04 Bilstein Shocks Not out yet?

[ksadz]

Just picked up my truck over the weekend and am getting jackhammered on the SoCal freeways empty. The drive from OR was great, firm but comfortable. When I hit this area my insides were put in the shaker. I was ready to plop down the credit card for some Bilsteins HD's but found out they're not available yet. Any insiders out there know the ETA? They (Bilstein) said to call back in a month.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

t-rex... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .....

 

[Jerry R]

R. M. THOMPSON is right. You're in Ca. so it would be worth your while to head to SD to get the T-REX/ Bilstien setup. I would, if I lived that close. I may have to order from here when I save up the 2K.

 

[crabjoe]

The 03 and 04's have the same suspension setup. Based on Bilstein's website, they recommand the same shocks for the 2500/3500 from '94-'03. The only other thing is that they have 2 different models available based on GVW. 6400-7500 model and 8400+ weight models.

 

[OHale]

Originally posted by crabjoe

The 03 and 04's have the same suspension setup. Based on Bilstein's website, they recommand the same shocks for the 2500/3500 from '94-'03. The only other thing is that they have 2 different models available based on GVW. 6400-7500 model and 8400+ weight models.

I replaced the stock shocks on my 3500 dually with Bilstein HDs. My truck weighs ~ 8000 empty and I find them a bit stiff. With 1-2000 pounds in the bed much smoother. The frost heaves around here make driving a jolting experience at times.



If you want to smooth out your ride I suggest you consider the 6400-7500 pound "non-HD" shocks.



I will be putting those on my 04. 5 when the factory shocks wear out.

 

[ksadz]

I could kill you guys...

for mentioning T-Rex. Now I want it!!!



So I took your advice and read the loooong TDR thread (very informative BTW) on the T-Rex systems, also called down there and talked to Kent. Well it's exactly what I'm looking for but sure as heck wasn't planning on spending that kinda dough. :{



HOWEVER, it's an awesome suspension setup and makes perfect sense why it works do well. These guys are hardcore and really know their stuff.



I did stress to him that I am one of the wierd guys that wants to keep the height and stance of my truck exactly the way it is. I don't want either end raised.



Kent's response was "No problem, just keep your stock front coils. " I said "Aren't your coils rated differently?". And he said on the 04 3500 RAM's they are the same on the passenger side and 20lbs heavier on the driver's side. DC installs different rated coils on each side whereas T-Rex matches 'em up. And the T-Rex coils are 2. 5" taller.



What I will be sacrificing is increased travel in the suspension. Oh well, I'm not going to be jumping any 6' dunes any time soon so it's fine. I'll have them installed in Orange County by a shop that he works with and highly recommends.



So using my front coils the price drops from $2000 to $1700. Sigh... but I'm sure I'll be happy.