i'll be getting some new shocks soon. the bilstein touring sounds pretty good other than the known rattling from the rear. i'm wondering if anyone has had _recent_ experience with these things. has bilstein corrected this problem?

moreover, is shimming the top mounting sleeve of the shock a sure-fire way to get rid of this noise? i have stainless sheets of different thickness at hand, so i can shim it pretty easily.

TIA.

I just put Bilstein touring on today on my 84 244, well, it's 110 out and I don't have shade in my driveway so the shop did the install, and I've put 30 to 40 miles on them - no noticeable rattle, very nice ride, and good handling (in my extremely limited experience). I would not consider the ride firm, but then again, I'm coming from 4-wheel-drive vehicles, so anything would be smooth.

My 86 245, which I picked up yesterday, has a similar ride - maybe a little softer - and I have no idea of the age/condition of the suspension on that (am taking it to same shop to inspect it in the a.m.).

I will keep an ear out for rattling and pay closer attention to things since the Touring's seem to have a checkered history.

Go with the KYB GR2 and or Gas Adjust (if still available), a lot less expensive, performance is superior and last for about five years! The KYB shocks and struts are a MAJOR upgrade despite their low price! Bilstein has lost their touch, even their HD versions are suffering premature handling and noise failures!

jorrell
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92 245 250K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

I disagree on the KYBs. I have Bilstein Tourings on a 244, they are very firm and handle well, and do have an obnoxious rattle (and are a free replacement set). I have KYBs on a 245 that has HD springs and they are completely shot--OK on compression but terrible on recovery. IIRC, another 245 of mine has the Sachs. I've never had anything but good experience with Boge/Sachs. BTW, the standard OEM shock is pretty good but the Sachs strut is definitely an improvement.

Why try to fix a known problem when there are so many alternatives? Sachs are a favorite of many many people for a mild performance upgrade. KYB's are beloved by some, and cheap, but don't last as long as Boge/Sachs.

I'd stay away from the TC's, there are plenty of fine shocks in the same price/performance range.
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'93 244: 'A' cam 4 deg. advanced, 25/22 sways, custom heim endlinks, poly bushings, and a lot more styling customization than I care to recount.

point being i don't mind spending like 5 minutes shimming the top mount if that's what it takes to get a set of these shocks working quietly. they are cheaper than turbo gas by about 50 bucks.

I understand, but I don't think anyone has ever solved the problem short of sending the things back (according to my Brickboard reading). I'm sure someone who has fought with the things will be along soon with better information. Good luck.
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'93 244: 'A' cam 4 deg. advanced, 25/22 sways, custom heim endlinks, poly bushings, and a lot more styling customization than I care to recount.

hello
i have read so many posts about the crappy touring shocks i would not even consider installing them.
also i have read where people tried but failed to stop the rattling.
dont make sense to me to use them when others are better.
if you find a fix im sure folks would like to hear about it.
some have temporary fixed with shims but only for a short while.
good luck
mike