2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What shock absorber for rear of 3500?

[charlessmith]

I've run Rancho 9000's all round on the last 4 of my Dodge Cummins trucks. The latest rear Rancho 9000's on my '96 3500 are a lot larger diameter than earlier 9000's, and when I'm unloaded they make the truck ride like it has a solid rear end, even when they are adjusted as soft as they'll go. After a while, they become very difficult to adjust, so my "adjustment to soft" may not be effective.



I've looked at everything else on the rear, new spring shackles and spring leaf inspection - everything there looks OK.



So I'm going to run some other shock on the rear, at least when I'm not carrying the 5000# camper. I've heard people recommend Bilsteins, so my question is - which Bilstein model and where is a good place to get them?



I'd like to order them online if I can't find them here in Columbus Ohio.



Suggestions and recommendations will be appreciated!

 

[CAPTPHIL]

Bilsteins from Geno`s, I have been using them for over 30yrs. Current set on 2001. 5 3500 for 665000mi. , they come with Lifetime Warranty.
Good luck Capt Phil TDR 1998

 

[charlessmith]

Those are the HD shocks: BIL-24-184854

I've seen mention of Bilstein sport shocks that are supposed to be 30% stiffer. But I can't find anybody online that lists them.

For what it's worth, from excursions into Audi stuff, I know Bilstein will revalve sport shocks for you - if you ever have need for that.

 

[bcbigfoot]

Thanks for the info that the new Rancho's 9000's are so stiff. I was getting ready to order a set for my 2wd 3500 to replace the factory shocks. I will rethink my decision and go with a set of bilstiens or monroe reflex's.

 

[charlessmith]

As far as the 9000's being stiff - driving the Alaska highway they are the only shocks that "restrain" wild bouncing on roads that have areas that have sunk 2" or 3" due to ground underneath giving way. In places driving over 45 MPH or so, even for the Semi's, is hard to do. The Rancho 9000 shocks set on full firm really help on roads like this.

 

[Bob4x4]

As far as the 9000's being stiff - driving the Alaska highway they are the only shocks that "restrain" wild bouncing on roads that have areas that have sunk 2" or 3" due to ground underneath giving way. In places driving over 45 MPH or so, even for the Semi's, is hard to do. The Rancho 9000 shocks set on full firm really help on roads like this.

Ranchos are very far from the only shocks that can take Alaska

King,bilstein,fox,and Sway A Way along with a few less popular

Brands are far better performers

 

[Road Dog]

I put a set of Yellow/Blue Bilsteins from Geno's on my 3500. I haven't been to Alaska but they're fine on the old logging roads around here.

 

[Newt]

I recently put a set of the blue/yellow Biltsteins on our 09. Wife thought I had bought new truck. Will get to see how they do towing Friday.

Newt

 

[Texis]

I recently replaced all 4. I didn't realize that the 97 3500 shocks have the same mounting dimensions as the 97 2500. The local auto shop had nothing in stock for my rear 97 4x4 2500... but they did have the rear 3500 shocks. They mounted the same, so I went with the 3500 set. The shocks in stock that they listed for the 3500 were the Rancho 5500. I like them, but haven't loaded it down as yet. I will say they are not beating me to death. I'll know more when I hook onto the low boy with the Ford 3000 & bush hog on it.



I made 250,000 miles on the last set of Monroe gas magnums (big fat yellow ones), I had no complaints. They had a life time warrantee, so the 4 new ones were free... . I like free.

 

[SRath]

From your description, I would suspect you got a defective set of new 9000's. Mine work on all settings and do get softer or firmer. Maybe contact Rancho about it?

 

[JMcCoy]

You will not be disapointed with a quality mono-tube shock. Twin-tube shocks like Ranchos and Monroes are old technology and are poorly made. A good mono-tube shock will cost you a little more, but it will last way longer. A mono-tube shock is self adjusting to the road surfaces. Stiff when you need it to be and soft when you want it to be. It is all done with internal pistons and valves. I have over 120,000 on my Edlebrocks and they are still working perfectly. I would highly recommend them. I have been planning to try Bilsteins next time. I am very happy with the Edlebrocks, but I just wanted to try the Bilsteins as a comparison. I ran Bilsteins in circle track and they were awesome. At this time I cannot justify buying new shocks. Good luck.

 

[charlessmith]

Thanks for the suggestions everybody. I put Bilstein HD shocks on the rear, and that removed the feeling that the rear axle was bolted solid to the frame. I think the Rancho RS9000's that were on my truck are faulty.

 

[dresslered]

I went with the 9000's with incab controller. Me load varies too much to have a non-adjustable shock, otherwise, I would have gone with the Bilsteins. Charlie, if you want the ride of a caddy, put 4000-lbs. in the back. :-laf That's when my overloads kick in.

 

[jeepit]

I recently put a set of the blue/yellow Biltsteins on our 09. Wife thought I had bought new truck. Will get to see how they do towing Friday.



Newt

Newt,

How did they perform??

 

[Newt]

They did great. Much better control on rough highways. We did about 950 miles in three days towing the 5th wheel.

Newt