I need your help. Which shocks should I get?

[pwr2tow]

I like to keep my tires inflated to 80-85 PSI and that creates a rough ride. My truck sees more unloaded miles than towing miles.

It's not lifted and I use it for what it was designed for, highway use and towing.

I would like to change out my shocks to get a smoother ride. Is this do-able or is it a lost cause?

Which ones?

Thanks,
Windy <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

 

[SShafranko]

I bought Skyjacker nitrogen shocks 55,000 miles ago because i got them for $30 a piece. Doing it again soon and i'm getting Bilsteins.

 

[daytripper63]

What kinda truck? I run Bilsteins on my dually but I would never run the rear dually tires at 80psi The owners manual only recommends 45-55 and I usually leave the rear duallys at 55 and fronts at 70-80psi and watch for a even wear pattern in the tires

 

[PatrickHansen]

I got my Bilsteins from Geno's and they have made the ride 100% better than the heavy duty shocks that came on the truck.

 

[pwr2tow]

Signature.

 

[JHMiller]

Windy I also run my tires to or near sidewall pressure, 72K on the first set and I may get that on this set also, single tire 3/4 ton. Dodge suggestions are for a nice soft ride. I installed Rancho 9000/ in cab control but wouldn't do that again. With adjustable shocks there seems to be no progressive dampening, there doesn't need to be, your suppose to adjust to road conditions, speed, temperature, load, etc etc. You are the control and must screw with them constantly and it's hard to hit it just right but can be done. However, it is nice to be able to stiffen them up when loading the trailer.

I'll be installing Bilsteens this summer as they seem to get the best reports, not inexpensive but good shock are not cheap. Geno's is the best price I've found.

Stay with the stock length, not the ones made for stock or lifted trucks, I think they are blue boots but can't remember for sure. Give Bilsteen a call, they're very helpful.

Best of luck... John

 

[DaveHess]

Windy,

I installed the Bilstein 5100's on mine based on Geno's recommendation. If memory serves me, the yellow with blue boots Bilsteins are custom for our Dodges but the silver with black Bilsteins are more "general" shocks. One item that has always bugged me was I remember reading that the 5100's were not recommended for stock ride height. I read this after installing them. And after receiving the recomendation from Geno's garage. Be that as it may, the shocks have performed flawlessly and I believe they dampen my ride (at least) making it ride smoother than the stockers. The rear of my truck used to "dribble" over bumps in the road and that definately went away. The Bilsteins are so worth the money. One note here, that driver's side front shock is a @#$%! to get in and out. BTW, for tire pressure I run what is on the door post of the truck, 60 in the front and 70 out back. The tire inflation document that came with the owners manual recommends this inflation for fully loaded and 50 front and 40 out back unloaded. Just my . 07 cents!

 

[ENafziger]

The Lorenz 2. 25 kit would be an excellent choice for a mid-priced excellent quality suspension system.

--Eric

 

[Matt400]

I think the Bilstein H/D's is what you want but shocks can be subjective.

A good read on the subject can be found here:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ions-2003-2007/195908-shocks-ones-part-s.html

 

[Grizzly]

No one's mentioned Rancho Shocks.







Rancho shocks and struts for cars and trucks - Shockwarehouse.com

 

[TimothyLong]

I agree with Matt400. I put Bilstein 5100's on the front to replace Edelbrock IAS Performers when I put my leveling kit in. I'm still running the Edelbrocks in the rear mainly because they are custom tuned for the Dodges like the Bilstein H/D's. This set up is working really well for me and I'm running 60 psi in all 4 tires. The Edelbrocks are not that great for towing but work fine for moderate to heavy loading. However, the Bilstein H/D's I think would be a much better fit for you, especially for towing.