Mix Bilstein Dampers Front/Rear?

[kristian85]

Folks frequently install Heavy Duty Bilstein dampers up front, and stiffer Sports in the rear. I am puzzled by this, as conventional suspension tuning tells us to have the same damping rates front/back when considering the effects of weight distribution ands lift of the vehicle.

It then occurs to me that Bilstein of course takes these things into consideration. That is, rear Heavy Duty dampers already are calibrated differently from front Heavy Duty dampers to account for the higher weight. It should therefore not be necessary for us to install the stiffer Sport dampers in the rear to make up for the weight difference.

Several local shops inform me to maintain the same dampers front/back.

So, what gives?

[vesnyder]

Kristian - Did you see my other post with a poll of who uses what kind of shocks? Interesting. I am in the process of replacing mine and I am letting the poll decide! Bilstein doesn't think it is a good idea, but I bet they don't have the seat time these guys do!

[Bill Verburg]

I have had mine both ways; sport/sport and HD/sport; the latter is definitely better for street use.

[TimT]

I have Bilstein RSR fronts, and Koni 3012 rears.

Just to stir the pot a bit

[Milu]

99% of the time harder rears feels best and seems to give more control. Be aware however, that there are certain road surfaces, (very rare), where the different damping rates can make the car feel very weird and loose.