BDS 9500

[irishboy02]

Will have them and be installing them on thurs (weather permitting)

Be prepared for a very detailed evaluation, ill be making the transition from the stock bilsteins w/ z71 springs and Mark's rear spacer...aka my current ride quality is in the shitter

[janesy86]

Nice! You should be very happy with those... I have had the 5500's in the rear for a couple weeks now, haven't hit any trails, just my quarries which can get pretty muddy. But on road they are awesome so far.

[Zero]

cant wait to see a write up one these new shocks.

[The Roadie]

You drove the Roadiemobile for a short time with mine on. But I admit my vehicle's loaded a bit hore hoggily than standard.

[fishsticks]

My 5500's have performed superbly off road.

Until today I'd had the rig unloaded when I was out playing. Today I went out with some actual weight in the back, I think the ride actually improved.

I suspect your 9500s will be every bit as great.

[irishboy02]

Yes im hoping so. I chose the 95's over the 55s because i tow quite often, and when i do its for long distances. Along with the towing, i will have additional weight in my truck. (typically a 20' trailer, no brakes with 3-4 quads on it + gear + passengers + rescue equip on 2hr trips + traffic) The valving is the same for the 55s and 95, but the 95s are built for more abuse, so that decision was a no brainer. Plus the obvi stress of wear and tear while wheelin once i get to the location.

Im really excited to see/feel the difference. Ordered from a shop about 30min from my house, but its worth the trip. Theyre putting my order in tmrw, said they should be here around wed afternoon. So ill be there to pick up before work on thurs.

[Gordinho80]

What shop? OK4wd?

[irishboy02]

Just received a call from the shop. The shocks are in, unfortunately im working so i wont be able to pick them up untill tomorrow morning.

Ill be heading out bright and early for them

[foosh]

I want to see how much longer they are than the z71 shocks ... cause i think i max mine out quite often.

[Gordinho80]

I want to see how much longer they are than the z71 shocks ... cause i think i max mine out quite often.

Same length as the 55's...

viewtopic.php?p=12833#p12833

My 5500's arrived yesterday.

A lot of this will be recap for BDS equipped people. But for the ignorant masses (like myself):

Lined up:

[foosh]

I feel like they should have a dust cover on them..., but they're really not too much longer.

[irishboy02]

Not without weight on them, but when weightfrom the truck, eye, gives about 4"

Well find out more tmrw

[foosh]

Hold up, just noticed, we have to use washers to fit these, like the z71 shocks, so whats stoping us from buying lifted tahoe shocks that are even longer?

[janesy86]

The shocks come with shims that fit perfectly... And they in that pic is the Z71 tahoe shock, which is already longer than our stock or other aftermarket shocks, besides these BDS'

And you can order boot covers if you wish, I don't like em personally.

[irishboy02]

The 9500s come with all the necessary hardware and make install really simple. Tom, you already left when we threw these onto Jeff's truck.

Also remember, the "z71" kit give us 1.5", now a kit with matching shocks would make the shocks, at full length approx 1.5" longer. The 95's excede these by 2-3", giving 5" of shock travel over the oem shock.

These are all approximations. Like i said, ill have more measurements tmrw

[MrSmithsTB]

Shoulda hung out, Tom. Seeing them in person is enough to want them. Also, there is a discussion in one of the BDS threads about the setbacks of boots. Based on our area, you could be better off leaving the boots off. Could trap dust and moisture, causing premature wear.

[fishsticks]

VS





Both pics are sitting on level ground with no significant weight in the back. I now run with several hundred pounds of tools/gear in the back. It compresses the skinny parts of the Z71 springs a bit, so I'd say I have another inch down from the pic.

Yes, they came with hardware that makes the shock fit properly in our mount. No more washers. 9500's are the same length as these according to the BDS guy.

[fishsticks]

Also remember, the "z71" kit give us 1.5", now a kit with matching shocks would make the shocks, at full length approx 1.5" longer. The 95's excede these by 2-3", giving 5" of shock travel over the oem shock.

The Z71 spring/shock combo gives us 1.5" of height. But a paltry 1/2" of additional extension... as I found out.

The 5500/9500's are 2.5" longer than the OEM shocks. But that 2.5" makes a HUGE difference.

[The Roadie]

Anybody buying Z71 springs on Ebay should just say "throw 'em away" to the shocks. Saves shipping.

[irishboy02]

WOW!!

Absolutely in love with these shocks. Have many pics to post up. Might even become a nice how-to for the site (not that its difficult)

Will post when i get out of work at 11