Let’s talk shocks: Falcon 3.3 vs Bilstein 5160

[Trail_Limo_Tim]

Alright, I’m getting closer to making some decisions on lift kit parts and shocks. I’m strongly considering going with Clayton’s premium 3.5 inch lift kit. They offer some different shock options, two of which are the Falcon 3.3 and Bilstein 5160.

I realize this is a comparison of adjustable shock vs non-adjustable. I would like to hear from anyone running either of these shocks about your on-road ride quality and off-road ride quality. The type of off roading I do is not high speed desert running, although I’d like to be able to carry a good bit of speed through rougher terrain.

My prior experience with shocks are all Bilstein on a previous vehicle (2021 Tacoma). I ran the 6112/5160 combo and found the on-road handling to be great, while a little lacking in small bump compliance and comfort for daily driving. Large bump compliance on-road and off-road were great. They would absorb bigger hits pretty well for their price point.

I also ran 5100s all around. Same vehicle. They had better small bump compliance on-road with a more comfortable ride while giving up a little bit of handling. Off road they were noticeably less controlled than the previous combo of 6112/5160. The 5100s did not absorb bigger hits well and I could not carry as much speed without getting squirrely. I preferred the on-road comfort, but overall I wasn’t as happy with them off road.

I’ve never run any adjustable shocks on my off road vehicles. I’m thinking maybe I pony up the extra ~$1000 for Falcon 3.3s this time vs the cost of Bilstein 5160s. My heart would love the Fox 2.5 adjustables, but my bank account wouldn’t. The extra money spent there will make it difficult to complete this first stage of the build soon. For that reason, Fox 2.5 adjustables are out.

Any suggestions or opinions on the Falcons 3.3s vs Bilstein 5160s are appreciated. If I’ve left out any pertinent information feel free to ask.

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[fourfa]

Can’t help with the Bilsteins. QQ - how much load are you planning? Empty bed, bed rack and gear, RTT, bolted-on camper?

I have the bolted-on camper (Alu Cab Canopy Camper) so I’m at the very heaviest end of the spectrum. I have the Falcon 3.3s matched to the heaviest springs I could find (Clayton diesel front and HD rear), set to the light range (using the “SP2” setting done by twisting the shaft off the truck). The damping is a little light for this combination.

I use mode 3 on pavement. It’s a little underdamped - crossing a gully diagonally, the truck sways 2-3 times before settling (I prefer things to settle after one sway) - but generally handles fine and confident.

I use Mode 2 in normal off-road driving, I think set to 4 on the sub-dial that’s only active in mode 2. No real complaints, seems well tuned for this

Mode 1 only on the worst possible washboard roads. This is basically full open, undamped when fighting against my heavy springs and heavy load. Absolutely hazardous on pavement, and can get very scary at higher speeds off-road if whoops fall in phase with the springs. But still useful on bad stretches of brutal flat washboard when I want to skate over the top at higher speed.

Again, this is only for my heavy load. On a lighter loaded truck they ought to be nicely balanced with many of the springs out there. Also it seems a lot of people prefer a soft pillowy floaty ride (not me)

Do be aware that the first iteration of Falcons for the Gladiator were very harsh, tons of small bump damping but rather loose in large bump - they added the “light” SP2 range in response. The original behavior (SP1?) can still be tried out by twisting the shaft - it’s awful, massively harsh on pavement and brutal off-road. I don’t think anyone likes it or uses that range, but it’s still there to try. Problem is, if searching the forums you’ll find a lot of reviews from 2020 or so that only had the harsh mode, and some people still repeat the old forum consensus that they were too harsh. Make sure you check if reviews are talking about the newer SP2 versions.

 

[LZY HIKR]

I've had experience with the falcons.

IMO they are a bit harsh for street driving on all but the lightest settings but then you get a lot of body roll.

But if you are going to run a moderate trail then you'll know where your money went. I was impressed with their performance.
However, it wasn't long after I started pushing them that all four seals started leaking...

 

[Trail_Limo_Tim]

Can’t help with the Bilsteins. QQ - how much load are you planning? Empty bed, bed rack and gear, RTT, bolted-on camper?

I have the bolted-on camper (Alu Cab Canopy Camper) so I’m at the very heaviest end of the spectrum. I have the Falcon 3.3s matched to the heaviest springs I could find (Clayton diesel front and HD rear), set to the light range (using the “SP2” setting done by twisting the shaft off the truck). The damping is a little light for this combination.

I use mode 3 on pavement. It’s a little underdamped - crossing a gully diagonally, the truck sways 2-3 times before settling (I prefer things to settle after one sway) - but generally handles fine and confident.

I use Mode 2 in normal off-road driving, I think set to 4 on the sub-dial that’s only active in mode 2. No real complaints, seems well tuned for this

Mode 1 only on the worst possible washboard roads. This is basically full open, undamped when fighting against my heavy springs and heavy load. Absolutely hazardous on pavement, and can get very scary at higher speeds off-road if whoops fall in phase with the springs. But still useful on bad stretches of brutal flat washboard when I want to skate over the top at higher speed.

Again, this is only for my heavy load. On a lighter loaded truck they ought to be nicely balanced with many of the springs out there. Also it seems a lot of people prefer a soft pillowy floaty ride (not me)

Do be aware that the first iteration of Falcons for the Gladiator were very harsh, tons of small bump damping but rather loose in large bump - they added the “light” SP2 range in response. The original behavior (SP1?) can still be tried out by twisting the shaft - it’s awful, massively harsh on pavement and brutal off-road. I don’t think anyone likes it or uses that range, but it’s still there to try. Problem is, if searching the forums you’ll find a lot of reviews from 2020 or so that only had the harsh mode, and some people still repeat the old forum consensus that they were too harsh. Make sure you check if reviews are talking about the newer SP2 versions.

No significant weight in the bed for now. No immediate plans for any sort of drop in or Go Fast style setup. Might evolve into a half rack, decked drawers, RTT later at some point. For now, basically just a full size spare. Plans are to run steel bumpers, rock rails, and some skids TBD. I’m sure I could upgrade to HD springs later ifI go the Clayton route.

I was reading some of the older threads about Falcons and I did encounter the comments about harshness. I did not know there are two versions of them, though. Thanks for pointing that out. That’s important to know.

I've had experience with the falcons.

IMO they are a bit harsh for street driving on all but the lightest settings but then you get a lot of body roll.

But if you are going to run a moderate trail then you'll know where your money went. I was impressed with their performance.
However, it wasn't long after I started pushing them and all four seals started leaking...

Hmm. When did you purchase them new? Given the previous comment from @fourfa I’m wondering which version they are. Could you tell me a little bit about the rest of your suspension setup, tires, and overall build? Leaking seals is a bummer. Were they warrantied or just needing a rebuild at this point? I’m not familiar with the standard warranty on these products. I’d imagine it’s not long.

 

[Stan H]

Can’t help with the Bilsteins. QQ - how much load are you planning? Empty bed, bed rack and gear, RTT, bolted-on camper?

I have the bolted-on camper (Alu Cab Canopy Camper) so I’m at the very heaviest end of the spectrum. I have the Falcon 3.3s matched to the heaviest springs I could find (Clayton diesel front and HD rear), set to the light range (using the “SP2” setting done by twisting the shaft off the truck). The damping is a little light for this combination.

I use mode 3 on pavement. It’s a little underdamped - crossing a gully diagonally, the truck sways 2-3 times before settling (I prefer things to settle after one sway) - but generally handles fine and confident.

I use Mode 2 in normal off-road driving, I think set to 4 on the sub-dial that’s only active in mode 2. No real complaints, seems well tuned for this

Mode 1 only on the worst possible washboard roads. This is basically full open, undamped when fighting against my heavy springs and heavy load. Absolutely hazardous on pavement, and can get very scary at higher speeds off-road if whoops fall in phase with the springs. But still useful on bad stretches of brutal flat washboard when I want to skate over the top at higher speed.

Again, this is only for my heavy load. On a lighter loaded truck they ought to be nicely balanced with many of the springs out there. Also it seems a lot of people prefer a soft pillowy floaty ride (not me)

Do be aware that the first iteration of Falcons for the Gladiator were very harsh, tons of small bump damping but rather loose in large bump - they added the “light” SP2 range in response. The original behavior (SP1?) can still be tried out by twisting the shaft - it’s awful, massively harsh on pavement and brutal off-road. I don’t think anyone likes it or uses that range, but it’s still there to try. Problem is, if searching the forums you’ll find a lot of reviews from 2020 or so that only had the harsh mode, and some people still repeat the old forum consensus that they were too harsh. Make sure you check if reviews are talking about the newer SP2 versions.

Yes I have the SP2 version and there is a Cold/Soft setting and a Performance/Offroad setting .
Obviously the Performance is stiffer . But the ability of those shocks to stop a dive or quick recoil and taking swoops and big dips is pretty impressive I rack up tremendous amounts of mileage and currently have 59,000 miles on mine I do 2900 a month . I have ran them on off-road setting with softer tires and I have also ran them on soft with harder tires. I can run an E tire and be òn the soft setting and still very minimal body roll if any. They do well on about everything except extreme washboarding . In that instance they respond a little slow and you end up with bouncing but if you slow down your speed they catch back up.
I have NO huge complaints about em . Dude I have slammed these things down to the bumpstops on tera flex springs (on accident of course drive into huge articulated truck tracks) thought great probably busted a shock seal or similar) Nope all good .

 

[Trail_Limo_Tim]

Yes I have the SP2 version and there is a Cold/Soft setting and a Performance/Offroad setting .
Obviously the Performance is stiffer . But the ability of those shocks to stop a dive or quick recoil and taking swoops and big dips is pretty impressive I rack up tremendous amounts of mileage and currently have 59,000 miles on mine I do 2900 a month . I have ran them on off-road setting with softer tires and I have also ran them on soft with harder tires. I can run an E tire and be òn the soft setting and still very minimal body roll if any. They do well on about everything except extreme washboarding . In that instance they respond a little slow and you end up with bouncing but if you slow down your speed they catch back up.
I have NO huge complaints about em . Dude I have slammed these things down to the bumpstops on tera flex springs (on accident of course drive into huge articulated truck tracks) thought great probably busted a shock seal or similar) Nope all good .

OK, I’m listening.

 

[Trail_Limo_Tim]

Yes I have the SP2 version and there is a Cold/Soft setting and a Performance/Offroad setting .
Obviously the Performance is stiffer . But the ability of those shocks to stop a dive or quick recoil and taking swoops and big dips is pretty impressive I rack up tremendous amounts of mileage and currently have 59,000 miles on mine I do 2900 a month . I have ran them on off-road setting with softer tires and I have also ran them on soft with harder tires. I can run an E tire and be òn the soft setting and still very minimal body roll if any. They do well on about everything except extreme washboarding . In that instance they respond a little slow and you end up with bouncing but if you slow down your speed they catch back up.
I have NO huge complaints about em . Dude I have slammed these things down to the bumpstops on tera flex springs (on accident of course drive into huge articulated truck tracks) thought great probably busted a shock seal or similar) Nope all good .

Does it require removing the shock lower bolt to “flip” the shaft when changing these modes? Or are these modes adjusted on the knob(s)? Maybe someone could explain to me how the shock adjustments are made.

 

[Gregj]

https://teraflex.com/amfile/file/download/file/575/product/22250/
Gregj

 

[Trail_Limo_Tim]

https://teraflex.com/amfile/file/download/file/575/product/22250/
Gregj

thank you

 

[Trail_Limo_Tim]

With the Falcon 3.3s are the adjustment knobs on the bottom of the rears when installed on the truck?

 

[Gene26]

I had the falcon 3.1. Great shock ran for 60k miles. But have to send them back to falcon for a rebuild. So 2 weeks without shocks. I went with the metal cloak black adjustables. Absolutely love them. Look at the metal cloak 3.5in lift. The dual rate springs are very nice

 

[Gregj]

With the Falcon 3.3s are the adjustment knobs on the bottom of the rears when installed on the truck?

The knobs are st the top, very easy to reach and adjust. They go from full soft to race car if you want.
Gregj

 

[Trail_Limo_Tim]

The knobs are st the top, very easy to reach and adjust. They go from full soft to race car if you want.
Gregj

I must have been watching a video of a Wrangler install when I saw the rears upside down then. That would be a pain to adjust vs having the knobs at the top.

 

[Gregj]

The Wrangler rear shocks are on the outside, on the Gladiator they are on the back side so they face the inside of the wheel well.

Not my Gladiator as I have Mojave Fox shocks on it.
Gregj

 

[Gregj]

I did find an image of a JK with them upside down.

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