Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) ??'s on Shocks

[Dutch & Di]

​

1996 3500 Standard Cab dually



Well have 265,000 miles on the old girl and one of our front shocks has started to leak. Can't rely on anything:-laf

We need info on OEM or aftermarket shocks.

Being an RV'er towing a heavy 5th wheel we need some help when empty. Better ride, less standard wheel base chop. Don't need better handling; need smoother ride. Any suggestions?? Thanks, Diana

 

[kenny61]

​

1996 3500 Standard Cab dually



Well have 265,000 miles on the old girl and one of our front shocks has started to leak. Can't rely on anything:-laf

We need info on OEM or aftermarket shocks.

Being an RV'er towing a heavy 5th wheel we need some help when empty. Better ride, less standard wheel base chop. Don't need better handling; need smoother ride. Any suggestions?? Thanks, Diana

I am a big fan of KYB's hate Monroes. Many here like the Billsteins

 

[Missouri Mule]

I'm running Rancho 5000s on the front and Rancho 9000s on the rear. The 9000s are adjustable. ( I believe they have 9 settings now. When I bought mine they only had 5 settings. After many years one shock is stuck on heavy duty which is OK with me. )



I don't pull much I do carry produce in the bed and occasionally pulled a small utility trailer behind the Mule.

 

[hsmith]

You'll be pleased with the Billsteins, priced right from Geno's.

 

[Skydiver]

Dirrgang, I am all for the better ride. I understand the expensive shocks will help with body roll, but the ride becomes more firm.

9 years ago I went to sears and had their cheapest shocks installed. Lifetime warranty on parts AND labor. I watched them do the work and All is well.

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

Bilsteins

Go with them! And you will be a happy camper! Geno's

 

[LBARTLETT]

had Bilsteins, then went to Monroes as I couldn't wait to order, taking the Monroe's off after 30k and going back to Bilsteins



way to much bounce with the Monroes

 

[budnate]

my 2 cents I ran the gas magnum Monroes on my last 4wd 98 12V drove awsome even towing a car trailer loaded, went down the road smooth unloaded, and it was the 8800gvwr truck.



got another one same gvwr, 12V 4wd, installed the Billstiens as everyone here raved about them , I think it drives a little to stiff for daily unloaded driving.

 

[fest3er]

KYB Gas-Ajust monotube shocks. Firmer than stock/OEM, but not performance stiff. An added benefit is they simply do not wear out. Were you anywhere near Roanoke, VA, and the shocks from my '98 would fit your truck, I'd loan you my extra set: 70K miles, replaced 'on principle'. Still almost as good as new. The replacement set now has 170K mile with no indication they've 'gone soft'.

Be aware. The KYB GR-2 is a twin-tube shock, is not nearly as good, and will fail PDQ. You want the Gas-Ajust monotube shocks.

 

[Hammer]

The best OEM sized shock(meaning for a non lifted truck) that I ever have used by far was the Edelbrock Performer IAS hands down. There has been no shock since I have removed them that has ever come close to their ride and stability. I would still have them on if I would not have leveled the front and raised the back of my truck. At the time they made no shocks for lifted trucks.

 

[JDKammin]

I have Bilsteins on my 96 and 04 Dodge. The 04 has the Kore leveling springs and have had people comment on how nice the truck rides. A friend was complaining about how his 99 Ranger rode and had put some cheap shocks on the truck. I ordered in a set of Bilsteins and he put them on a couple of nights ago. His first comment to me the next morning, was "thank you, thank you, thank you. " He could not believe how nice the truck rides with the Bilsteins.