What Shocks Are best

[DrLewie]

My F 250 6.4 diesel has 115k miles and still running on the original shocks. I have it serviced at the dealer, and recently I've asked the service manager about replacing the shocks and he says they don't need to be replaced until they leak. Since I tow a 12k lb 5er I wonder if thats good advice. And if I do decide to change them, are OEM shocks better than a brand like Koni or one of the other makers?

[DrLewie]

Of course I meant Best, no Vest. Big fingers, small phone.

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by DrLewie

Of course I meant Best, no Vest. Big fingers, small phone.

Fixed.

[jrk341]

I have had good luck with Bilstein's. When my truck needs shocks that is what I will put on it.

[primo20]

bilstein or fox

[NMWildcat]

Bilstein 4600 for stock height trucks, 5100 for up to 2" lifts. I've had folks who are supposed to know better tell me the same thing about when to replace shocks. They are wrong. I'm betting when you replace yours you will notice such a difference when towing that you will be kicking yourself

[slide5r4fun]

Replaced my OEM shocks with Bilstein's just after 100k miles. Notable improvement in ride, both when towing and not.

[primo20]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Bilstein 4600 for stock height trucks, 5100 for up to 2" lifts. I've had folks who are supposed to know better tell me the same thing about when to replace shocks. They are wrong. I'm betting when you replace yours you will notice such a difference that you will be kicking yourself

you can also use the 5100 for non lifted/levelled trucks. they would be my recommendation over the 4600. i think the 4600 is the stock shock in the new Ram offroad package in the 2500, but i beleive the valving if a bit stiffer in the 5100 if i recall correctly.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by primo20

you can also use the 5100 for non lifted/levelled trucks. they would be my recommendation over the 4600. i think the 4600 is the stock shock in the new Ram offroad package in the 2500, but i beleive the valving if a bit stiffer in the 5100 if i recall correctly.

I used to think that, but couldn't get a decisive answer from forums, so I called Bilstein and they said the internals were exactly the same. But you are correct, 5100s can be used on stock trucks, they just cost a tad more.

[primo20]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

I used to think that, but couldn't get a decisive answer from forums, so I called Bilstein and they said the internals were exactly the same. But you are correct, 5100s can be used on stock trucks, they just cost a tad more.

perfect good to know. ok, i still recommend them because they are not yellow and blue? lol!

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by primo20

perfect good to know. ok, i still recommend them because they are not yellow and blue? lol!

True!! They are a better color combo.. silver and black I think

[itat]

The 5100s look nicer but that’s the only difference for a stock height truck. Fox shocks are quite a bit pricier but are supposed to give a softer ride when unloaded. I don’t have any first hand experience with either but will eventually put Bilsteins on my F-250 when I’ve put a lot more miles on it. I only have 20,000 miles on it so far. If I were doing off-roading, I could justify the extra cost of the Fox shocks.

[spydunks]

I have Bilsteins on my F150 and it was a huge improvement over stock. I did switch to some fox coil-overs on the front and don’t like the ride (way too stiff).

[DrLewie]

Thanks for the responses. It sure sounds like Billsteins are the way to go.

[LandPirate]

Bilstein 5100's are the way to go. Significant ride improvement over stock. Stock shocks only dampen one way. Bilstein's dampen both directions and they are under 360psi gas charge. This is important when trying to tame big heavy truck tires/wheels and unsprung weight. I ran them on my previous GMC 2500HD. Made a huge difference.

[cpaulsen]

Have had good luck with my Fox BDS shocks

[kamper00]

Originally Posted by jrk341

I have had good luck with Bilstein's. When my truck needs shocks that is what I will put on it.

X2

[BandJCarm]

Have a terribly bumpy ride.......and have had since I got the 5er. I have tried about everything. I changed to Bilsteins and to be perfectly honest, I noticed no difference. Since everyone else does, I figure it's something to do with my setup, or something. The only thing that has truly made a noticeable difference in towing smoothness has been the Independent Suspension.

[Jim34RL]

Originally Posted by BandJCarm

Have a terribly bumpy ride.......and have had since I got the 5er. I have tried about everything. I changed to Bilsteins and to be perfectly honest, I noticed no difference. Since everyone else does, I figure it's something to do with my setup, or something. The only thing that has truly made a noticeable difference in towing smoothness has been the Independent Suspension.

What are you using for tires on your truck?

I have found that tires and the air pressure in the tire makes a tremendous difference on ride comfort. Both towing and none towing driving situations.

For my summer towing tires I run the tires at less air pressure than the factory TPMS settings are set for. The tires provide a more comfortable ride at the lower tire pressure than the than factory tires at the maximum air pressure.

My tires are LT285/70R 17E 126S Nitto Dura Grappler tires. At 80 PSI the tires will support a load of 3750 LBS each. When towing I normally set the rear tires at 70 PSI which will support a load of 3415 LBS and the front tires are set at 55 PSI which supports a load of 2890 LBS. When I am not towing the front and rear tires are air down to 50 PSI which supports a load of 2755 LBS.

My winter tires are LT265/70R/17/E Michelins M/s2, the front are aired to 60 PSI and the rear are aired to 45PSI. No weight is carried in the bed during the winter months.

[NMWildcat]

Forgot to mention that I have usually gotten best prices/deals at shock warehouse over the years. And they have been very knowledgeable about helping myself and others in making shock decisions for specific applications.

http://www.shockwarehouse.com