- The basic principle of how a shock absorber functions
is by taking the physical kinetic energy
from the movement of your suspension
caused by the tires oscillating up and down,
and converting that kinetic energy into thermal energy,
which translates into heat,
and then dissipating that thermal energy
into the atmosphere.
Pretty simple, right?
Well, there is one company that understands this philosophy
probably better than most others on the market today,
and that one is Bilstein.
But who exactly is Bilstein,
and are their shocks really that great?
First of all, Bilstein pioneered
the gas-charged monotube shock in 1954,
and was the first to realize its potential at that time.
The aim was to eliminate the physical disadvantages
of the conventional telescopic shock absorbers,
while at the same time making the dampers lighter
and capable of being installed in any position.
Enormous effort went into its development,
accompanied by substantial investment
into the necessary production facilities
in order to achieve this ambitious endeavor.
And it really paid off.
The introduction of the first
monotube gas pressure shock absorber
in a standard production Mercedes-Benz vehicle
is still today considered a major contribution
to active driving safety.
Gas pressure technology is now used
in all types of telescope shock absorbers
developed for use on powerful high-end cars.
One of Bilstein's latest technology highlights
is the development of the air spring module
that Bilstein supplies just in sequence
to the Mercedes S-class production line.
To this day, the demands from its customers
in the automotive industry,
such as Ford and the New Broncos, Ram and their TRX,
and many other popular brands,
combined with its commitment to motor sports
are what really drive development
and innovation at Bilstein.
In fact, no matter how hard we pushed the Broncos
at the Off-Roadeo in Texas,
not once did we experience them
bottoming out on the hard hits,
or even when the tires left the ground.
We never experienced that thunk
from the shock overextending themselves,
not to mention the incredibly smooth ride
regardless of the terrain or obstacles.
One of their technological improvements
in their shocks for the Broncos
are what their end-stop control valves are
on both compression and rebound.
Basically, just meaning that there are multiple stage
dynamic valve controls inside the shocks
that prevent the shock oil from completely leaving the top
or bottom chamber of the shock,
leaving a cushion on both ends that completely dampens
the overextension or compression of the shock rod.
Even as we blasted through the high-speed sections
of the trails, hitting jumps, rocks, hard corners,
and at times some pretty deep ruts through the corners
on the fun Harvard course,
the Bilstein shocks really held their own
for a factory installed shock.
Never once did we experience shock fade,
or any other sort of decrease
in the shocks' performance and handling,
proof that Bilstein hit the nail on the head
in the quality and performance department
on the New Broncos factory installed Bilstein shocks.
And it's really no surprise either
since Bilstein has been deeply embedded
in the off-road motor sports industry for over 50 years,
not just off-road motor sports,
but automotive racing motor sports across the board,
from being installed on the Indy 500 cars, NASCAR cars,
and many other European motor sports racing series as well.
Bilstein's philosophy is to apply its high quality products
to all vehicle classes, specially customized
to the intended purpose of each vehicle.
From use in everyday situations to the racetrack,
and rough terrain for off-road vehicles and even UTVs,
each shock is individually built per application,
giving it an advantage of having the best setup
for the best performance.
So, for being one of the largest
original equipment shock absorber suppliers
to many notable automotive brands,
having some of the best performing
suspension products on the market,
and for just having one hell of an awesome team at Bilstein,
definitely make sure and check them out
the next time you need a new set of shocks or coil overs.
And again, to the team at Bilstein
who were kind enough to have us come out
to the Texas Bronco Off-Roadeo to experience firsthand
how well Bilstein shocks are built, and how well they work,
we wanna say a genuine thank you, again,
for the amazing experience.
Also guys, keep in mind that if you are looking
for a new package set of wheels and tires,
then definitely make sure to check out our website
@trailbuiltoffroad.com.
Also guys, if you are already running Bilstein products,
make sure and let us know how you guys liked them,
and let us know what the application is
that you have them on.
Daily Driver, Off-road rig,
just let us know in the comments below.
And guys, as always,
we appreciate all of you for watching,
and all of your support.
I'm Josh from Trail Built,
and we'll see you guys out on the trails.
(upbeat music)