2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Shocks

[RClark]

About 18,000 miles ago I listened to someone and replaced the shocks on my truck with Bilsteins. Maybe I should have gone with Ranchos or Monroes.

Don't these thinge ever break in and softenup?

When I run empty it is almost like i have no springs, very stiff.

Anybody had this problem and what did you do?

I hate the thought of changing them again.

 

[Jim McCarty]

They will never be as soft as stock shocks because they dampen both compression and rebound. I've had mine for 60k to 70k miles and they're about like when I first put them on. I don't ever run empty though. Let me know if you're thinking of getting rid of them, as I might know someone who could use them.

 

[DPelletier]

That's interesting. I was considering Bilsteins for the front of my '03 dually. I'm running the stock shocks up front and the Rancho RS9000x's on the rear because of my slide in camper. The Rancho's are good for the camper because they provide much needed increased dampening for sway control on level 9 and yet have a softer than stock ride on level 1. I was going to go with Bilsteins on the front because my front axle weight only changes by a couple of hundred pounds and everyone seems to like them. Ranchos aren't necessarily the best shock ever produced, but the adjustable feature is nice sometimes. Maybe I'll rethink the Bilsteins and go with another set of Rancho's up front too.



Dave

 

[y-knot]

The Bilstien are not bad shocks, they are just a little firmer then what you are use to. They do sell two versions for the Dodge, the smart thing to do might be too buy the lighter rated ones instead of the over 8800lb ones. This would make for a better ride. I never said Bilstien was the best shock available, they are a good shock and many buy them, but they are stiffer then stock. Most people on this site are not curious en ought to venture out on their own and try something completely new, so it's follow the leader and who has them the cheapest. I think there are plenty of good shock choices out their, Edelbrock has the ISA and Extreme travel off road shocks, Rancho has the RS5000,7000,9000,9000X and RSX all are very good except for the 5000, I have had trouble with them leaking. I would stay away from off brand shocks like Skyjacker, Tuff Country and so forth, never heard anything good from them. There are also a very long list of higher end shocks, these have the advantage of being re-valveable and re-buildable, also many have pressure adjustment which can be made. The leaders in this group are Bilstien, Fox,King ,Pro comp, and Edelbrock with the last two being more of a lower end upstart shock.

 

[pwerwagn]

Y-Knot is right. There is nothing wrong with Bilsteins. A monotube gas shock is totally different in design than your conventional rancho or other shock. It may be slightly more stiff (unless possibly you try the lighter version as he suggested), yet I feel like they add more control. more rebound and more compression damping. Control is a good thing in a 8,000lb truck if you ask me.

When you start talking rancho and monroe around fox and king shock guys they just laugh at you. that is because the technology is outdated. In my opinion, the bilstein is abetter shock all around. I have not had the RS5000's leak regularly, but I have gotten one set hot enough after a hard romp session to turn the rod slightly blue and melt the seal completley.

My . 002.

 

[Bloomy]

RClark,



It is a common misconception when people say the ride with the Bilsteins is better. Better means different things that you have already found out. They weren't designed to be softer than stock. When I say better I mean: as said earlier, better rebound and compression. Much firmer ride on the rough stuff. Stiffer better handling steering. When I hit a bump on a turn the front end doesn't bounce sideways or float around. . When towing or hauling very little roll and better stability. When anybody asks me about shocks I will tell them to go with the Bilsteins but the ride will be stiffer if they don't want that get something else. I have never had any good luck with Rancho's. Broken adjustment knobs, leaky seals and poor life. Fairly certain that I won't ever buy another set.



Thomas

 

[jandtjil]

Sounds like the perfect reason to buy an aftermarket rear bumper to me.

 

[GRhoades]

I just put Monroe Gas Magums on my 97 3500 4x4 and like them very much. j u

 

[LarryWard]

shocks and springs-T-Rex for 4x4

T-Rex has a coil spring and Bilstein shock package for 4x4 , I think for $350. Thinking of doing it but would first like to hear any opinions or experience with it.

 

[JPittinger]

I have the TRex springs and Bilsteins, sort of their leveling kit. Made a huge difference on the unmaintained dirt road I live on. The progressive spring rate is a noticeable (and welcomed) difference, and you can feel the front end moving farther than before on the larger bumps. You won't be jumping it like the real TRex guys, but I think its a good start. One drawback was that I got DeathWobble, so GET IT ALIGNED after the install.

 

[RClark]

They will never be as soft as stock shocks because they dampen both compression and rebound. I've had mine for 60k to 70k miles and they're about like when I first put them on. I don't ever run empty though. Let me know if you're thinking of getting rid of them, as I might know someone who could use them.

I should have 4 at the end of next week. . 2002 3500 2WD