2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Shock Absorber Opinions Please

[DonTX]

My shocks have been on a loooooong time, think it may be time to replace them. What is the hot setup for new shocks these days, and where did you get them?

 

[B.G. Smith]

Don't know if they will fit but I have a set of OE shocks off a 99 drw 3500 that you cah have for the shipping. They have very few miles on them. bg

 

[JoshKelly]

Seems like most people are running the Bilstien 5100's around here. Some what pricey at about $75 / each but most say they are worth it. I'm currently in the market for shocks myself and I think thats the route I'm going to take.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Look at the Rancho 9000 series, 10 adjustable settings, lifetime warranty, about the same money as the Bilsteins.



Sam

 

[fest3er]

If you aren't looking for performance and don't necessarily want to spend top dollar, find a set of KYB Gas-Ajust monotube shocks. They won't wear out. I have about 170K on mine now and they've barely loosened up.

Actually, any monotube design shock from any reputable manufacturer should last a very long time. I've been using KYB for years and I'm still happy with their quality and their prices.

 

[skorski]

shocks

Try the tire rack I just ordered a set 0f 4 for $268. 55 thats $63. 00 each and $16. 00 shipping.

 

[DonTX]

I am too old and stupid to have something that you have to tune for the ride. The Bilstein 5100 appears to be more for off road use etc. All I want is a comfortable ride on the highway. My goodness, even shock absorbers have gone so high tech it takes a genius to operate them! Jeez!

 

[fest3er]

Geez. Look what happens when you don't have to buy something for 8 years. The prices go up. ShockWarehouse has KYBs at about $250 for the set of four. Hmmm, Well, then again, I dunno. Maybe I did pay around $50 each the last time. Many auto parts stores carry them as well.

They are not adjustable. Install, forget, and drive.

Again, do NOT get the cheap GR2 twin-tube model; they'll last about until you sneeze next. You want the GasAjust (these links are for a '98):
KYB shocks and struts for cars and trucks - Shockwarehouse.com
KYB shocks and struts for cars and trucks - Shockwarehouse.com

And you prolly don't want the adjustable MonoMax model, either: too high-tech for you.

 

[CCiatteo]

I bought the blue/yellow bilstiens on special from Eshock.com and the total to my door was $215+ shipping. Don't know if that deal is still going on, but I love the shocks either way.

Chris

 

[Bob4x4]

The blue and yellow Bilsteins are great for the mostly on road guys that are looking for a modest improvement in ride quality. If you need more step up to the 7100s at least

 

[BDaugherty]

Do not buy ProComp ES3000s. I had some on my '00 and it was a waste of $$. If I had it to do again, it would be either the Bilsteins or budget Gabriel gas charged shocks.

 

[diesel DOG]

Just replaced my Bilsteins 75,000 on them which were good but rubbers were gone on top. I just put some Monroes on there and they are nice also and made in the USA.

 

[DonTX]

I was crawling around under her today, and it has blue and yellow Bilsteins on it! I can look at the papers, but just how long are they good for anyway?

 

[HBarlow]

I don't know the answer to your question. I installed a set of blue and yellow Bilsteins on my '01 Ram dually at about 65,000 miles, probably in 2002, because the OEM shocks were worn out. I sold the truck at 325k miles and occasionally still drive it including a few months ago. Still has the same Bilsteins on it that I installed years ago and they still work, If their dampening has deteriorated I don't notice it. For normal highway use including heavy towing they are unbeatable and seem to never wear out.

 

[DIESELWRKS]

I currently have the 5100's my complaint is with my 6" lift they are not the right ones for the lift kit should have went with at least a 2. 0 shock this is what I'm looking at doing now is replacing my 5100's and the other thing is my 5100's are a buffed/polished looks great new but after a year the surface of the shock has really started to tarnish and look like hell. I should have coated them prior to install. I dont know maybe its just my 5100's due to coast and sand.



2002 HO 6-SPD LB 4X4 QC HTT 62/14 SB-FE TST PM3/*REVO-BETA*SMARTY MACH 4'S, RINGED AND STUDS, AFE/2 " FTE 6" STACK D/PRICOL GAUGES, FASS 150, VULCAN 1/2 DRAW-STRAW, 3/8 FUEL LINE, DSS-TRAC-BAR STEER-BOX, AIR BAGS,17'' KMC BLACK HOSS, 315/70/17 MICKTHOM MTZ'S 6" RCD LONG ARM LIFT. :-laf... THANKS RIP Source Automotive Performance Diesel - Offline

 

[DonTX]

OK, thanks, I guess I am just looking for something to improve, and there is no real improvement to be had. i don't think the ride is bad, just looking for an easy way to make it better.

I don't know the answer to your question. I installed a set of blue and yellow Bilsteins on my '01 Ram dually at about 65,000 miles, probably in 2002, because the OEM shocks were worn out. I sold the truck at 325k miles and occasionally still drive it including a few months ago. Still has the same Bilsteins on it that I installed years ago and they still work, If their dampening has deteriorated I don't notice it. For normal highway use including heavy towing they are unbeatable and seem to never wear out.

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

billsteins

Billsteins 7100's are the way to go for your set up.

 

[Hammer]

Best shock for a 2wd truck in my opinion is Edelbrock's Performer IAS series. I had them on my 4wd until I lifted it some and they didn't make them to fit. I went with the 5100's and it was the worst mistake of my life and I am stuck with 6(double shocked up front) of them until they wear out. In one winter here in PA the fininsh has gone from them and even an atempt at polishing them was futile. As for the ride,for them money I spent on the 5100's I should have spent a tad more and went with Fox. King or Sway-A-Way at then I would have been given a better ride and gotten a finish which would have been easy to maintain... ... . Andy

 

[DonTX]

How do I tell if I already have them? Mine are yellow and blue, but have a part number on them, did not see any 5100 or 7100 numbers.

Billsteins 7100's are the way to go for your set up.

 

[firefighter_2000]

Bilsteins

I have a set of the yellow/blue Bilsteins on my 99. Huge improvment on the ride. I bought the set when genos garage had them on special for buy three get one free. Paid about 200 total including shipping for them. I feel like I got a good deal and a great ride.

Craig