255/70 or 170/60

I plan on running Bilstein 5125s in the rear of my Xj. I searched through about 10 pages and although I read a lot of valuble info, not really specific answers on which valving of Bilstein shocks would be best. I realize everyone has their own opinions and setups so I am asking based on my setup.....

I have a rigidco bumper with swing out tire carrier and a 32x11.5 BFG AT on the back and I carry about 50-75lbs of tools, etc in the cargo area. Obviously, there is some weight there. Also, I have relocated my shackle box mounts lower and forward so the shackle (extended 1.5") is sitting at around 55-60*. I have RE 4.5" leaf springs (6 pack) and TNT UBEs (1.5") so the leaf spring pack is a little flatter than orginally (before the shackle relocation and UBEs) now but still maintains the same ride height. Since then I have noticed the rear really flexes well, even on road, such as over RR tracks, speed bumps, etc.

So do i go with the 255/70 or 170/60 valving taking into consideration the above?

I drive my XJ 80% on road as a DD and the other 20% is 2-track trails, moderate rock crawling and dunes in the summer. My main concern is to do away with the "pick-up" truck feel I have now from the DT3000s.

I was thinking of leaning towards the 170/60s since the way my leaf springs are configured now, allowing more flex and "free movement" and would allow a softer ride.

BTW, I will for sure go with 255/70 in the front since I have considerable body roll and figured the wieght of the engine would need the stiffer valving.

What do you think?

TIA

anyone?

With your setup (full bodied/heavy) 255/70. Without a doubt. the 170/60 would be too soft for our rigs if you do any offroading at all.

x2 for 255/70.

255/70! When I ordered my shocks, they accidently shipped me the softer ones and believe me they were SOFT

X-4, I have 255/70 5150's with a big buba bumper and winch, and love them.

Here is a link to Bilsteins site that has a valving chart and recomendations for our specific application. When search for shocks this question comes up a lot, this chart is a quick and easy answer. http://www.bilstein.com/ValvingQuickReferenceChart.pdf.

mavrick said:

Here is a link to Bilsteins site that has a valving chart and recomendations for our specific application. When search for shocks this question comes up a lot, this chart is a quick and easy answer. http://www.bilstein.com/ValvingQuickReferenceChart.pdf.

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Yeah, I looked at that chart but it really doesn't do any good as far as anything to reference it to. Meaning, what is their idea of "comfort" and "performance". I wanted opinions from guys who have run them in real world situations, not based on a chart with terms that are subjective.....thanks for the link though

corbinafly said:

With your setup (full bodied/heavy) 255/70. Without a doubt. the 170/60 would be too soft for our rigs if you do any offroading at all.

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so they would be too soft, even if running the 170's in the back which is lighter? I definetly will run the 255s in the front, just thought I might be able to get away with the 170s in the rear for a softer ride and still be adequate for offroad.

2001XJ said:

, just thought I might be able to get away with the 170s in the rear for a softer ride and still be adequate for offroad.

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Now obviously do what you want but, you asked & we answered so..... .... i am/we are telling you that the 255/70 will be the right choice. 255/70 is not going to ride super stiff in the back!
It will just be a well controlled feeling & it will not effect articultion or do anything negitive offroad.

2001XJ said:

so they would be too soft, even if running the 170's in the back which is lighter? I definetly will run the 255s in the front, just thought I might be able to get away with the 170s in the rear for a softer ride and still be adequate for offroad.

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The 170's are meant for dual shock applications, they would be way too soft for you. I run 255/70 5150's in the rear of mine.

MattyJ, Goatman and others.....thanks for the input, I will go with the 255s then.