Bilstein Shocks for 3500, 2 Wheel Drive

[glav]

Hi guys, I have spent the whole evening researching what shocks are best for the 03 Dodges, 2WD. But all of the posts are old and I have recently called Bilstein and they told me that the shocks are "still in development", with no know release date.

So question is, what is the group replacing shocks with on 2WD 3500s. I am a heavy 5th wheel hauler.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Slow Six]

I have the 3500 4X4 and I have installed the Monroe Reflex shocks. So far I like them. They are a major improvement over the stock ones and price isn't out of this world.

 

[kmcdonough]

Genos Garage has Bilstein shocks listed in their catalog. Not sure what model year they are for.

 

[MChessick]

3500 2wd Shocks

Try NAPA, they have a couple choices. I spent about 50. 00 per corner. They seem to be fine and might be the Monroe Reflex's as well. I have 20k on them so far with no problems.

 

[GAllen]

glav



What have you decided, if anything? I've been waiting for the Bilsteins as well, but need somthing now. These SoCal freeways are killing me!

 

[kmcdonough]

Genos list the Bilstein for '03-'05, both front and back. 4WD only. They are listed in their catalog #50. They are not listed on their website.

 

[GAllen]

Genos list the Bilstein for '03-'05, both front and back. 4WD only. They are listed in their catalog #50. They are not listed on their website.

Need the 2WD.

 

[GAllen]

KYB GasAdjust - Trouble

Just thought I'd bring this to the top. After this thread ended I purchased KYB's for the rear. After a couple of months I noticed this rattling noise from under the bed, thought a bolt was loose or something. It turns out the upper shock hole (sleeve?) was worn out by the shock bolt. I unbolted the lower shock mount and you could push the shock up and down on the upper bolt. Just enough to cause the "metallic clank" noise. Has anyone heard of this happening or know why. I just ordered a set of Monroe Reflex on line for $43. 00 each. We'll see how that goes in a week or so.



P. S. The Tenneco tech rep said the Reflex and the new Rancho RSX were develped together in the lab and are similar, different in that the Rancho is stiffer.

 

[GAllen]

Just thought I'd bring this to the top. After this thread ended I purchased KYB's for the rear. After a couple of months I noticed this rattling noise from under the bed, thought a bolt was loose or something. It turns out the upper shock hole (sleeve?) was worn out by the shock bolt. I unbolted the lower shock mount and you could push the shock up and down on the upper bolt. Just enough to cause the "metallic clank" noise. Has anyone heard of this happening or know why. I just ordered a set of Monroe Reflex on line for $43. 00 each. We'll see how that goes in a week or so.



P. S. The Tenneco tech rep said the Reflex and the new Rancho RSX were develped together in the lab and are similar, different in that the Rancho is stiffer.

Nobody has ever heard of the shock hole wearing out? I'm kind of worried that the next set will do it. Should there be any play between the the shock and the bolt?

Thanks.

 

[olznut]

My Dakota did that, had Pro Comp 9000's and it "stretched" the sleeve and caused a small, but annoying clunking. My way of "fixing" it was hokey, but it worked. I took duct tape, wrapped it arount the bolt until it was snug in the sleeve, and re-installed it. Worked great until 2 years later when I changed to Rancho RS-9000X (or whatever the adj ones were). The bad part was on the front, the sleeve wore out to the point of bending the shock bolt enough to break the bolt at the a frame when I tried to replace them. Never "taped" the front, only rear. Had to take it to local mech and had hip tap it out. Also, when I put the Ranchos in, I got Energy Suspension poly urethane shock bushings to go in as well. Cheap insurance. Keep me posted on yours, I have a 2500 4x2 that bobs and weaves when towing my 6500lb trailer. I had a 4x4 '03 Hemi that did the same thing, but when I put the Bilsteins on, it towed like a champ, night and day difference, but no Bilsteins for the 2wd... ... :{