Need new shocks, what kind?

[Sixpac2]

Hi all, i have a 04. 5 Dually. Tow a 14k Hitch Hiker 5ver. and in the winter a slide in camper to hit the snow. My stock shocks seem to be shot. Today driving home from portland when I hit bridge joints or worse going thru seattle on the concrete slabs I am a bouncing pogo stick. I am slight nose down on the 5ver. I have around 2800 lbs pin weight. I am sitting on the overloads I'm sure they are bouncy. What are the shocks of choice for us 5ver / slide in camper guys. I know of Rancho and Bilstien. Thanks for any info.

 

[Slow Six]

I wanted Bilsteins for mine but they are 6-8 months away from production. I had to do something sooner and all I could find was the Monroe reflex shocks. I have not had a chance to tow my Citation yet but with the driving and hauling I have done so far they are a major improvement over the old stockers. I also have the Energy Suspension bump stops and I am happy with the improvment they made to ride and handling. I had Ranchos on my 94 and was not all that impressed with them so I did not even try to find any this time.

 

[Forrest]

My 5'er is only a 27'er ... a far cry from 14k :--) but I switched from Rancho 5000s to 9000s. The 5000s were great for towing, but too stiff for solo. I set the rears for #1 solo & #5 towing. Settles down the bouncing really well. I'd say they're over 3 yrs old, still going strong ... no complaints.

 

[Sixpac2]

Slow Six, Can you tell me more about the bump stops? how are they different from the stock. are they longer. Thanks

 

[Slow Six]

Yes they are longer. They are about 21/2'' long compared to about 1/2" for the factory ones. They are made from polyurethane and have a hole at the contact end so there is some absorbency at the initial contact. They still have clearance from the overloads when truck is empty so empty ride is not affected. They also raise the loaded height a little so truck sits more level. I have a similar pin weight with my Citation. There was some discussion of these about a month ago and there was a little blurb in the TDR about them. If you want a part # I still have the container in the shop. They are easy to change as there is only one bolt on each one.

 

[BGlidewell]

Hi all, i have a 04. 5 Dually. Tow a 14k Hitch Hiker 5ver. and in the winter a slide in camper to hit the snow. My stock shocks seem to be shot. Today driving home from portland when I hit bridge joints or worse going thru seattle on the concrete slabs I am a bouncing pogo stick. I am slight nose down on the 5ver. I have around 2800 lbs pin weight. I am sitting on the overloads I'm sure they are bouncy. What are the shocks of choice for us 5ver / slide in camper guys. I know of Rancho and Bilstien. Thanks for any info.

get some airbags!

 

[CLAYTON]

Thats what I would recommend to is some airbags. You can raise it as high as you want with your 5th wheel and put more air in on one side for you camper if you need to. Plus it makes the ride a lot better. I would put airbags back on my truck in a heart beat. Try Suspensionconnection.com or Truckspring.com Looks like Suspensionconnection is a better deal right now cause they have free shipping.

 

[Sixpac2]

I talked to a couple of suspension companys today. While they sell shocks and complete kits springs ect, they said some better shocks would help (Bilstien 5100 or better 7100's) but the first thing to do is get some firestone bags. The main issue seems to be the weight on the over loads. They are acying like a spring board in the swimming pool. they are holding weight but just to much bounch on them. So i did order some bags from susprnsion connection today. It may be awile till we get the 5ver out but will keep informed. thanks

 

[Sixpac2]

Also have another ? when I get the bags on have any of you took the over loads off or at least one of them. ( mine has two) This was also mentioned so as if they do contact it will be softer and not push back as hard /?

 

[kelly4463]

I RUN MONROW REFLEX GREAT FOR TOWING I TOW A 14'000 5ER THE TRUCK RIDES NICE WITH OR WITH OUT 5ER Oo.

 

[CLAYTON]

I think that your still ok with the overloads on cause with the bags it won't touch anyway.