You guys were right!

[Pit Bull]

Put the new Bilsteins on today, Truck has 38K on it and based on how it now rides and handles the factory OEM shocks must of been worn out. Thanks for the advise.

 

[Bob Wagner]

how long did it take to install all 4 ?



Thanks,

 

[GFoley]

Installation

Bob,



I think I had all four done in 1. 5 hours using hand tools. The biggest PITA is being able to compress the new Bilstien when installing the fronts. I squeezed mine down with "550 cord". You may have to be more careful aroud the LF underhood if you have ABS, more stuff in the way.

I just test drove a new 350-0 6 speed and was really amazed at how much more bouncy the 02 truck was. Of course some of it was due to the empty 02 compared to mine. My running weight is between 7600# and 7700#.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I got two years and about 60k or so on my Bilsteins. The one thing that stands out though was not being able to get the lower spacer into the U shaped bracket because it was a fraction to wide. No room to pry or file so I had to unbolt the tower, pull that sucker out and file it.



Other than that, it depends on how much help and how much beer ya' got on hand.

 

[azcummins]

Big Toy-

Did you get the blue and yellow Blisteins?

How hard was it to get the old ones out/new ones in? I've just done minor Oil Change/Electrical work.



My 98 has 66k miles so I might ask for some new ones for Christmas. Anyone in the RMTDR wanna get some fresh New Belgium and take the task on with me?

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by azcummins

Big Toy-

Did you get the blue and yellow Blisteins?

How hard was it to get the old ones out/new ones in? I've just done minor Oil Change/Electrical work.



My 98 has 66k miles so I might ask for some new ones for Christmas. Anyone in the RMTDR wanna get some fresh New Belgium and take the task on with me?

Took it to the local mufler and shock place and they did it in 2 hours for $80. 00. To wet and cold here for me to be crawling around under the truck. The change to Bilstiens cost me $350. 00 including installation. Made a big difference in how it handles. Glad I did it

 

[azcummins]

Big Toy-

For $350, I take it that you replaced all 4? If my 98 hasn't done much hauling, is it worth replacing the back ones too?

 

[GFoley]

AZCummins,



I did all four even though I don't tow. My avg running weight is 7700#. I have never known of any shock mfgr sell shocks based on GVWR like Bilstien does. Valving makes a difference and once you experience new shocks you'll be glad you did too.

Mine is much smoother than before, and way more enjoyable than a new unladen truck.

 

[Pit Bull]

AZ

Sorry I forgot to answer your first question completely. Yes mine are the Blue/Yellow Bilsteins Part number BE5-2549 front and BE5-2550 rear, they are made for the 2500 and 3500 Dodge. I am sure you could get away with just replacing the fronts and then decide later on the need to replace the rears. I would buy them at Auto Zone so you don't have to pay twice for shipping if later you decide you need to replace the rears. I only saved $10. 00 ordering over the internet versus buying them at Auto Zone. Was not really worth the 3 day delay that came with the internet order, much less if there had been any problem with the shocks and I would of had to ship them back. I found out that Auto Zone carried them after I had ordered them from SHOX.com, other wise I would have gone to Auto Zone. Good luck, if you just replace the fronts let us know how that works out since you don't tow or haul it might ride just fine, if not you just go back and install new rear shocks. With shocks you just can have one new shock on the right side of the truck and a old one on the left, they have to be installed as pairs.

 

[jsimpson]

My wife's Tundra 4WD with TRD option has the blue and yellow Bilsteins, and I suspect that's one of the reasons it rides and handles so well!

 

[azcummins]

Big Toy-

What was your total cost? Do you think I'll get a better deal off the offroadwarehouse.com website where TDR members get a discount?



I'm going to look into replacing them with christmas money. Thanks for your help.

 

[Pit Bull]

Offroad is a better deal. My shocks cost me $269 delivered and $80. 00 to have them installed. Total $350. 00 that is for 4 shocks. hope this helps