Shocks for my 2005 Dodge 3500 4WD SRW

[coobie]

I have a 2005 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab 4wd short bed SRW. I have 80K miles on it and the shocks are starting to feel soft.

I don't have a suspension lift, but I do have bigger tires (315s - H2 tires).

What shocks should I put on it?

Thanks
Darin

I have bilsteins on my 2004 Ram 4X4 diesel 2500 quab cab.I put them on at 20,000 miles,I now have 80,000 miles they still work great.On edit,I would also change your front steering damper shock.I see genos garage has them for $79 bucks.coobie.

 

[devildog1]

bought the Bilsteins here, Truck Accessories - Ultimate Auto Accessories
DevilDog

 

[RobertN]

Curious why you want a leveling kit?

I looked, but my truck sits level with wood, gravel in the bed, and when I hook up the 5th wheel.

With a leveling kit, wouldn't it be not level when the bed is full or if trailering?

FWIW, I had Rancho's on my last truck, the adjustable ones. Had an 11' Cabover camper. Never had to adjust the fronts after initial setting. Would turn the back shocks up when the camper was on. I had about 25k miles on them before selling the truck. Mine had knobs on the shocks; the more expensive version can be adjusted from in the cab.

I second the Bilstiens. I put them on my CC diesel at 30K miles. Made an incredible difference in ride handling and stability over the stock shocks. I have 70K on the truck now. I will be doing another set of bilstiens when I do the leveling kit.

Also have heard good things about Ranchos, but I do not have any experience with them.

-Keith

 

[RobertN]

Ok, here is a basic question. How do you tell when you need shocks? I think the front of my truck, at 129000 miles is getting bouncy.

What is best way to tell?

fwiw, mine is an '01 Dodge 2500 4x4 diesel

 

[medicshawn]

I have a similar truck except 2500 and long bed. I also have 315's and H2 rims and I just upgraded to the Bilsteins and they are performing well.

 

[KeithT]

Robert,

I have a buckstop bumper on the way for the front of my truck. Will add about 300# to the front. still debating a permanent winch verses a multi mount portable, either way looking at another 100#. Also plan to go up a size tire to 285-70-17s.with all of this I am going to install a cognito "leveling kit". It will replace the upper control arms and increase suspension travel (better ride) while allowing me to compensate for the extra weight and larger tires. I plan to keep the stock rake you describe by putting 1 1/2" spacers in the rear. Already have air lift air bags which raise the rear about an inch with just 10 PSI.

Thats the plan, when I get it done I will post some pics. -Keith

 

[ddivinia]

Robert,

I have a buckstop bumper on the way for the front of my truck. Will add about 300# to the front. still debating a permanent winch verses a multi mount portable, either way looking at another 100#. Also plan to go up a size tire to 285-70-17s.with all of this I am going to install a cognito "leveling kit". It will replace the upper control arms and increase suspension travel (better ride) while allowing me to compensate for the extra weight and larger tires. I plan to keep the stock rake you describe by putting 1 1/2" spacers in the rear. Already have air lift air bags which raise the rear about an inch with just 10 PSI.

Thats the plan, when I get it done I will post some pics. -Keith

I went with a warn multi-mount so I could go front or rear.

I guess I will be calling Genos and ordering some Bilsteins.

D.

 

[RobertN]

Interesting.

I have 285-16's(Cepek's). An extra 1.5" in the rear would really make me high for the 5th wheel. As it is the axles are flipped. And, after knee injuries, it is hard enough for my wife to get in/out of our basically stock truck.

I would be interested to find how the leveler improves the ride. I found the weight on the kingpin, even just from my 7500lb 5th wheel, makes my truck ride like a Cadillac

I have been really happy with Cepeks' from 4 Wheel Parts...

What are your thoughts on the airbags? Our 5th wheel RV is relatively light at 7500lbs. It just levels the truck out. Have run a 4400 mile trip to Texas and it did well, but I wonder if air bags might help ride quality.

Robert,

I have a buckstop bumper on the way for the front of my truck. Will add about 300# to the front. still debating a permanent winch verses a multi mount portable, either way looking at another 100#. Also plan to go up a size tire to 285-70-17s.with all of this I am going to install a cognito "leveling kit". It will replace the upper control arms and increase suspension travel (better ride) while allowing me to compensate for the extra weight and larger tires. I plan to keep the stock rake you describe by putting 1 1/2" spacers in the rear. Already have air lift air bags which raise the rear about an inch with just 10 PSI.

Thats the plan, when I get it done I will post some pics. -Keith

 

[Diamondpilot]

My feeling is if you need air bags you need a bigger truck. They are a band aid to mask something. Many like them but I am not a fan.

Chris

 

[thatguy]

Bilstein's seem to be the best thing going for the heavier trucks. Cost a bit more but hold up better.

I put the blue/yellow (standard height) bilsteins on my 2500/cummins 4x4 - I got them off ebay much cheaper than i found anyplace else (even with shipping)..

Brian