Shocks for 3500 '04

[GJolicoeur]

I have a 2004. 5, 4WD, 3500 quad cab pickup. I've upgraded in the past with my 1st and 2nd gens to Edelbrock IAS shocks. They only have a listing for the HD 2500 4WD for my model year.



Does anyone know if there are any differences between the 2500 and 3500 setup? I seem to recall that the running gear was the same and so would expect that the suspension would be too (except for the spring rates).



I really liked the dynamic valving feature and would like to replace my stockers at 51,000 miles here.

 

[HOBrian]

If your 3500 is a single wheel truck than yes they will bolt right on.

 

[Matt400]

I have a 2004. 5, 4WD, 3500 quad cab pickup. I've upgraded in the past with my 1st and 2nd gens to Edelbrock IAS shocks. I really liked the dynamic valving feature and would like to replace my stockers at 51,000 miles here.

Did you like the empty or loaded ride?

I have been looking for a shock like the Monroe Sensa-Trac that has position sensitive dampening so when there is a load in the bed the dampening is more stiff than when unloaded when the shock is more extended, trouble is they don't make it for my truck.

 

[GJolicoeur]

The Edelbrocks worked just fine - the 3/4 and 1 ton setup are the same. I've had 3 sets of them now and they work really well compared to stock - Especially when it's empty. The stock shocks were always heavy to control loads and since they didn't have dynamic valving, they made the empty bed ride stiff and springy over bumps.



I had one set of the Monroe's - my experience was that they were not as sensitive as the Edelbrocks. Also, they were all worn out well before 50,000 miles while my Edelbrocks lasted past 75,000.



The shocks (Monroe's and Edelbrocks) have speed sensitive valving. Fast moves in the suspension (big bumps, high speeds) cause the shock to open a larger orifice allowing greater movement so the suspension can absorb the bump. Translation - you coffee doesn't end up on your windshield.



At slower speeds, over small bumps (think speed bumps in parking lots), or with rocking from a heavy load (or that camper out back), the shocks squeeze their oil through a smaller orifice making them much stiffer - dampening the load. They also work at reducing sway from side winds.



I had a problem with my travel trailer rocking being transferred to the truck moreso than in my '97 and found out that my '04 didn't have an anti-roll bar in the rear like the '97 did. Dodge had redesigned the '04 with the shocks further out, and reasoned they didn't need the anti-roll bar.



I missed the control that bar gave when I was towing, so I installed a Hellwig and now I'm all better. That and the Edelbrocks were an important upgrade for my rig.



Good luck!

 

[Geno's Garage]

I have a 2004. 5, 4WD, 3500 quad cab pickup. I've upgraded in the past with my 1st and 2nd gens to Edelbrock IAS shocks. They only have a listing for the HD 2500 4WD for my model year.



Does anyone know if there are any differences between the 2500 and 3500 setup? I seem to recall that the running gear was the same and so would expect that the suspension would be too (except for the spring rates).



I really liked the dynamic valving feature and would like to replace my stockers at 51,000 miles here.

According to our application guide for another brand of shock, There is no difference between 2500 & 3500 trucks. The difference is in the suspension heights between 2WD & 4WD. The 3rd GEN, at least through 2007 (2003-2007) trucks have only two different applications, 2WD or 4WD. Hope this helps.



~Andy

 

[Matt400]

According to our application guide for another brand of shock, There is no difference between 2500 & 3500 trucks. The difference is in the suspension heights between 2WD & 4WD. The 3rd GEN, at least through 2007 (2003-2007) trucks have only two different applications, 2WD or 4WD. Hope this helps.



~Andy

Hey Andy, many of us with 4x4's have removed the factory rear lift blocks to level the truck and help with 5th wheel issues.

Do you think a 2wd rear shock should be used on the rear of the 4x4's that have these removed?

On mine 1-1/8" was removed so the shock mounting is tighter by that much.



PacBrake now recommends 2wd bags on 4x4's that have those blocks removed.

 

[Geno's Garage]

Hey Andy, many of us with 4x4's have removed the factory rear lift blocks to level the truck and help with 5th wheel issues.

Do you think a 2wd rear shock should be used on the rear of the 4x4's that have these removed?

On mine 1-1/8" was removed so the shock mounting is tighter by that much.



PacBrake now recommends 2wd bags on 4x4's that have those blocks removed.

These are just speculative ideas. We don't work on the trucks (other than our own) so hands-on information is limited. Mostly, our info is for stock applications, and info on trucks modified from stock is based on personal experience, and from talking to other truck owners. That said, anything given as an example is for illustrative purposes only, and may, or may not, apply to your specific needs.



We were discussing your question, and we agree that the 2WD shock will probably NOT work. You've only lowered the rear about 1". We're not sure, but we believe the rear of some of these 4WD trucks to be maybe 3"-4" higher than a 2WD. If there is that much difference between the 2WD & 4WD trucks, reducing the 4WD height by only 1" may cause a 2WD shock to "hang" on upward suspension travel.



I'd suggest checking with a reputable 4x4 shop in your area, since they have far more experience with modified height vehicles than we do. They can probably determine how much suspension travel you will have, and suggest a suitable shock.



Hope this helps.



~Andy

 

[Matt400]

If someone with a 3rd gen 4x2 would throw a tape across the rear installed shock length we would know for sure.



edit -

The installed lenght on a 3rd gen 2500 4x4 with blocks removed is 22. 5"