Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Shocks

[CBlack]

Looking at replacing the shocks on my truck.



Which shocks are the best for a 2WD? Genos carries Bilstein Blue/Yellow. Anyone have any experience with that model?

 

[drag racer]

No, but I just installed Rancho RSX 7000's today on mine. Nice looking shock for the $...

 

[DPadgett]

I have the Blue/Yellow Bilsteins, have had them a few years now and really like them. Bought some for my wifes 96 Landcruiser as well, definitely can tell a difference. I am pretty sold on Bilsteins

 

[FHerault]

I have the blue/yellow too, they seem to be very long lasting shocks but they seem to be very stiff too, unless you carry heavy loads... depends what you do with your truck.

Perhaps adjustable shocks would be great ?

 

[CBlack]

I don't carry heavy loads as of yet. At most it will be a 2400# payload... and that can be put on a trailer.

Adjustable shocks... where would I find those?

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

billsteins

The blue and yellow are good, buy them thru Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories – Geno’s Garage 1-800-755-1715

 

[MonkeyMagic]

I have the bilsteins (black & silver) on my short box... I find the rears to be very stiff, resulting in a very bouncy ride... could just be my rig. I talked to a Bilstein tech shortly after installing them, and he told me the rears are designed, or "tuned" for a truck with 600lbs in the bed. I will also say, I have no complaints on the rears when I am towning... they feel great... just not so much when roll'n emtpy.

 

[FHerault]

I agree with MonkeyMagic...

What about Rancho 9000 ? They are adjustable I think, but I don't really trust the little knob with the mud, salt ...

 

[OldRetiredAFGuy]

I just put Monroe Reflex's on the front of my new (to me) '98 12 valve 2500 2WD, and the Sensa-Tracs on the rear. The Reflex is a heavy duty, stiff shock made for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, which is the reason I use them under the Cummins. I wanted a softer ride on the rear, because my pasture is not noted for it's smoothness. I'm very pleased with the ride on all road surfaces, as well as in the pasture.
Same PN for the 2500 and 3500 2WD trucks.

Reflex PN: 911191
Sensa-Trac PN: 37103

 

[JMcCoy]

I have Edelbrocks on my '98 4X4. With no lift, It would bottom out on rail road tracks. I don't know If the shocks bottomed out, or if the truck would hit the bump stops. I installed a 2. 5" level kit and I no longer have the problem. The truck rides great now. I hear a lot of good things about bilstein. I ran them om my circle track car. Just make sure whatever shock you get Is a mono tube. All bilstein, edelbrock, fox, etc are. For thoughs that don't know mono tube and twin tube shocks look the same. Mono tube does not mean one shock. It is the system used to transfer fluid flow thus damped the vehicle. Mono tube shocks tend to run $90 and up per shock. Hope this helps.

 

[CBlack]

Thanks for the feedback from everyone. Seems I have some options at least.

 

[fest3er]

KYB GasAjust monotube shocks are reasonably firm and do not wear out; I've got 270K on mine and they're still working well. A cursory google search shows ShockWarehouse has a set of 4 for $233. They also have the KYB Monomax model available (complete set for $285); these are significantly stiffer.



I've used the GasAjust shocks and struts over the years on my RAM, F150, Formula 350 (shocks and complete front struts) and 200SX (shocks and front cartridge insert), and always got good service and a good ride from them; the rides on the Fireturkey and the 200SX were fantastic with them.



Don't even look at the GR2 model; they're twin-tube and wear out fairly quickly, as do all twin-tube designs. I made this mistake once on my F150.



KYB's phone service was quite good the time or two I called them, they gladly spent the time walking me through the models helping me determine which ones to buy, and then looked up a local retailer for me.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Rancho RS 5000

 

[Hammer]

For a 2wd...



Edelbrock Performer IAS.