2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Shocks

[rdraves]

I have been told that is a waist of time replacing the front shocks on a 2002 with 300K. Question, have I been led astray?

 

[ewcmr2]

Yes.
O. E. shocks at 50k are most likely junk.

 

[goodguys75]

I have been told that is a waist of time replacing the front shocks on a 2002 with 300K. Question, have I been led astray?

whoever told you that should be shot... any shock no matter how good or bad, will go bad over the years

 

[HBarlow]

I'm not sure what you meant. Are you asking if it is a waste of time to replace OEM shocks at 300k miles because new shocks won't make a difference or because the front end of the truck is worn out at 300k miles?

New quality shocks will definitely make an improvement. As ewcmr2 said, OEM shocks are junk by 50k miles.

 

[Tractorat]

Although we all know differently, could it be that they were trying to say it is a waste of time to replace the shocks on any truck with over 300k thinking the new shocks would be worth more than the value of the truck ?

 

[rdraves]

I was told by the Chrysler dealership where I bought the truck that shocks on the diesels performed no benefit. My front end has been kept up and is in good shape. Thanks

 

[goodguys75]

I was told by the Chrysler dealership where I bought the truck that shocks on the diesels performed no benefit. My front end has been kept up and is in good shape. Thanks

so take your shocks out and have them take a look at it... see what they say

 

[HBarlow]

I was told by the Chrysler dealership where I bought the truck that shocks on the diesels performed no benefit. My front end has been kept up and is in good shape. Thanks

The person who told you that is a fool.

 

[LRutigliano]

I put 24k hard miles (4100lb camper in the bed) and 11k 5er (approx 3k in the bed) on my stock shocks. Before the Timbrens, the rear shocks and suspension got severely compressed...



When I removed my stock shocks, I could compress them w/o any effort. I could barely compress the replacements even with all of my weight bearing down on them.



I got KYB Monomax's and am very happy with them.



If you replace them, go with a high quality shock (not Monroe)... Bilsteins or KYB's are a good choice.



Shocks wear out...

 

[JMcCoy]

so take your shocks out and have them take a look at it... see what they say

I would not bother taking it to someone who already proved he knows nothing about vehicles or vehicle parts. Your stock shocks are twin-tube shocks (poor quality). Like stated above, A good qualty mono-tube shock is the way to go. My Edlebrocks have been great. I'm sure a good mono-tube KYB or Bilstein will be just as good. Rancho just came out with a mono-tube shock that i'm sure will also be good. No doubt it will be an improvement on the old 5000 and 9000 series, which were twin-tubes and lack the internal self adjusting valving of a monotube shock. Please keep us posted on your choice and results.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I was told by the Chrysler dealership where I bought the truck that shocks on the diesels performed no benefit. My front end has been kept up and is in good shape. Thanks

And they're a dealer? :shakemyhead: It's a wonder they can even sell trucks. Hell, it's a wonder they don't forget to breathe, if they're really that dumb. I wouldn't let them service my sewer lines, if I were you.....



Well, good for me and the boys in the shop. We fix all the dealer's screw ups, and business is good. Sad that the people that sell 'em can't fix 'em. Cheap shocks don't last very long on the diesels, usually, so don't go the cheap route if you do fix it... . as mentioned above, the Bilstiens and such are excellent shocks..... I've had good luck with Monroe on fronts for 2wd application, but not on rear for a heavy tower. I don't know anything about the new Rancho's..... I've had good luck with the older ones if you weren't loaded too heavy... . but it's hard to beat a good pair of Bilstiens, IMO, for the money, anyway.

 

[CAPTPHIL]

Bilsteins 680000 mi. replaced bushings at 550000 mi. They have Lifetime Warranty that they Honor. I have had one claim in over 40 years.
Good Luck Capt Phil TDR member 1998

 

[ESwartzer]

A quote from judge Judy

Beauty is temporary stupid is forever. That applies to the person who told you that front shocks are worthless on a diesel, STUPID. I agree with the others, put a good set of Bilsteins on and you will be much happier and safer.

 

[rdraves]

OK guys new shocks it will be. Besides Bilstiens, what is the general opinion of KYB's?

 

[HHhuntitall]

Not a lot of experience with them, as they're not readily available through parts houses around here, but what little experience I do have, they seem to be excellent shocks. I bought a used truck that needed a new injection pump, '98 24v quad cab, 4x4, and they were on it for at least 50k miles before I got it. Another 8-10k before I sold it, and they were still working good with SuperCoil SSC23 front spings on it..... got to be good to stand up to the weight of the truck, added spring capacity, and all the weight from front bumper and winch... ... .

 

[LRutigliano]

OK guys new shocks it will be. Besides Bilstiens, what is the general opinion of KYB's?

Maybe you missed my post... I have them on the 03 3500 and the 02 Durango and really like them.