Bilstien shocks-differances

[PBaker]

Getting ready to get some new Belstien shocks and was wondering what and if their is any differance between the standard and heavy duty shock can you use either one on a standard 2500 4x4 and which would you all recommend.



Thanks,

Paul

 

[BLACKRAM]

Yes, there is a difference. The standard is for 1500 series trucks. The other is for 2500-3500 trucks. Call bilstein if you have questions. www.bilstein.com

 

[24V-DSL]

The part numbers that went on my truck:



Front - BE5-2549

Rear - BE5-2550



Hope this helps.

 

[Ken B]

I was also looking at upgrading to Bilstein shocks... . how do you guys like them? Is the ride stiffer than stock? Thanks in advance for your feedback. -Ken

 

[24V-DSL]

Shock preferences are subjective for sure... .



But, I love my Bilsteins. No comparison to stock. I'd say firmer, not stiffer than stock. Truck feels much better connected to the road. They don't "cycle" when I go over RR tracks, etc.



I just sold my 97 Dakota 4x4. Had both Edelbrock IAS and Pro-Comp 900's. The Edelbrocks were "unremarkalble, but I put them back on after not liking the very, very stiff ride of the Pro-Comps.



The feature most like about the Rancho 9000... . dialing adjustability, is what keeps me away from them. I've just got this thing about a shock having a "dial" on it. Flame away, it's just my weirdness.

 

[GFoley]

I also did Bilstiens just 3500 miles ago. I wish I had done it sooner. I agree with the other post about firmer ride. I really like it. The adjustability feature of the Rancho was once a consideration but not after I thought about how many times I wanted to change shock adjustment - NEVER. Most posters like the Ranchos because they have a slide in unit, I don't and don't need any adjustability features.

 

[PBaker]

Thanks all, were have you guys picked up your Bilstiens as I checked at Auto Zone and they wanted $65. 00 (I hope I can put the price in I can't remember right now if we can) each for them and want as usual to get the best price as possible.



Thanks again,

Paul

 

[24V-DSL]

Paul... .



I got my Bilsteins from a mail-order company, no longer in business. Paid $50 ea. + shipping. It was not a pleasant experience..... took over three weeks for them to show up. I'm sure that's one of the reasons the company is out of business. Sorry I can't be of more help. I think you should be able to do better than $65.

 

[Bob Wagner]

hey wait a minute

Purchase your Bilstein shocks from www.woodlawnrv.com and get them for less than $50. 00 each and you might even get a them even lower if you mention you are a TDR Member.



the above link is correct and sometimes its out to lunch



<font color=red>Click on the Super Sale tab $48. 00 each</font>

 

[o_mccarroll]

I've got the RS9000's on my truck. I didn't care at all about adjustability... I just wanted to adjust them one time to get them where they felt right and leave them alone. A buddy of mine has them on his Ram for the purpose of setting the front shocks stiffer than the rear (to compensate for a ranchhand bumper, not to mention a 1000 lb motor )



Shocks are a very subjective thing, to be sure. I have been very happy with the 9000's so far.

 

[Cooker]

Woodlawn doesn't have the right part numbers for our Dodge on sale (at least not on their site). Maybe a call to them could would yield more info.



FWIW I'm considering Trailmaster SSV's or Bilsteins. I'm leaning toward the Trailmasters for the $40-$50 cost savings and they have been highly recommended by a few friends.

 

[DAWG-1]

I ran Skyjacker Nitro shocks on my '95 with a stock suspension first, what a difference. The back end didn't jump around on expansion gaps or going over bridges anymore. A firmer ride.

On my 01. 5 I installed Skyjackers complete 2 1/2 lift kit with Nitro gas shocks. I would not recommend dual shock set up unless you have a heavy bumper or at least 35" tall tires. It is a bit too much shock. Nitros are a gas shock with 10 stage variable valving.