Bilstein shock differences?

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clean8485

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Dec 18, 2005
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I'm looking at getting Bilstein shocks for my Malibu. As I look at the listings for these shocks, there are 2 different types listed. 1 is a heavy duty, and the other is called the AK series. The heavy duty prices at about $15.00 more per shock. Does anyone know if there are any major differences between the 2 types? Is one better than the other? Thanks in advance.
 
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UNGN

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Sep 6, 2016
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Generally one is valved for comfort and other for sport. It is basically the difference between a GN and a pillow roofed velour bench Regal.

If you push on the fender of a car with comfort Bilsteins, its like a fluffy cloud. If you push on a fender with sport bilsteins, it pushes back.

My XJ8 Jaguar has Comfort Bilsteins, my XK8 Jaguar has sport Bilsteins and the difference is night/day in feel when you push on a fender.
 

pontiacgp

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Mar 31, 2006
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the Bilstein heavy duty is a self adjusting shock, the AK series is linear. With a linear shock you know the compression and rebound rates.
 
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pontiacgp

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One other thing with the AK series is they have a stock length and a short version
 
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motorheadmike

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clean8485

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Thanks Mike. I'm working with the old cast iron small block. I put Bilsteins (can't remember the number now) on my Monte SS, and I'm very pleased with the results. The description that I read between the 2 different lines of Bilsteins was kind of vague, so I was trying to see if anyone could provide some more details. Thanks for the link to your thread.
 
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Doug Chahoy

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I'm planning on going with Moog 5660 springs suggested in an early thread. The HD Bilsteins I was looking at say they are for use with stock springs. Will this combo work?
 

clean8485

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Dec 18, 2005
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As long as the 5660 spring doesn't go above the stock ride height, it should work. The 5660 springs that I'm going to use have had 1 coil removed.
 
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