On our way through the SEMA Show, we came across our friends at Bilstein. The company is known for its motorsports-level shock absorbers, and that can be seen once again in its new products for the Jeep Wrangler JL.
Bilstein’s Shane Casad was on hand to fill in the blanks on what these shocks can offer the new Jeeps. “We brought a JL here to show our 8100 bypasses on it,” he said. “It’s a 60mm shock tube body that we make. It’s position sensitive and externally adjustable; very high-end.”
The 8100 shocks give Wrangler owners access to a high-performance shock absorber that will bolt onto their new 4×4 and offer better ride qualities and off-road prowess.
The 8100 shocks have been a hit in other markets, and Bilstein hopes to carry that over to Wranglers. “We’ve previously offered the 8100s on Toyota Tacomas and they’ve been very successful,” said Casad. “We want to bring the 8100s to the JK and JL, and also expand our Toyota offerings to include the Tundra and 4Runner.”
Also present on the display Wrangler was Bilstein’s spring-based lift kit, which raised the vehicle an additional 3.5 inches. “With the lift kit, a customer will get an additional 12 inches of front suspension travel and 13 inches of rear travel,” said Casad. “It’s going to be able to flex well out in the rocks, and together with the 8100 shocks, these springs will make any Jeep an off-road conqueror.”
Bilstein’s race-winning pedigree makes them a top-tier pick for suspension modifications, and their work in off-road applications continues to shine brightly. We’re looking forward to testing the 8100s out on a Jeep or truck of our own someday. In the meantime, be sure to head over to the Bilstein website and Facebook page for more information on their latest developments.
