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2010 G550, 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed & 2019 S560; 2026 G63 on the way
Originally Posted by JD101b
Thanks for that. So the only change you made to the suspension was the springs? Any rubbing? Did you have to use spacers?
I've also got 50mm H&R spacers. There is minimal rubbing at full turn, but that's it. Not enough for me to feel that modifications are required. I also have an ORC sway bar purchased from Viking, reinforced front and rear panhard rods from Vlad at fourbyfourclub and at one point a KING steering stabilizer (https://www.gwagenparts.com/product/...cedes-g-class/), but that broke a few months back and KING has been anything but helpful in trying to find a fix so I haven't put that back on...
I've also got 50mm H&R spacers. There is minimal rubbing at full turn, but that's it. Not enough for me to feel that modifications are required. I also have an ORC sway bar purchased from Viking, reinforced front and rear panhard rods from Vlad at fourbyfourclub and at one point a KING steering stabilizer (https://www.gwagenparts.com/product/...cedes-g-class/), but that broke a few months back and KING has been anything but helpful in trying to find a fix so I haven't put that back on...
Thanks for that.
Real n00b question - it looks like the Viking link you posted is to a set of four coil springs...but doesnt the G have rear leafs?
2010 G550, 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed & 2019 S560; 2026 G63 on the way
Originally Posted by TTL703
Why did you switch out your ORC springs for the THOR springs GFiveFitfty?
For a couple different reasons. The main reason was that I wanted a higher lift to accommodate 305s as I had been running 275s for a while. The ORCs give about a 40mm lift whereas the THORs are 70mm at the front and 50mm at the back. In addition, the ORCs started to bow a bit too much for my liking. As you can see in the picture, they aren't exactly straight and that may very well be how they are supposed to look after a few thousand miles of hard driving, but that pic was also taken about a year and a half before I made the switch and I feel they were even more bent at that time. I actually still have all four ORC coil springs and I'm not sure what to do with them at this point...
Last edited by GFiveFifty; Jul 5, 2020 at 12:42 AM.
2010 G550, 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed & 2019 S560; 2026 G63 on the way
Originally Posted by almostordinary
truck looks great!
I'll be your silver twin once my Gobi rack arrives in a few weeks.
Awesome! Did you go with the lightbar setup or the multi-light setup? If you did go with the lightbar setup, are you planning on adding a lightbar? I ask because I've been having trouble getting the Gobi wind deflector on. I believe my lightbar needs to be moved up a little bit to make room for the slats that connect the wind deflector to the rack, but even if there was room, it seems as if the deflector would push up against the roof antenna and I've already had issues with water getting in through there so I'm grasping at air trying to figure out how to install the Gobi wind deflector without having to move the antenna (I don't think it will be much of an issue raising the lightbar by a few millimeters).
Last edited by GFiveFifty; Jul 4, 2020 at 11:54 PM.
For a couple different reasons. The main reason was that I wanted a higher lift to accommodate 305s as I had been running 275s for a while. The ORCs give about a 40mm lift whereas the THORs are 70mm at the front and 50mm at the back. In addition, the ORCs started to bow a bit too much for my liking. As you can see in the picture, they aren't exactly straight and that may very well be how they are supposed to look after a few thousand miles of hard driving, but that pic was also taken about a year and a half before I made the switch and I feel they were even more bent at that time. I actually still have all four ORC coil springs and I'm not sure what to do with them at this point...
Did you notice any difference in ride quality between the ORC and THOR Springs? I'm wondering how the spring rates compare or if there's just a height difference. Also are those the G500/550 Bilsteins? How was the ride with the ORC springs? I have a set of G500 yellow/blue Bilsteins that I have to get around to installing.
I love your brembo caliper/rotor upgrades. I'll try to piece together a set from other cars/trucks using your 365mm max rotor guideline to stick with the 18" wheel.
2010 G550, 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed & 2019 S560; 2026 G63 on the way
Originally Posted by shiann
Did you notice any difference in ride quality between the ORC and THOR Springs? I'm wondering how the spring rates compare or if there's just a height difference. Also are those the G500/550 Bilsteins? How was the ride with the ORC springs? I have a set of G500 yellow/blue Bilsteins that I have to get around to installing.
I love your brembo caliper/rotor upgrades. I'll try to piece together a set from other cars/trucks using your 365mm max rotor guideline to stick with the 18" wheel.
Thanks!
Other than the subtle increase in ground clearance, the THOR springs ride a bit smoother than the ORC-Eibachs.
With regards to the ORC Bilsteins, I purchased those from Viking (https://vikingoffroad.com/g-wagen-sport-shocks-orc/). In retrospect, I wish I had ponied up for the Ohlins. At the time, I was stuck on having German parts, but I really wish the Bilsteins had an external reservoir like the Ohlins and the KINGs. I was also disappointed that the Bilstein dust covers melted onto the cats (hence no bright blue covers on those) AND one of the knobs used to adjust the stiffness setting fell off (front left). Luckily I have it set on the softest setting (you can really feel a difference when they are set to the hardest setting... and not in a good way) so it's not really an issue, but I was definitely unpleasantly surprised when I noticed one missing.
Last edited by GFiveFifty; Jul 5, 2020 at 01:36 AM.
Other than the subtle increase in ground clearance, the THOR springs ride a bit smoother than the ORCs.
These are the Bilsteins... (https://vikingoffroad.com/g-wagen-sport-shocks-orc/). In retrospect, I wish I had ponied up for the Ohlins. At the time, I was stuck on having German parts, but I really wish the Bilsteins had an external reservoir like the Ohlins and the KINGs. I was also disappointed that the Bilstein dust covers melted onto the cats (hence no bright blue covers on those) AND one of the knobs to adjust the stiffness setting fell off. Luckily I have it set on the softest setting (you can really feel a difference when they are set to the hardest setting... and not in a good way) so it's not really an issue, but I was definitely unpleasantly surprised when I noticed one missing.
Thanks for the feedback. The Bilsteins I have are the non-adjustable ones, so looks like the best way to go with Fox 2.0's would be to keep the G55 springs and add a 30mm spring spacer, or find some G63 springs.
Can you get a new adjustment knob or is the adjustment mechanism damaged? Also, did you ever actually adjust the Bilsteins after you initially installed/set them to the current softest setting?
2010 G550, 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed & 2019 S560; 2026 G63 on the way
Originally Posted by shiann
Thanks for the feedback. The Bilsteins I have are the non-adjustable ones, so looks like the best way to go with Fox 2.0's would be to keep the G55 springs and add a 30mm spring spacer, or find some G63 springs.
Can you get a new adjustment knob or is the adjustment mechanism damaged? Also, did you ever actually adjust the Bilsteins after you initially installed/set them to the current softest setting?
I've been in contact with Alvin at Viking (he's super helpful) about getting a new adjustment knob. I believe the knob fell off and the mechanism is NOT damaged, but I can't say for sure. Alvin said he would be in contact with Bilstein about it, but I haven't heard back yet. I'll post an update once I get one from him.
With regards to adjusting the Bilsteins, I definitely adjusted them, but only from the softest setting to the hardest setting and then back to the softest setting (I didn't have time to go through all 8 settings and it's kind of a ***** to get to the front adjustment knobs so one time was enough for me). The hardest setting was way too stiff for my liking so I changed them back to the softest setting pretty quickly and haven't adjusted them since.
I've been in contact with Alvin at Viking (he's super helpful) about getting a new adjustment knob. I believe the knob fell off and the mechanism is NOT damaged, but I can't say for sure. Alvin said he would be in contact with Bilstein about it, but I haven't heard back yet. I'll post an update once I get one from him.
With regards to adjusting the Bilsteins, I definitely adjusted them, but only from the softest setting to the hardest setting and then back to the softest setting (I didn't have time to go through all 8 settings and it's kind of a ***** to get to the front adjustment knobs so one time was enough for me). The hardest setting was way too stiff for my liking so I changed them back to the softest setting pretty quickly and haven't adjusted them since.
Awesome! Did you go with the lightbar setup or the multi-light setup? If you did go with the lightbar setup, are you planning on adding a lightbar? I ask because I've been having trouble getting the Gobi wind deflector on. I believe my lightbar needs to be moved up a little bit to make room for the slats that connect the wind deflector to the rack, but even if there was room, it seems as if the deflector would push up against the roof antenna and I've already had issues with water getting in through there so I'm grasping at air trying to figure out how to install the Gobi wind deflector without having to move the antenna (I don't think it will be much of an issue raising the lightbar by a few millimeters).
I got the lightbar build, not looking to add lights immediately though. My 08 G55 doesn't have the antenna yours has. When I replaced my headliner recently I looked at the hole, and there's just a simple plug that closes the hole, so can only imagine how easily it would be to leak. Maybe there's a smaller antenna? It's pretty easy to pull that section of the headliner down to swap something out. Easiest route may be some small black vinyl shims to get the lightbar up just enough to clear the antenna.
I only ordered my rack about a week ago, so may be a few more weeks at the earliest that I get it delivered.
Not sure if you're in LA always down to meet modded G owners and get these trucks off road. So far I've only taken mine to Hungry Valley just about 45min outside the city.
Other than the subtle increase in ground clearance, the THOR springs ride a bit smoother than the ORC-Eibachs.
With regards to the ORC Bilsteins, I purchased those from Viking (https://vikingoffroad.com/g-wagen-sport-shocks-orc/). In retrospect, I wish I had ponied up for the Ohlins. At the time, I was stuck on having German parts, but I really wish the Bilsteins had an external reservoir like the Ohlins and the KINGs. I was also disappointed that the Bilstein dust covers melted onto the cats (hence no bright blue covers on those) AND one of the knobs used to adjust the stiffness setting fell off (front left). Luckily I have it set on the softest setting (you can really feel a difference when they are set to the hardest setting... and not in a good way) so it's not really an issue, but I was definitely unpleasantly surprised when I noticed one missing.
I would be interested in the ORC springs if you're looking to sell them. I'm running Thor's on my 05 G500 but it's too much lift for my 14 G550 that I'm keeping closer to stock (ohlins, 17s with BFG 285/70-R17 on the Thor G10 wheels) I'm running 40mm spring spacers currently on the 550 and the height is perfect. OE springs have much more bow to them than the ORCs in my opinion.
2010 G550, 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed & 2019 S560; 2026 G63 on the way
Originally Posted by Robmbush
I would be interested in the ORC springs if you're looking to sell them. I'm running Thor's on my 05 G500 but it's too much lift for my 14 G550 that I'm keeping closer to stock (ohlins, 17s with BFG 285/70-R17 on the Thor G10 wheels) I'm running 40mm spring spacers currently on the 550 and the height is perfect. OE springs have much more bow to them than the ORCs in my opinion.
I’d love to hear your feedback on the Öhlins. I’m considering switching out my Bilsteins and have narrowed my choices down to the Kings or the Öhlins.
With regards to the ORC springs, I’m open to selling them. Where are you located?
I’d love to hear your feedback on the Öhlins. I’m considering switching out my Bilsteins and have narrowed my choices down to the Kings or the Öhlins.
With regards to the ORC springs, I’m open to selling them. Where are you located?
The Ohlins on the 550 are amazing! Makes the truck ride so much better than stock and they have additional travel for up to 3" lift. I've got the old Fox 1.0 on my 05 which were originally valved for the armored G, I re-valved them for a better ride but they are still very stiff. Regarding running the Thor springs, have you fixed the castor on your truck? I installed the eurowise castor correction bushings and it got it close to what my 14 550 was at about a 40mm lift, My 05 truck is about 80mm lifted with the Thor setup and the handling went to crap until i fixed the castor.
I'm up in Portland OR area. Shoot me a PM on what you would take for them shipped to 97221.
2010 G550, 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed & 2019 S560; 2026 G63 on the way
Originally Posted by Robmbush
The Ohlins on the 550 are amazing! Makes the truck ride so much better than stock and they have additional travel for up to 3" lift. I've got the old Fox 1.0 on my 05 which were originally valved for the armored G, I re-valved them for a better ride but they are still very stiff. Regarding running the Thor springs, have you fixed the castor on your truck? I installed the eurowise castor correction bushings and it got it close to what my 14 550 was at about a 40mm lift, My 05 truck is about 80mm lifted with the Thor setup and the handling went to crap until i fixed the castor.
I'm up in Portland OR area. Shoot me a PM on what you would take for them shipped to 97221.
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^I get that message every time I try to PM you...
I don't know. Says I don't have permission to send messages. Just add @ Gmail to my screen name and send me an email directly.
The Ohlins on the 550 are amazing! Makes the truck ride so much better than stock and they have additional travel for up to 3" lift. I've got the old Fox 1.0 on my 05 which were originally valved for the armored G, I re-valved them for a better ride but they are still very stiff. Regarding running the Thor springs, have you fixed the castor on your truck? I installed the eurowise castor correction bushings and it got it close to what my 14 550 was at about a 40mm lift, My 05 truck is about 80mm lifted with the Thor setup and the handling went to crap until i fixed the castor.
I'm up in Portland OR area. Shoot me a PM on what you would take for them shipped to 97221.
Here is the 550 14 G550 with 2" lift and Ohlins shocks.
The Ohlins on the 550 are amazing! Makes the truck ride so much better than stock and they have additional travel for up to 3" lift. I've got the old Fox 1.0 on my 05 which were originally valved for the armored G, I re-valved them for a better ride but they are still very stiff. Regarding running the Thor springs, have you fixed the castor on your truck? I installed the eurowise castor correction bushings and it got it close to what my 14 550 was at about a 40mm lift, My 05 truck is about 80mm lifted with the Thor setup and the handling went to crap until i fixed the castor.
I'm up in Portland OR area. Shoot me a PM on what you would take for them shipped to 97221.
Here is my O5 G500, setup for overland and camping. I'm in the middle of updating the front lights. 05 G500 VTS rear bumper MB tow pin bumper with VTS winch carrier and Warn 9.5XPS 05 G500, front-runner drawer system and camping load out.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
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