'02 2500 HO 5.9L Camper Package Shocks

[Azgrw]

Long time lurker and I finally signed up for a membership – so here is my first question…

I need some help - I have a 2002 2500 4x4 HO 5. 9L with a factory Camper Package; I am replacing some front end components and am replacing the shocks. I have been able to find replacement shocks for the Stock 2500 but I’m having trouble finding Shocks for the Factory Camper Package- Should I be asking for rear shocks for a lifted 2500?



I use the truck for every day driving and occasionally haul trailers - so i want something better or comparable to the stock shocks. I was going to go with the Bilstein Blue and Yellow designed for the factory GVW – any issues there?



Thanks for the help.

 

[Ram4Sam]

I'd bet the shocks for the 4x4 trucks are the same whether it has the camper package or not. The camper package is just a sway bar and over loads if I remember correctly.



Sam

 

[Azgrw]

The camper package included the overload springs, sway bar and spacers - the spacers effectively act as lift blocks. So the shocks attach below the centerline of the rear axle - because of the spacers included essentially lift the rear end the same way a lift kit would...

That's why I'm leaning towards shocks targetted for lifted trucks...

 

[Grizzly]

Welcome aboard. Best shocks are Rancho, IMO.

 

[HBarlow]

Order a set of Bilsteins from Geno's Garage. Many of us use and swear by Bilsteins.

On each of the three Dodge Rams I've owned the OEM shocks are worn out at around 60k miles. On each, I replaced the OEM shocks with Bilsteins and they seem to work well for hundreds of thousands of miles without ever needing replacement again.

 

[Azgrw]

I just called Geno's they done know if the shocks they sell will fit the rear if it is equipped with the camper package - they referred me to call Bilstein. I just measure the rear spacer blocks they sits between the axle and the spring pack it is 4 3/4". Can anyone tell me what the standard spacer height is on a 2500 4x4 without a camper package is. If it is within 2" of the standard then the 5100 series Bilsteins will fit...

Thanks

 

[AH64ID]

I would go with Bilsteins, they have given me the best results over the years. I have used Rancho's as well, and didn't think they were anything special, at least not for the cost of them.

Bilstein has two part numbres listed.

0-1" rear lift 24-185783
2" rear lift 24-191203

How is Mother Rucker? Just left 3 weeks ago.

 

[Azgrw]

Just looked at the window sticker - under the Camper Specialty Group it lists the rear stabilizer bar and rear auxiliary springs. So is the rear end the same height as a truck with out the Camper Package? I also checked my Parts catalog and the part number that is listed for the spacer in the 4WD 2500 & 3500 01-02 is the same ... I guess my remaining concern is I would hate to buy the Shocks and put them on the truck only to find out they are the limiting factor as far as the cycling of the suspension... If I had another '02 2500 sitting in the driveway I would just crawl under it and look; but I don't know how happy the wife would be if I had a second Pickup sitting in front of the house.

 

[AH64ID]

I went out to the parking lot and looked at a 2nd gen. Not sure what year, but a 2500 QC SB with overloads and sway bar. It had the ~4" block.

 

[HBarlow]

I don't KNOW but would bet that Dodge used two shocks in those years. One size for 2wd and another size with longer reach for 4wd. I think it unlikely that Dodge would have used a third size for a small number of Ram 2500 camper equipped trucks.

 

[AEdelheit]

You can pull your shock off and measure the collapsed length and extended length then match it up on any shock manufacturers website, I'd go
With Bilstiens personally

 

[Jeff Knight]

I have the camper package on my truck. It uses the same shocks with or without the camper package.



Jeff

 

[Bob4x4]

Welcome aboard. Best shocks are Rancho, IMO.

:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[Road Dog]

If you check the Geno's site the same Bilstein shock (BIL-24-188036) fits [rear] '94 - '02 2500 and 3500 trucks. That's what I used on my 3500 which will as tall or taller than any 2500.

 

[Azgrw]

Thank you all - this site rocks! I dont know why i didnt join sooner... I'll be ordering shocks tomorrow.