Question about coilover top hats - Hitachi vs Bilstein

[HughAlan]

So, here is my question:

Would the upper insulator, top hat and hardware be the same on a Hitachi strut compared to a Badlands non-SAS strut?

I have the opportunity to buy a set of new struts (CHEAP!) from a Badlands 4dr non-SAS, but they don't come with springs or top hats. I have a 24' BD non-SAS, 4 door 2.7. Could I steal the top hats etc. from my current Hitachi struts, and use them on the Bilsteins? I would then go with Eibach coils to complete the kit..

https://eibach.com/product/E30-35-056-01-22

Or, am I better off with a set of complete SAS take-off struts? I see these on the used market fairly frequently. Also open to any other advice one might offer.

Thank you everyone!

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[HoosierDaddy]

I see these on the used market fairly frequently.

Because they had a huge issue of rusting out and the reservoirs falling off.
They're not that great of a shock. I would not go through the expense and/or trouble of installing these just to have a mediocre, short lived shock.


The question of using SAS suspension components comes up pretty regular. My advice is always the same.

Get some the real Bilsteins or Eibachs ... or the Ford Performance kit.
The Ford Performance shocks are the good Bilsteins, but without the ride height adjustability.

 

[87-Z28]

I installed bilstein 6100s (just a shock) on my nonSAS. I got some SAS springs and reused the top hats and most of the hardware. Pretty sure the top hats are the same. Maybe @Ducati1098 can confirm?

 

[Ducati1098]

I installed bilstein 6100s (just a shock) on my nonSAS. I got some SAS springs and reused the top hats and most of the hardware. Pretty sure the top hats are the same. Maybe @Ducati1098 can confirm?

They are indeed the same

 

[HughAlan]

Thanks guys- I appreciate the info. I wasn't aware that the BL shocks were an issue. I'll take the advice and plan for complete Bilsteins or Eibachs. Can anyone provide some direct feedback on the Ford Performance coilovers on a BD 4door? I like the idea that they were designed for the non-sas broncos as an upgrade.

 

[87-Z28]

Thanks guys- I appreciate the info. I wasn't aware that the BL shocks were an issue. I'll take the advice and plan for complete Bilsteins or Eibachs. Can anyone provide some direct feedback on the Ford Performance coilovers on a BD 4door? I like the idea that they were designed for the non-sas broncos as an upgrade.

the ford performance struts are pre assembled bilstein 6100s with a fixed lower spring perch , so preload can NOT be adjusted. If you can do the install yourself and aren’t afraid of a spring compressor, then the 6100s are a better choice since you can adjust spring preload.

 

[dgorsett]

So, here is my question:

Would the upper insulator, top hat and hardware be the same on a Hitachi strut compared to a Badlands non-SAS strut?

I have the opportunity to buy a set of new struts (CHEAP!) from a Badlands 4dr non-SAS, but they don't come with springs or top hats. I have a 24' BD non-SAS, 4 door 2.7. Could I steal the top hats etc. from my current Hitachi struts, and use them on the Bilsteins? I would then go with Eibach coils to complete the kit..

https://eibach.com/product/E30-35-056-01-22

Or, am I better off with a set of complete SAS take-off struts? I see these on the used market fairly frequently. Also open to any other advice one might offer.

Thank you everyone!

Just to clarify. You did not get hats or springs ? The hats may be fine but I don't think you can use your Hitachi Springs on those shocks. Experts will know...

 

[87-Z28]

I reused the hats but got the appropriate SAS springs for my trim weight. Probably not wise to use the non SAS springs.

 

[HughAlan]

Just to clarify. You did not get hats or springs ? The hats may be fine but I don't think you can use your Hitachi Springs on those shocks. Experts will know...

In this case, the BL struts I mentioned are for sale with no springs or top hats. I enquired a little further from the seller, and they were warranty replacements that he didn't use. His first set failed, which aligns with the earlier advice to avoid them, and go with complete coilovers instead. It's nice to know that I could use the top hats and insulators if I were to go with something like this:

https://cart.bilsteinus.com/front-k...&SpringType=&MfrBodyCode=&BodyNumDoors=4 Door

It doesn't say anything about the top hats on the Bilstein website (for my specific application), but it sure looks like they're not included.

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