Finally Bilstein RCD Specs!

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madhatta360

madhatta360

1973 Duster 340 H-code TX9
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Hopefully we can make this a sticky but I made some calls and got some basic specs on the Bilstein RCD shocks compliments of Race Car Dynamics of Arizona who is a wholesaler for our Abody Bilsteins.

Front Shocks
Part number: 55-R082
10.5” collapsed height
15.75” extended height

Rear shocks
Part number: 55-R092
14” collapsed height
22.7” extended height

Here is their contact information in case anyone has any specific questions. PST had no info on these shocks and thankfully POL/Performance Online hooked me up with contact info

Race Car Dynamics of AZ
P: 928-754-0040
E: sales@rcdofaz.com
 
Hmm, when I ordered Bilstein shocks for my 1967 Barracuda from PST, they supplied 55-R093 for the rear. I don't know what the difference is supposed to be, but the upper bushings on the ones I received had 5/8" diameter holes — the studs are 11/16". I had to drill out the shock bushings.
 
mvh said:
Hmm, when I ordered Bilstein shocks for my 1967 Barracuda from PST, they supplied 55-R093 for the rear. I don't know what the difference is supposed to be, but the upper bushings on the ones I received had 5/8" diameter holes — the studs are 11/16". I had to drill out the shock bushings.
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Yeah I think PST messed up there when I looked at my 73 duster on rockauto for shocks it takes the same rear shock as your 67’ barracuda so I believe you should have had the R092’s
 
If I remember correctly the RCD’s originally had two part numbers for the A’s, one for stock ride height and one for lowered ride height. The part numbers were 82/92 (front/rear) and 83/93, I forget which was stock and which was lowered. Eventually RCD just went to one number for the A’s, which I believe was the “lowered” car version.
 
I wonder where the 5/8" stud size came from. It wouldn't be any 63-up A-body, or B or C for that matter. It might be for a 1st gen Valiant... don't know, never had one.
 
mvh said:
I wonder where the 5/8" stud size came from. It wouldn't be any 63-up A-body, or B or C for that matter. It might be for a 1st gen Valiant... don't know, never had one.
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I reached back out to RCD to see what they say haven’t heard today so hopefully Monday I’ll get a response and we shall see what they say for specs on the R093
 
update on Collapsed/Extended length on the 55-R093 same exact specs as the R092 but the eyelets/bushings are different diameter.
 
Thanks for confirming that! I will contact PST and see if I can convince them to change their listing.
 
mvh said:
Thanks for confirming that! I will contact PST and see if I can convince them to change their listing.
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Well interestingly enough I just rec’d my Bilsteins today and the rear shocks they sent me are R093… guess I will call and see what’s going on because I’m pretty sure they should be the R092 which is what I ordered and prolly those have the bigger bushings

image.jpg
 

I can attest, however, that a new 11/16" drill bit cuts through those poly bushings like butter...
 
mvh said:
I can attest, however, that a new 11/16" drill bit cuts through those poly bushings like butter...
Click to expand...
Yeah but they got to be better with clarity of information. I’m going to call RCD tomorrow and ask them to measure bushing ID on R092 and R093 to confirm we know what fits what and solve this dilemma. No way you should have to be drilling out new shock bushings to fit your application!
 
mvh said:
I can attest, however, that a new 11/16" drill bit cuts through those poly bushings like butter...
Click to expand...
Well I measured the bushing ID’s seems like they are sized for 11/16” sleeve and the sleeves will fit and the ID on those is 1/2” so I think they corrected it. Haha man it’s complicated

IMG_0543.jpeg


IMG_0542.jpeg
 
I ordered the Bilstien front/rear shocks from Kanter, for the rear they sent me 55-R093 with the 5/8" ID bushings, and of course my studs are 11/16".

It's my fault though for not researching the eff out of this beforehand and relying on the effing people who sell these Mopar specific 'specially specifically' made and effing expensive headaches.

I was going to order from PST as they were great and gave a 10% discount, but now that Kanter bought them and decided to just completely abandon us loyal Mopar consumers, I went to the Kanter website.

Good news, they offer a 15% discount for new customers, if you fill out a form they send a discount code via email.

Input the code at checkout, not applicable unless it's a Kanter specific item or some garbage. But they do keep sending emails to remind me I have a 15% coupon I'll never use.

So it's up to me to drill them out, not a fan, call them and send them back, or get the correct bushings and swap them.
In any case no skin off their nose.

Apparently their process is just send the effing 55-R093 out, one size doesn't fit all, don't bother to ask which size upper mount you have and don't bother to check what's in the effing box beforehand.

Sounds like the classic 'known issue' that companies ignore, let the plebs figure it out.

In a related note, I just realized I have 3 stickers on my car, been there forever.
'Cuda on the back glass, Brewers on one side, and FABO on the other.

20250731_200121.jpg


20250731_200143.jpg
 
Kanter sending out correct upper bushings.

Tried to blame Mopar for putting different studs on random cars, or changing the stud size at some point, they aren't sure.

Not buying that.

Then he says if you look on FABO there's info on it there.
Basically saying even FABO members don't know when/what/when/how it 'changed.'

It appears FABO knows the 55-R092 is the same exact shock with the correct bushings.

Made it worse by throwing FABO into the conversation, just confirmed the 'known issue' bs.

Bushings need to be pressed in/out, I don't have a press, but I'm dam sure I can get it done, just adds to the time and frustration.

WARNING: if ordering these shocks make sure you know your stud OD, then call Kanter/PST, have them open an actual box and confirm the upper bushing ID, and send the correct bushings if needed.

I would even ask them to just send the correct shock with the correct bushings.
These are not cheap and only sold through them and RCD.
You shouldn't have to expend additional time & labor.

A Known Issue we now know they've know about, yet make excuses and fail to be proactive.

Hope this helps. Enjoy the day!
 
matthon said:
These are not cheap and only sold through them and RCD.
Click to expand...

Firm Feel lists the RCD's as well. Are they different?

Firmfeel Mopar Suspension and Steering

mopar, firmfeel, firm feel, www.firmfeel.com, show, restore, motor mounts, front end kits, kyb, moog, road racing, 360, dodge, plymouth, chrysler, power, manual, 440, 383, 340, brakes, couplers, sway bars, shocks, steering, suspension, high performance, steering adapters, tubular upper control...
firmfeel.com
 
Pics look the same but no part# that I see that matches.

Ordering from Firmfeel might be the same situation, you get what you get, even if they stock it.
 
Fyi: the rear shocks came with steel inserts for the top bushing, 4 total, 2 sizes.

Neither fit the lower 11/16 bushing.

Fit the upper 5/8 bushing, not sure what application needs the upper 5/8 bushing to have a smaller ID.

Maybe someone over there could have an epiphany and instead of putting 4 useless inserts in the box put one set of the opposite size bushings.
 
matthon said:
Kanter sending out correct upper bushings.

Tried to blame Mopar for putting different studs on random cars, or changing the stud size at some point, they aren't sure.

Not buying that.

Then he says if you look on FABO there's info on it there.
Basically saying even FABO members don't know when/what/when/how it 'changed.'

It appears FABO knows the 55-R092 is the same exact shock with the correct bushings.

Made it worse by throwing FABO into the conversation, just confirmed the 'known issue' bs.

Bushings need to be pressed in/out, I don't have a press, but I'm dam sure I can get it done, just adds to the time and frustration.

WARNING: if ordering these shocks make sure you know your stud OD, then call Kanter/PST, have them open an actual box and confirm the upper bushing ID, and send the correct bushings if needed.

I would even ask them to just send the correct shock with the correct bushings.
These are not cheap and only sold through them and RCD.
You shouldn't have to expend additional time & labor.

A Known Issue we now know they've know about, yet make excuses and fail to be proactive.

Hope this helps. Enjoy the day!
Click to expand...
Shock bushings are usually pretty easy, you can probably do it with a large c-Clamp or a vice if you have one. You can use that and probably a large socket and you should be set. You could also use a bearing puller to press it out as that might be easier. I did that for my LCA bushings. Also getting them warm will help. You can drop them into boiling water for a bit if you are still having trouble.

Just a note for anyone else looking. Firm Feel, Kanter/PST and Bergman all sell the Bilstein shocks.
 
Popped them out earlier using a tapered piece of steel, from my parent's yee 'ol barn.
 
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