Bilstein HD Question

[71T]

I'm looking to upgrade my stock suspension on the T and I'm thinking about going with used parts.


Bilstein rear shocks are listed as two different part numbers. One for 71 and earlier and one for 72-89. What is the difference? What years can I use?

I've heard Bilstein will rebuild/revalve their shocks. How much does this service cost?


Thanks

[Flieger]

The 70-71 crossmember is a unique design and requires a different sized damper than the later or earlier cars. The 1972- cars can use Aluminum rear trailing arms, the 1970-1971 cars run into rubbing issues of the damper on various exhaust areas or crossmember areas. I suspect that the later dampers may bind the suspension on a 1971 when the suspension moves through large displacements.

[Chuck Moreland]

Max is correct the crossmember is different on the pre-72 cars.

The specific differences in the shocks:

- pre-72 are shorter
- pre-72 have M12 lower mount, 72+ have M14 lower mount
- different valving

It is possible to use the Al arms on an early car, but mods are needed - and you may still have a bit of rubbing. But it is doable.