OME & Bilstein sport shocks

dsh

Active member
Is there a subsitive difference between Bilstein sport shocks

(https://cart.bilsteinus.com/details...4078921&Submodel=5507798046438879637&Pos=Rear)

and OME sport shocks

(https://www.roverparts.com/suspension/shocks-struts/OME60038/) ?

They are both advertised with what seems to be a proprietary version of velocity sensing valving - adapts to driving conditions.

These will be installed in my 94' NAS D90 soft top. As I continue with the rolling restoration, some of the heavy hardware will be removed. The majority of the driving will be on road and easy trails with the occasional full load and/or trailer.
 

pmatusov

Technical Excellence Contributor
Callsign: AK6PM
There's a difference between them.
In Bilstein shocks (in your top link), the top eye unscrews itself from the shock shaft.
In OME shocks (in your bottom link), the top eye breaks off from the shock shaft.
Both do it with remarkable consistency.
 

jymmiejamz

Founding Member
Callsign: KN4JHI
I had a Bilstein shear off like an OME and poke a hole through the tub in my D90. @leastonce has a photo of it and me changing it. I think he suffered the all too common unscrewing eyelet
 

Z.G

Well-known member
There's a difference between them.
In Bilstein shocks (in your top link), the top eye unscrews itself from the shock shaft.
In OME shocks (in your bottom link), the top eye breaks off from the shock shaft.
Both do it with remarkable consistency.

It's unfortunately amazing how accurate this is
 

pmatusov

Technical Excellence Contributor
Callsign: AK6PM
I like this theme. What do other brands do?
Terrafirma just gently goes soft. In two years - to almost broken-bicycle-pump soft.
Factory Woodheads rarely go bad, they just ride like shit (cheapest Monroe).
 

Z.G

Well-known member
Konis probably have 3% of the marketshare on Defenders in the states. I dont have experience with them, but they're extremely uncommon.

Fox has a great track record, at least with us selling them. They have the lowest failure rate of any shock we sell. That's all I use
 

erover82

Well-known member
I wouldn’t buy Fox shocks because they are painted silver and look like Terra Firma. I wouldn’t want anyone to think I have Terra Firma shocks

I should have bought those and put the stickers on my Konis to deter thieves. Maybe Fox was playing 4D chess..
 
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rover4x4

Well-known member
I've witnessed two OME failures personally in like a decade, both times the lower pin failed.
I replaced a pair of old OMEs w/ Fox which I killed in short order maybe 1000 miles and two off road trips. I had high hopes but was really disappointed, there was an internal failure. Additionally, when I initially purchased the shocks from RN one was built upside down for lack of a better description. RN did replace the shock however it was evident they thought I was crazy when I asked for a replacement... the eye and pin of the shock was reversed. I had high hopes due to the Fox reputation.

I've gone back to OME, Koni are tempting but an unknown for the most part.

I don't go offroading often or really even drive my Rovers anymore so it's not an issue. I am very conservative when I do go offroad in hopes of preserving equipment and wallet..

I am curious if folks see more failures of rear vs front shocks? Each failure I have seen was rear.

ymmv...
 

waveridin1959

Well-known member
I've had a Rear OME shear at the eye after a period of heavy use. I had Bilstien 4600s on my 90 before switching to OME Suspension. I moved the 4600s to my old Disco and I assume they are still on the truck. I never had an issue with them and at stock height I thought they were great bang for the buck.

In the picture below you can see where they were not fully welded or were already on their way out when they failed. Rust on half of the end.

Currently I'm running 7100s on my Classic.

Never Terrafirma.
 

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Z.G

Well-known member
I've witnessed two OME failures personally in like a decade, both times the lower pin failed.
I replaced a pair of old OMEs w/ Fox which I killed in short order maybe 1000 miles and two off road trips. I had high hopes but was really disappointed, there was an internal failure. Additionally, when I initially purchased the shocks from RN one was built upside down for lack of a better description. RN did replace the shock however it was evident they thought I was crazy when I asked for a replacement... the eye and pin of the shock was reversed. I had high hopes due to the Fox reputation.

I've gone back to OME, Koni are tempting but an unknown for the most part.

I don't go offroading often or really even drive my Rovers anymore so it's not an issue. I am very conservative when I do go offroad in hopes of preserving equipment and wallet..

I am curious if folks see more failures of rear vs front shocks? Each failure I have seen was rear.

ymmv...

Im only seeing rear failures, never front. It's been happening more in the last few years
 

MountainD

Technical Excellence Contributor
I’ve run all 3, fox, OME, and Bilstien. IMHO, Bilstien was least favorite ride, OME was best, and currently running Fox Which are best quality but a little soft For me in the 90. The LS wants a little firmer valving. About to do the 110 (Cummins)…haven’t decided on shocks yet.
 

dsh

Active member
Thanks for all your inputs - very helpful.

MountainD,

1) why did you like the Bilsteins the least?
2l why do you like OME the best?
3) which Fox shocks are you running?
4) any input on these:


The (air) adjustable Ranchos are finally leaking oil after years of use and abuse. I need a replacement for road and light trail use. And yes, my OME springs are sagging.

If I was considering heavy over land trips, I would have a second set of springs and shocks for such an occasion.
 

pfshoen

Well-known member
Next time, I'll try Konis. If they break less often and get rebuilt instead of replaced, may be cheaper than the others in the long run.
 

erover82

Well-known member
Ironman also offer foam cell shocks with the theoretical advantage of better heat dissipation. They offer gas and foam shocks in standard sizes, as well as the foam cell shocks in the same "big bore" diameter as the KONI Raids. No idea if they perform well or reliably in the real world though. On the aesthetic side, they have an advantage over others. Peel off that dumb hulk bro sticker and you have a plain black (or white) shock.

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erover82

Well-known member
Next time, I'll try Konis. If they break less often and get rebuilt instead of replaced, may be cheaper than the others in the long run.

One thing I like about the KONIs is that even in their basic gas charged shock (Heavy Track SPX), they are rebound adjustable by a clever compress-and-rotate process.

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