Starting the shock discussion... again

[JKreiss]

So i'm thinking my bilsteins are shot already. I've had them on for about 30k, and am in no way faulting the shock. I'm faulting California's beautiful, well maintained roadways. I hadn't had death wobble in the 130k miles i've had the truck, but in the last month have been able to do it nearly on command. After reading for hours about death wobble (not trying to open that can of worms) i decided to get started. I replaced the tires yesterday with 285/75 17 Terra Grapplers. Amazing tire but i'm still getting a lot of bounce in the front end. I can feel the wobble trying to come back at any time. I have Carli's springs and the Bilstien 5100's. My question is, what's the latest and greatest for a solid heavy duty shock? Anybody running Fox? I'd hate to think i've got to replace these things this often but i'll do what i have to do. Thanks in advance.

 

[Regcabguy]

So i'm thinking my bilsteins are shot already. I've had them on for about 30k, and am in no way faulting the shock. I'm faulting California's beautiful, well maintained roadways. I hadn't had death wobble in the 130k miles i've had the truck, but in the last month have been able to do it nearly on command. After reading for hours about death wobble (not trying to open that can of worms) i decided to get started. I replaced the tires yesterday with 285/75 17 Terra Grapplers. Amazing tire but i'm still getting a lot of bounce in the front end. I can feel the wobble trying to come back at any time. I have Carli's springs and the Bilstien 5100's. My question is, what's the latest and greatest for a solid heavy duty shock? Anybody running Fox? I'd hate to think i've got to replace these things this often but i'll do what i have to do. Thanks in advance.

I think you've got worn steering components causing the dw. Thuren's got a great deal on tower's and Kings valved specifically for your needs. He's moving to Bend,Oregon soon.

 

[pullya]

You also might think about the "new" steering kit upgrade if you haven't done it yet. So far it has made more difference in curing my DW than any other changes I have made. I also changed the steering stablizer and pitnam arm when the new steering kit was installed. Also if you check your ball joints and they are bad I think that Carli has some sort of a deal on theirs if you buy both upper and lowers at the same time---like maybe a $100 off regular price.

Jay

 

[JKreiss]

What's the "new" steering upgrade? If you're referring to the dodge upgrade, i already have the Thuren steering kit which i will take anyday over dodge steering anything. As far as ball joints go, i'm going to place my order here in the next few days. I've had two sets of Moogs go down in less than 20k miles. Like i posted earlier, i don't put much blame on product integrity, i mostly blame California. It's almost criminal the way they've neglected the highways. These roads out here are pathetic and i think my truck takes pride in destroying front end components because she seems to to it quite effortlessly. Anyway so with ball joints out of the way, i'm going to get the steering stabilizer from Don and then go with Bilsteins again? I guess that's my only viable option. Thanks Jay for the help. Regcabguy, do you know how soon until Don moves or when he's going to put a hold on orders? Thank you also for the help.

 

[CAPTPHIL]

I have 640000 mil. on Bilsteins traveling I-95 Fl. to Maine and in and out NYC. Put 380000 on a set on 98 3500. Broke the shaft on one shock which they replaced at no charge. Every time I have had frontend problems, it has been ball joints, tierod ends,and A-arms.

Good Luck

 

[Tejasdge]

I'm very happy with my XRF ball joints. I replaced the stockers with XRF's at 140,000, and from the change, I should have done them much earlier.



I was disappointed in the on road ride of the Thuren suspension until I put on the XRF's. The BJ's were so loose that I was getting ancillary suspension movement on every bump. Now it is a very large and heavy sports car again.

 

[Bob4x4]

I would upgrade to a valvable pin top shock. That way you can get the valving for your specific use

 

[JKreiss]

Thank you everyone for the help. After crawling around the truck today, i'm thinking ball joints next followed by shocks. Bob do you recommend the King shocks or? I'm going to do my ball joints and see where that puts me. Until then, thanks again.

 

[Bob4x4]

Thank you everyone for the help. After crawling around the truck today, i'm thinking ball joints next followed by shocks. Bob do you recommend the King shocks or? I'm going to do my ball joints and see where that puts me. Until then, thanks again.

I know for me it would either be Kings or Bilsteins,at least 2. 5 in.

I know Carli was working on bringing out a 2. 65 Bilstein pin top. I don't know the progress on them. Right now the Bilstein is the most advanced shock design.

I have always had leak issues running Fox shocks.

 

[JKreiss]

Ok thanks Bob, i appreciate it. I'm only going to be able to probably swing one thing at a time. I'll give them a call about the ball joints and then talk to him about shocks. I was in this same spot 8 months ago and duped myself into the cheaper ball joints. I knew full well this day was coming:{