Shocks Recomendations

[Rowdy Dalton]

2006 4x4
After 18 years, it seems it is time for some new shocks. The factory ones are very harsh feeling, and I want something smooth. I don't need anything fancy, or overly complicated. I just want simplicity, and economical. What are you guys running? What would you recommend?

 

[AH64ID]

I’d look into Bilstein 4600’s for your truck.

 

[slowmover]

4600, or

https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/North...ses/SRT-T-LT-SERIES-FOR-DODGE-AND-RAM-TRUCKS/

 

[seafish]

2006 4x4
After 18 years, it seems it is time for some new shocks.

The Bilstein 4600 will definitely restore the ride on your truck.
That said, even with them...you probably shouldn't wait 18 years to replace them.

 

[Rowdy Dalton]

4600, or

https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/North...ses/SRT-T-LT-SERIES-FOR-DODGE-AND-RAM-TRUCKS/

Thanks, but "Pricy", on the Koni.

 

[Rowdy Dalton]

The Bilstein 4600 will definitely restore the ride on your truck.
That said, even with them...you probably shouldn't wait 18 years to replace them.

Third.recommendation for the Bilstein 4600. They look like a good choice.
Yes, 18 years is a bit long. But, for the past 7 years I don't drive it much. The worn out padding in the drivers seat definitely transfers every bump.
I want as cushy of a ride as possible, with the new shocks.

 

[Ozymandias]

4600 are a good ride, very soft, very comfy.
Don't use them with a camper or so.

 

[slowmover]

Thanks, but "Pricy", on the Koni.

You’ll get what you pay for at this end of market.

The STR.T has the same approximate compression rate as OEM, but firms the rebound for better handling. A better ride than higher pressure Bilstein 4600 which lets you know it started working as you hit that speed bump at 4-mph (dialled-in better for highway).

Either is better than alternatives at entry level.

.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

5100s

 

[Jim W]

X2, on the 5100 shocks by Bilstein. I installed them on my truck in April 2018. Very happy with them although I only have roughly 40,000 miles on them shocks. Since I have retired from working and we are not pulling the trailer anymore the truck is only driven about 3,000 miles a year now.

 

[seafish]

Important FYI -- the Bilstein 4600 and the 5100 shocks will BOTH work nicely, though the 4600 is tuned specifically for stock height and stock suspension trucks and the 5100 comes in TWO flavors -- one part number for 0 -2" lift and another number for 4-6" lift and either 5100 will have a slightly stiffer ride then the 4600.

 

[Randomrunner12]

So I have the 4600 on my stock truck height truck and I think they suck. Its a pretty rough ride. I am currently working to find a different riding shock. I understand this is an older style 2500 and that its not going to ride like a caddy or 1500 or whatever but I am sure there is a shock out there that wont knock my teeth around.

 

[slowmover]

So I have the 4600 on my stock truck height truck and I think they suck. It’s a pretty rough ride. I am currently working to find a different riding shock. I understand this is an older style 2500 and that it’s not going to ride like a caddy or 1500 or whatever but I am sure there is a shock out there that wont knock my teeth around.

Tire design (off pavement or off road worsens all else in ride)
Tire Pressure (usually too high by owners)

Shocks (age) as none are much good past 40k (gas charge dissipation).

Shock design (high pressure gas or mainly hydraulic)

Body Bushings (age)
Spring Eye & shackle bushings
Motor & Trans mounts

Seat cushion needs replacement.
Add Purple brand Ultimate Cushion

Noise as that equates in people’s minds with harsher ride (door & window seals, etc)

Vibration as it accentuates the problem (CENTRAMATICS or CounterAct Balance beads); steer column bushings.

Need 500# in bed (minimum; permanent) for longest tire life, max fuel mileage, and to help tamp rear springs.

With shocks you’ll get what you pay for. Near to or just past $100/ea is quality entry level.

OEM or the KONI linked above is closest to good life & good ride at start level. The 4600 is stiffer in compression.

— Scaled weight tire pressure minimum, tire vibration controlled, 500-lb bed weight, new seat cushion, bushings/mounts R&R, cab noise reduction are all ahead of complaining about shocks in ride quality.

The last part is: slow down. There’s plenty of places I have to move slowly as heavy pickup, LWB, and motions-induced just mean I can’t run along thru an old parking lot, or graveled staging yard (etc). I’m typically at 4,250-lb FF/RR per axle using 4600s. Get the emotions in order.


The job of the shock is dampening spring motion.
To keep the tire clamped to the road surface.

— That’s important for all vehicles, but doubly-so for rollover-prone pickup trucks. Cheap (soft) shocks will let you down when it matters (at speed and needing to do something NOW).

Start:

1). What are the individual scale axle weights for your truck with daily load?

2). Get the tires set to spec according to those axle loads: https://www.toyotires.com/tires-101/tire-load-and-inflation-tables/

3). If you’ve 40k or so on the 4600s, do the rest.
Then decide on what design for new.

.

 

[Ozymandias]

To keep the tire clamped to the road surface.

— That’s important for all vehicles, but doubly-so for rollover-prone pickup trucks. Cheap (soft) shocks will let you down when it matters (at speed and needing to do something NOW).

That's the exact point.