Shock replacement

[DanBarfknecht]

‘06 2500 Larime 4/4. Probably should replace the original shocks. I don’t pull a lot of the time,
14,000lb. travel trailer, when I do. Looking for some opinions on shocks.
Thanks

 

[endoscott]

Bilsteins

 

[Avila]

I second the recommendation on Bilsteins. The yellow and blue 4600 series function very well on a stock truck.

 

[Jim W]

The silver series B8 5100 also work well on a stock truck. This is what I replaced my stock shocks with, I just could not see putting Blue and Yellow shocks on a Silver and Black trim truck.

i purchased my shocks from Geno's Garage the site sponsor. I also go to their catalog first for anything that I need for my truck such as filters and some common part needs.

 

[mwilson]

Bilsteins...

 

[MichaelOverfield]

I just put Ranchero RS 5000s on mine. I have limited road time to evaluate, but so far they seem fine, but it might be hard to do a fair comparison to stock, since I also added air bags to the rear axle, and new coils with 2" lift on the front. From what I looked up the Ranchero RS 5000s they had good reviews, seemed to be good quality, and I couldn't see paying twice as much for Bilsteins, but I'm sure they are good shocks.

 

[AEdelheit]

Fox IFP's, I personally feel the Bilstein's ride pretty bad but am used to properly valved larger shocks, the Fox IFPs are a progressive valving and alot more rebound dampening compared to the digressive valving in the Bilstein's.

 

[seafish]

IMO, Bilsteins or Thuren Overland shocks are what you need to buy if you are simply looking to replace your worn out oem shocks.

But if you are seriously seeking a better ride with better suspension damping and handling control, you will need to step up to, and be willing to pay for, a larger diameter shock that can more readily handle the trucks weight.

With that said, you also need to know that most all of those larger diameter shocks are custom tuned for the springs and other suspension components that you will end up ALSO needing to buy to get the best out of your new larger diameter shocks.

IIRC, these kits start at around $2000 and go up to around $4500 depending on your needs and desires.

 

[Chase Chapin]

I just put Ranchero RS 5000s on mine. I have limited road time to evaluate, but so far they seem fine, but it might be hard to do a fair comparison to stock, since I also added air bags to the rear axle, and new coils with 2" lift on the front. From what I looked up the Ranchero RS 5000s they had good reviews, seemed to be good quality, and I couldn't see paying twice as much for Bilsteins, but I'm sure they are good shocks.

Michael, are the ranchos monotube design? I definitely like them for the rough roads and heavy trailers we pull.

‘06 2500 Larime 4/4. Probably should replace the original shocks. I don’t pull a lot of the time,
14,000lb. travel trailer, when I do. Looking for some opinions on shocks.
Thanks

DJ, I just put a set of KYBs on my wife's ride (see sig) they ride like a dream! I might end up putting a set on my truck as well, not to knock the Bilsteins but I like the price of the red shocks. Check em out!

 

[bcbender]

I liked the FOX2.0 I had on my 04.but they are pricey.. my Sister-in-law worked there so I got a good deal.. have bilstien 5100s on my bronco...and they are pretty good for the cost.

 

[SSage]

Bilsteins have been on both my trucks now for years. I had Ranchos before on a few trucks and they all failed early. I tried some steering stabilizers from Rancho and they are already rusting bad after very light use, the white paint is mostly orange with rust. The adjustable ones were the worst.

I haven't had a silver or yellow Bilstein fail yet, the 2003 4x4 truck's silver shocks are at least 12 years old now. The exterior finish is still good too, I was under the truck today and even the boots are in good shape. I have yellow ones on my 2wd 2nd gen, probably 6 years old now, no issues either. Hopefully the current production has the same quality.

 

[tjm]

I've had the silver bilsteins on my stock 2005 for, well i cant remember when i put them on its been so long. Seem to be working fine.

 

[MichaelOverfield]

Michael, are the ranchos monotube design? I definitely like them for the rough roads and heavy trailers we pull.

I think they are, here is the webpage link to the info from the OEM: https://www.gorancho.com/products/shock-absorbers/rs5000-shock-absorber

 

[rikbakke]

Just installed Bilstein 4600s on the truck, replacing KYB Monomax shocks. Very similar shocks from what I can tell so far. The monomax had about 45k on em, no leaks, still with good pressure. I just had a recreational maintenance 'feeling' before the new tires installation today with Bridgestone Duravis R500s.

 

[AnonEd]

I don't have Bilsteins on my 1G truck (long story...would if I found right fit) but on some of my cars, up to 38 years old. One failure among the lot, at 140k miles/3 years for that particular shock, replaced under the warranty.
I believe RS5000s are twin-tube and the 7000 are monotube.

 

[SSage]

The RS5000's didn't last 25K on my 1995 DRW 2wd front end, I wasn't impressed. The Gabriels lasted longer! I put the cupped front tires on the back and went to the Bilsteins, at the time only the yellow ones were available for my old 2wd truck. No more cupping issues for years now, maybe I got a bad set though. But the 9000's didn't last long on the 3rd gen either, the adjuster knobs stopped adjusting too. The ride was noticeably stiffer/tighter with the Bilsteins and it still is good now after two sets of tires.

 

[Doc Holiday]

Bilsteins have been on both my trucks now for years. I had Ranchos before on a few trucks and they all failed early. I tried some steering stabilizers from Rancho and they are already rusting bad after very light use, the white paint is mostly orange with rust.

My shocks and steering stabilizer are less than or about 2 years old and they have the same issues, surface rust, and worn out. I'd wager they have less than 5-8,000 miles on them. The ones I pulled off were 210-240,000 mile stock shocks and damper.

My next units will be Bilsteins.