Send us a text On this episode of Shock Talk , Mike and Shane are joined by Scott from BILSTEIN’s product team to dive into the raw, rewarding world of building and driving older vehicles. From the analog charm of '80s machines to early 2000s street heroes, the crew breaks down why these cars still capture hearts today. They share personal stories from the garage—Mike’s first-gen Tundra, Shane’s OBS Bronco, and Scott’s long-loved Ford LTD—and unpack the pros and cons of restoring an old ride ver...
Jun 18, 2025•59 min•Ep. 49
Send us a text Big things are happening. This week, Mike and Shane are joined by guest host Ryan to break down the entire next-gen Toyota off-road lineup—Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, Sequoia, and the Lexus variants. We go deep on trims, features, hidden differences, and which models make the most sense for different types of builds. More importantly, we’re announcing brand-new BILSTEIN shock packages designed specifically for these trucks. Some are on shelves now. Others are just about to launch. Th...
May 21, 2025•35 min•Ep. 48
Send us a text In this episode of Shock Talk , Mike and Shane are joined by returning guest Joseph from Product Management and Ryan from R&D to explore the booming world of camper conversions and van life. From full-size RVs to DIY sprinter van builds, the crew breaks down the key differences in suspension needs across the camping spectrum—and what BILSTEIN recommends for each setup. Ryan even shares details about his personal sprinter van build, and the team teases some exciting new product...
May 07, 2025•40 min•Ep. 47
Send us a text In this episode of Shock Talk , Mike and Shane are joined by BILSTEIN team member and longtime BMW enthusiast, Joseph. From years on the tech lines to now managing the product catalog, Joseph brings a unique perspective as the crew dives deep into BILSTEIN’s full street performance lineup—including coilovers and the EVO series. Whether you’re daily driving, weekend canyon carving, or chasing lap times, this episode breaks down which product is right for which type of customer, the...
Apr 23, 2025•38 min
Send us a text On this episode of Shock Talk , Mike and Shane are joined by Aaron, BILSTEIN’s U.S. Head of Motorsports, and Keith from the motorsports team based in Mooresville, North Carolina—right in the heart of American racing. They break down the critical role of car setup, how tuning strategies differ between dirt and circle track classes, and how cutting-edge tools like AI are shaping the future of performance. Whether you're racing on clay or asphalt, this one’s full of insight from the ...
Apr 09, 2025•55 min•Ep. 45
Send us a text This week on Shock Talk , Mike and Shane are joined by Fabian, the marketing team lead from BILSTEIN’s global headquarters in Germany. They dive into the latest motorsports marketing efforts happening in Germany and explore the state-of-the-art facilities at the Nürburgring, including BILSTEIN’s industry-leading 7-post rig used to fine-tune vehicle performance. They also break down the key differences between the European sports car scene and the U.S. off-road world—plus, they set...
Mar 26, 2025•39 min•Ep. 44
Send us a text On this episode of Shock Talk , hosts Shane and Junior sit down with off-road racer Doug Mittag and BILSTEIN shock tuner Nathan for an inside look at the world of UTV racing and suspension tuning. Doug shares insights into his business, where he builds high-performance UTVs and chassis for desert racing, and reflects on his incredible 2nd place finish at the King of the Hammers Desert Challenge in his Polaris Pro R. The conversation dives deep into shock tuning and the evolution o...
Mar 12, 2025•45 min•Ep. 43
Send us a text For this special episode of Shock Talk , Mike and Junior take the show to the rugged lakebed of Johnson Valley during King of the Hammers! They’re joined by BILSTEIN shock tuner Nathan and legendary racer Brian Deegan for an action-packed conversation covering Brian’s journey in motorsports, his approach to car setup and race strategy for KOH, and an in-depth tech dive into BILSTEIN’s Black Hawk Powersports shocks. Using a cutaway model, the crew breaks down the adjustability and ...
Feb 12, 2025•34 min•Ep. 42
Send us a text This week on Shock Talk , Junior and Steve are joined by Class 11 desert racer Cameron Brantz to explore the world of vintage VW Beetle racing. They break down the history of Class 11 in off-road racing, the unique challenges of competing in nearly stock Bugs, and Cameron’s journey as a racer. From brutal desert terrain to the camaraderie of the Class 11 community, this episode is packed with insight and passion for one of the most iconic racing classes in off-road....
Jan 29, 2025•58 min
Send us a text In this episode of Shock Talk , hosts Mike and Shane welcome special guests Ryan and Miguel from BILSTEIN’s R&D team to explore the intricate world of shock test fitting and design. Discover the unique challenges of developing shocks for a variety of vehicles and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into ensuring a perfect fit. Ryan shares insights into his Sprinter van project, while Miguel talks about his hands-on experiences supporting BILSTEIN’s efforts at Baja races. This...
Jan 08, 2025•52 min•Ep. 40
Send us a text In this thrilling episode of Shock Talk, hosts Mike and Shane welcome back-to-back Baja 1000 champion Justin Park. Justin shares jaw-dropping stories from this year's Baja 1000, reflects on the grit and strategy needed for a perfect racing season, and reveals what it takes to complete every grueling mile of Baja's legendary courses. But that’s not all—Justin also switches gears to share his expert tips for safe off-roading and winter travel, including how to navigate snowy terrain...
Dec 11, 2024•53 min•Ep. 39
Send us a text In this episode of Shock Talk, hosts Shane, Junior, and Nathan are joined by special guests Tyler and Evan Schmidt from Schmidty Racing Suspensions to talk about their dynamic new partnership with BILSTEIN. Tune in as they dive deep into the latest advancements in UTV suspension, focusing on the powerful BILSTEIN Black Hawk Powersports shocks. Tyler and Evan share insights on how these shocks enhance performance, stability, and comfort in even the toughest terrains. Whether you're...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 38
Send us a text In this special episode of Shock Talk , hosts Mike and Shane welcome Steve, BILSTEIN’s head of marketing, to discuss the latest addition to the BILSTEIN lineup: the 8100 DSA for Jeep JL. Known for pushing the boundaries of shock technology, BILSTEIN’s new 8100 DSA promises to elevate Jeep JL performance with cutting-edge Dual Speed Adjustability (DSA) for unmatched off-road and on-road control. Join us as we dive deep into the design, engineering, and real-world benefits of the 81...
Oct 31, 2024•41 min•Ep. 37
Send us a text In this exciting episode of Shock Talk, Mike and Shane are joined by new guest host Mark as they welcome an extraordinary guest: Nicole Johnson! A professional monster truck driver, King of the Hammers finisher, and host of Nicole Johnson's Detour, Nicole shares stories from her action-packed career. From dominating the monster truck circuit to pushing limits in off-road racing, Nicole dives deep into her life on and off the track. Tune in for an inside look at her adventures, pas...
Oct 16, 2024•56 min
Send us a text Join hosts Mike, Shane, and Junior in this exciting episode of BILSTEIN's "Shock Talk" as they dive into the details and give a first look into our newest product: the 8112 DSA+ for Ford Bronco. Get an insider’s look at its cutting-edge features, unparalleled benefits, and how it can elevate your off-roading experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Bronco enthusiast or just curious about what’s new in the world of shocks, this episode is packed with insights, expert tips, and a whole...
Sep 18, 2024•40 min•Ep. 35
Send us a text Join Junior, Mike, and Shane on this episode of BILSTEIN’s Shock Talk Podcast as they tackle all things tires! We’ll break down the key differences between P Metric and LT (Light Truck) tires, explain load ratings, discuss proper sizing, and dive into tire pressure tips. Whether you're upgrading for performance, comfort, or off-road adventures, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you choose the perfect tires for your needs. Tune in and roll with confidence!...
Sep 04, 2024•35 min
Send us a text In this episode of Shock Talk, we explore BILSTEIN’s commitment to performance and durability, highlighting the rigorous quality and safety standards our products meet. We delve into BILSTEIN’s industry-leading warranty policy, offering a detailed explanation of the various warranty periods based on product type. Our discussion ensures that customers have a clear understanding of the comprehensive protection BILSTEIN provides. As a valued customer, you can trust in the reliability...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Send us a text On this episode of BILSTEIN's “Shock Talk”, hosts Mike, Shane, and Junior are joined by special guests Marlon and Luna from Off Road N Chill. They dive into the latest trends in off-roading, share thrilling trail stories, and discuss the best gear for your adventures. Don't miss out on the tips, laughs, and expert advice from the pros! Plus, stay tuned for an exclusive segment where Marlon and Luna reveal their top-secret off-roading destinations that you won't want to miss!...
Aug 01, 2024•52 min•Ep. 32
Send us a text Join hosts Ryan, Shane, and Junior on this episode "Shock Talk" as they delve into the captivating world of van life, RV'ing, and overlanding. From the humble beginnings of camping in old 70's vans to the modern era dominated by Sprinters, Transits, and ProMasters, the trio explores the rich history and evolution of mobile living. Discover the allure of hitting the road in a camper van, blending adventure with comfort, and hear about the community that has grown around this lifest...
Jul 18, 2024•54 min•Ep. 31
Send us a text Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping episode of "Shock Talk" as hosts Mike, Shane, and Junior sit down with special guest, Baja racer Justin Park. Known for his fearless driving and incredible endurance, Justin shares some of the wildest and most intense stories from the treacherous Baja racing scene. From heart-stopping close calls to the gritty realities of navigating one of the toughest off-road races in the world, this episode dives deep into what it truly takes to conquer the ...
Jul 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Send us a text In Episode 29 of BILSTEIN’s “Shock Talk,” hosts Mike, Shane, and Junior are back with guest-host Ryan for an in-depth discussion on coilovers and struts. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or new to the world of suspension tuning, this episode is packed with valuable insights. We’ll dive into the pros, cons, and key differences between coilovers and struts, helping you understand why you might choose one over the other for your vehicle. Tune in for expert advice, practical tips, a...
Jun 19, 2024•54 min
Send us a text Welcome to another exciting episode of Shock Talk! This week, hosts Mike and Junior are joined by returning guest expert, Ryan, to dive deep into the world of Bilstein’s renowned shock absorbers for street cars. Whether you’re looking to maintain factory comfort with the B4, enhance your ride’s handling with the B6, or take your lowered vehicle’s performance to the next level with the B8, this episode has got you covered. Join us as we explore the features, benefits, and ideal app...
Jun 05, 2024•56 min
Send us a text In this episode of the Shock Talk Podcast, hosts Shane, Junior, and Mike from BILSTEIN Shocks are joined by a special guest, Sean Reyes, from Shock Surplus. Together, they delve into the intricacies of shock tuning and the evolving landscape of suspension technology. As a self-proclaimed suspension nerd, Sean stresses the significance of real-world testing and unbiased product information tailored to individual drivers. As technology advances and the market offers more shock optio...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 27
Send us a text In the latest episode of "Shock Talk", hosts Mike, Shane, and Junior embark on an enlightening exploration of the diverse suspension systems and springs prevalent in trucks and off-road vehicles. Delving into the intricacies of coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bars, and airbags, they meticulously compare and contrast each design, shedding light on their respective advantages and drawbacks. From the robust reliability of leaf springs to the adjustable versatility of airbags, the...
May 08, 2024•30 min•Ep. 26
Send us a text Join hosts Mike, Shane, and Junior, along with special guest Sean Holman, for an exhilarating episode of Shock Talk brought to you by BILSTEIN. In this episode, the crew reflects on their adventures and experiences from this year's Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT, sharing thrilling stories and insights from one of the off-road world's most iconic events. But that's not all—tune in as they delve into the exciting world of off-roading with a discussion on the highly anticipated 6th g...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Send us a text Join Mike, Shane, and Junior on the latest episode of Shock Talk as they delve into the exciting world of softroading. As seasoned off-roaders and automotive enthusiasts, they're here to discuss the rising trend of tackling trails with vehicles like CUVs, SUVs, and more. Discover what softroading is all about, why it's becoming increasingly popular among adventure seekers, and how you can excel at it. The hosts share essential tips on must-have items for every trip, reveal overrat...
Apr 10, 2024•57 min
Send us a text In this episode of "Shock Talk," join hosts Mike, Shane, and Junior as they dive deep into the world of BILSTEIN shock absorbers, specifically those designed for off-road enthusiasts who need a custom setup and are searching for a shock sold by length. Discover the secrets to accurately measuring the extended and collapsed lengths of a shock absorber, ensuring your off-road rig performs at its peak. The trio will unravel the complexities of motion ratios and delve into the nuances...
Mar 13, 2024•47 min•Ep. 23
Send us a text In this episode of "Shock Talk", we dive deep into the often-overlooked troubles, issues, and inherent dangers that come with overbuilding your off-road vehicle. Join us as we explore the fine line between enhancing performance and compromising safety, with expert insights from seasoned off-road veterans, and enthusiasts who have learned their lessons the hard way. We'll uncover the technical and practical repercussions of pushing your rig too far, including decreased reliability,...
Feb 28, 2024•57 min
Send us a text In this gripping episode of "Shock Talk," hosts Mike, Shane, and Junior explore the extraordinary journey of a BILSTEIN shock absorber that has defied the odds, clocking in nearly one million miles. Unravel the mystery of its longevity as the team meticulously compares this seasoned veteran to its brand-new counterpart through a dynamic dyno showdown. Discover the secrets behind BILSTEIN's rigorous testing standards, the precision of tight clearances, and the intricate engineering...
Feb 14, 2024•40 min•Ep. 21
Send us a text In this episode of Shock Talk, hosts Shane, Mike and Junior, take a deep dive into the innovative world of suspension technology with a focus on the Bilstein B8 8112 (ZoneControl CR DSA+) shocks. These shocks aren't just your average dampers - they're equipped with BILSTEIN's revolutionary ZoneControl technology that promises unparalleled comfort and control for light trucks and SUVs. The guys go over the intricate workings of the ZoneControl CR DSA+ technology, which includes thr...
Jan 31, 2024•47 min
