Replacement Front shocks
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Tuned
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 332
Likes: 42
Replacement Front shocks
I need to replace my front shocks, but not sure if I should go with aftermarket or OEM shocks. If possible I want to replace them with something that would offer improved ride quality. The ride height is factory and I will be towing with it. Any comments would be appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 294
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From: Orlando, FL
I went with aftermarket. I just replaced the rancho front shocks in my truck. I didn't do fancy. I went with the Gabrielle Max Control Shock available from your local auto zone. I know a lot of the guys on here swear by the bilstein 5100 series. It also depends on what is stock or OEM for your truck and what you plan on doing with it. I have a fx4 offroad so it came with Rancho shocks as OEM. From what I understand the non offroad came with different shocks. As far your plans for the truck. Do you want to offroad. You plan on towing.... if so how much. Are you talking a 3k lawn and landscape trailer and/or motorcycle trailer OR are you planning a 14k 30 foot fifth wheel.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: AB,Can
Billstein Leveling kit including 2 front coils and all 4 - 5100 series shocks. One of the best things I ever did to this truck for ride improvement! No more banging and klanging going over railroad tracks etc.... I don't go mudding, I use my truck to tow a 35' travel trailer with a 2 place quad deck and quads on the back and it is my daily driver.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,739
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From: Virginia beach, VA
I'm sure Bilsteins are better, but I was on a budget and got some Skyjacker Hydro shocks for half the price. They were still a huge improvement over stock. More control over bumps, and much less body roll around corners.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 332
Likes: 42
I also have the Fx4, and am planning on towing a 40ft fifth wheel toy hauler. The rest of the suspension is stock except for ball joints and tie rods ends. I may go offroad but not that often, so I am planning on leaving it at the stock ride height.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 332
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Has anyone used the 5100s on a truck with the stock ride height?
It looks like the 5100s are for trucks with at least 1 inch of lift. If they won't work with a stock ride height, are the other billstein shocks as good.
It looks like the 5100s are for trucks with at least 1 inch of lift. If they won't work with a stock ride height, are the other billstein shocks as good.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 137
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From: Tampa
Billstein Leveling kit including 2 front coils and all 4 - 5100 series shocks. One of the best things I ever did to this truck for ride improvement! No more banging and klanging going over railroad tracks etc.... I don't go mudding, I use my truck to tow a 35' travel trailer with a 2 place quad deck and quads on the back and it is my daily driver.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: AB,Can
Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873
I had to order mine from a Bilstein distributor in British Columbia because he was the closest distributor for me here in Alberta.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 332
Likes: 42
I have found these (33-187297 front and 24-186025 back) belsteins that will work with the stock ride height, has anyone tried these. I want to try and leave the height stock, because I am planning towing and want the best ride possible.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: AB,Can
The leveling kit works great for towing bud..... I have a 35' bumper tow that comes it around 8,000lbs and I also throw a Canam 800 Outlander ATV (about 700lbs with gear) onto the aluminum deck (250lbs) that sits on top of my box. The one ton suspension does not squat too much and the ride from the Billstein setup is great. The leveling kit gives that extra little bit of suspension needed in the front ends of these trucks.... it got rid of the nasty "bump" my truck had when going over bad railway tracks and whatever. Note: this was after the dealership had installed a heavier front coil in my truck under warranty (that still did not compare to the Bilstein setup).
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