2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Shocks

[SAndreasen]

What shocks are you guys using need new rear ones on my 3500 dually

 

[GReed]

I had Rancho adjustable RS9000, IIRC, one on the rear went bad. Replaced them with Bilstein. No problems yet. KYB have good reviews. Normally a bit less $$ than Bilstein.

 

[NIsaacs]

I use Monroe Magnum from Napa. Keep in mind there is a difference on the rear between a dually pickup and the cab chassis.

Nick

 

[SAndreasen]

How do I tell if I have a cab and chassis

 

[DavidC]

Bilstein here

Dave

 

[NIsaacs]

Measure the wheel base. I think you have the quad cab? If so, the quad cab pickup is 155", the quad cab, cab chassis is 163". If you have the regular cab, the pickup is 135" cab chassis is 139"

Nick

 

[KATOOM]

Bilstein's or Rancho 9000's. But Bilsteins are the most popular and have the best reviews.

 

[JMcCoy]

You want a good mono tube shock like a Bilstein, Edelbrock, Pro Comp, Fox, and a few more. They are self adjusting with internal valving. Ranchos and Monroes, are a twin tube design. Twin tube shocks are cheaper to build, don't perform as well, and don't last as long. Under extreme conditions, mono tube shocks run cooler and will not overheat and fade as fast as twin tube shock will.

 

[klcammie]

Glad to hear Bilsteins have good review, just ordered two front and two rear from Geno's. Should be here next week.

 

[Joe Mc]

Bought Bilsteins back in 02, still smooth about 140k miles later. Only problem I ever had with them was when I got crazy last August and had metal & body work, paint done, they weren't as yellow as they used to be.... John Deer tractor yellow restored them like the rest of the truck. Again, still riding as smooth as when installed.

 

[klcammie]

Thanks feeling even better about my choice.

 

[KATOOM]

I agree that the cheaper Rancho's are not my first choice but I have to say that my Rancho 9000's have been on my truck for about 10 years performing as they should. I run the fronts at one setting all the time but the rears I change back and forth to a lighter setting unloaded and a stiffer setting loaded. But again, I dont think you'll go wrong with Bilsteins.

 

[petersonj]

Like Katoom, I had a complete set of Rancho 9000's for 180,000 miles and I operated them in the same manner as he did. I carried a 3000 lb slide in camper and the shocks worked very well for this application.

When I replaced the camper with a 5000 lb travel trailer, I replaced the shocks with Bilstein 4600's (the Ranchos were still fully functional). I now have 20,000 miles on the Bilstein's and I am very happy with them as well.

- John

 

[tfarnham]

I installed Bilstein 5100 series on our 98 3500 4x4 dually. Very happy with this choice.
Carry an Artic Fox 811 truck camper at 3400lbs or tow a 6000lb travel trailer.

 

[jeepit]

I had Bilstein's on for 2 weeks and sent them back. The ride was way to stiff unloaded.
Went with adjustable 9000 Rancho's. Much better ride and since I tow 2 different trailers and on occasion TC I am able to compensate for all.

 

[KATOOM]

I had Bilstein's on for 2 weeks and sent them back. The ride was way to stiff unloaded.
Went with adjustable 9000 Rancho's. Much better ride and since I tow 2 different trailers and on occasion TC I am able to compensate for all.

I'm glad you said this..... Because back when I replaced my OEM shocks, the place I went to didnt have Bilsteins but instead they carried the KYB Monomax's which were supposed to be identical to the Bilsteins in every way. Essentially KYB copied Bilsteins design.

So I after hearing how please people are with Bilsteins I installed the KYB's with high hopes. Well, what I ended up with is exactly as you described. The fronts did OK as the weight of the Cummins softened their ride, but the backs were CRAZY stiff. Basically the ride was best described as jarring when not towing or unloaded. So much so that after a few times of riding in the bed my big dog actually stopped wanting to come along. Thats no joke either..... Normally all I'd have to do is say lets go for a ride and he was more than eager to load up. With the KYB's on there he would look at me and just kinda sit down as if to say, no thanks, I'll just stay here. Anyone with a dog knows what I mean. Nonetheless, the ride was that bad.

After about 1000 miles I couldn't take it anymore so I took them off, returned them to the place of business and got the Rancho 9000's. The difference in ride quality was nothing short of night and day. I was thrilled and my dog fully approved. I've had them on this truck ever since and if they ever wear out I'll more than likely replace them with the same thing.

 

[Fire god]

Bilstein, and I've never looked back.

 

[Joe Mc]

klcammie, just remembered something I recall reading on TDR before I ordered my shocks, not sure if still applicable? The Bilstein top shock rubbers were a bit on the small side, the recommendation was to use existing shock top rubbers or buy new stock. I used the original ones, which are still holding up well.

 

[SAndreasen]

I installed Bilstein 5100 series on our 98 3500 4x4 dually. Very happy with this choice.
Carry an Artic Fox 811 truck camper at 3400lbs or tow a 6000lb travel trailer.

Thats what I'm looking for my bed weighs around 2500 pounds so I'm looking for some good stout shocks probly should run air bags to

 

[klcammie]

klcammie, just remembered something I recall reading on TDR before I ordered my shocks, not sure if still applicable? The Bilstein top shock rubbers were a bit on the small side, the recommendation was to use existing shock top rubbers or buy new stock. I used the original ones, which are still holding up well.

Just got my truck Tue. with the new Bilstiens installed so far like the ride and handling. Joe Mc don't know about the rubbers shop guy said he had no trouble changing shocks. Had all 4 done in leass then an hour.