AEV-Conversions -- Dualsport RT vs. XP lifts, any tangible differences that are worth the extra $$ for XP?

[RodRecket]

Last year at EJS I spoke with Bilstein and AEV vendors about the 5100 vs the 8100. Both vendors agreed that for my use case the upgraded shocks were unnecessary and not worth spending the extra money. I DD, haul a small teardrop trailer cross country, and like to rock crawl (moab/ouray/ozarks type of slow boulder crawling). I was told that unless you like speed and desert style offroading the value isn't there.

That doesn't mean the shocks aren't better, they are just not worthwhile for my application. If you have the money and want to go faster then I say go for the 8100s. If you're trying to stay budget oriented and lower speed you are not missing out on much performance by sticking to the 5100s.

I was happy I spoke with the vendors. They were open, honest, and didn't try to upsell me.

Are you running RT or XP?

I responded above already. Just adding my opinion on ride.

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[mx5red]

For whatever it’s worth, reservoir shocks will have a little more total stroke for a given shock length, so you can try to maximize flex. For most people that’s probably not a noticeable benefit, though.

 

[MaxStrategery]

For whatever it’s worth, reservoir shocks will have a little more total stroke for a given shock length, so you can try to maximize flex. For most people that’s probably not a noticeable benefit, though.

I have been pondering this since last night. I am going to hold off on purchasing a lift kit until more is known about ARB/OME putting something out for the gladiators. I just haven't had good experiences with Bilstein on any vehicle I have had them on.

Hopefully OME will offer medium and heavy lift options with NitroCharger and BP-51 options. I am too old to settle on something less. I will share the exact experience that opened my eyes and sold me on OME. Was heading north out of Texas toward Ouray, my gps had me take a long back road I guess to avoid a traffic jam in North TX somewhere, anyway, I was running 75mph on this blacktop and the road suddenly dipped deep right in front of me almost a bowl, I thought for sure I would lose control and run off the road, the FJ dropped into the dip and then slowly confidently and in a fully controlled manner rebounded like it was nothing. Sold on OME right there and I'm talking about the OME monotube shocks, whole lift cost only $700.

 

[MaxStrategery]

I have been pondering this since last night. I am going to hold off on purchasing a lift kit until more is known about ARB/OME putting something out for the gladiators. I just haven't had good experiences with Bilstein on any vehicle I have had them on.

Hopefully OME will offer medium and heavy lift options with NitroCharger and BP-51 options. I am too old to settle on something less. I will share the exact experience that opened my eyes and sold me on OME. Was heading north out of Texas toward Ouray, my gps had me take a long back road I guess to avoid a traffic jam in North TX somewhere, anyway, I was running 75mph on this blacktop and the road suddenly dipped deep right in front of me almost a bowl, I thought for sure I would lose control and run off the road, the FJ dropped into the dip and then slowly confidently and in a fully controlled manner rebounded like it was nothing. Sold on OME right there.

 

[MaxStrategery]

For whatever it’s worth, reservoir shocks will have a little more total stroke for a given shock length, so you can try to maximize flex. For most people that’s probably not a noticeable benefit, though.

Seems like I am seeing all the reservoir manufacturers claiming increased travel with them. Worth it IMO.

 

[mx5red]

They inherently have more travel because the piston is in the reservoir, so the “shock” can have a longer compartment for the same external dimension.

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