight lift in the height in the order of 3-5%. I unfortunately didn't measure before and after.

If you grab the roof rack and rock the car side to side, you will see the difference immediately. There is less sway and it settles down a lot quicker.

It's an expensive upgrade but way cheaper than other options. They are serviceable unlike the stock shocks.

If you have a roof rack fitted, the shock upgrade is a must to reduce the body roll. Most Jimny buyers in South Africa purchase the car fitted with the Frontrunner roof rack and don't realise how much of an effect the roof rack has on the handling and performance.

I do feel that Suzuki should fit similar dampers as standard to cure the wobbly handling.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for this review. Are they Bilstein B6s?