2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Shocks and Front End Questions

[CrewCabDiesel]

Well being new to a 2nd gen truck, I have a few questions.



Is the 2nd gen trucks front supension a little on the cheap side (compared to a 1st gen) or am I imagening things ? I have read a bunch of posts about ball joints and the death wobble(which I got to experience the first night I drove my new truck ) . It was so bad I almost lost it on I75 just north of Kentucky. After I cleaned out my shorts I stopped at a tire store and bought a couple of new Michelins for the front, the old ones were shot and I also found out the wheels were loaded with Kentucky red clay. But more to the point I now have a 2001 3500 4X4 Quad Cab, with 89,000 miles, what neat things do I have to look foward to ? I can tell the front shocks are junk as well as the steering stabilzer shock and I need to know what is the best shock to get. I will primarily be driving on pavement(if you can call it that here in Michigan) and will on a rare occasion go off road, (no baja stuff) and I want a shocks that will hold up. So what is the best option for shocks ?

Kyle

 

[GMOSS]

IMHO Bilstien makes one of the best shocks for our trucks but are a bit pricey around $60. They provide a firm controlled ride. Rancho RS9000 is what I currently run on my 95 and they have 5 way adjustability, but after the initial setting I have not changed them since. Bilstien now has shocks for lifted trucks and that is what I will purchase next. The Rancho steering stabilizer works well and a definite step up from OEM.



Bilstien Front BE5-2549 Rear BE5-2550

Rancho Front RS9197 Rear RS9198 Stabilizer RS5404



Glen

 

[jsnyder]

Bilsteins!

Shop around and you should be able to find a set for under $200, front and rear. They have a lifetime warranty.



Jason

 

[SnoKing]

Rancho RS9000 are great for the rear because you can adjust them for the load. Front weight is fairly static. I put RS5000's on my front and RS9000's on the rear. Set at 1 empty and 4 or 5 with the 5er. SNOKING

 

[TPCDrafting]

I put Bilsteins on mine a few months back. They replaced the OEM's at 90k. They were really shot and the truck rode really bad. The new shocks made a world of a difference. I don't offroad either, and most rs9000 owners you talk to will say they set them up once and that's it. Some turn up the backs for trailers, then back down when not towing. Call Offroadwarehouse at 800-341-7757. They had a TDR discount a while back, mention it and you might get the same. I paid more than 200, but I have 4x4 and they were more than the 2x4 models.



You might also do a search for shocks, bilsteins, ranchos on here, there are many threads on this topic.

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by CrewCabDiesel
... So what is the best option for shocks ?
Kyle

Depends on what you want. If you are looking for a set of good shocks that will last a long time (like not show anywear in 75K miles), that will give a good ride, that you can install and forget, look at the KYB Gas-Ajust monotube shocks. I've had them on 3 vastly different vehicles ('84 200SX, '87 Formula 350, and my '98 Ram), and they've never shown any softening at 50, 60, 70K miles (and more). They can be had for $40-$45 each, IIRC.

I happen to still have the old set from my Ram (4x4 2500) if you wanted to try 'em out... . I replaced them on principle, but they are almost as good as new.

Fest3er

 

[jnlncn59]

Bilstiens

I just purchased a set of Bilstiens from Offroadwharehouse and they are still providing a TDR discount . Guy at Offroadwarehouse said Bilstiens were the best.