Recommendation for shocks

Phermenter · 06-03-2013, 08:24 AM

Hey there. I'm needing to replace the shocks on my Dodge Ram. I pull a Montana Mountaineer 5vr, that's at about 12,500 lbs wet. I already have air bags.

I'm just looking for what's worked for you, pulling something similar.

Mike
2004 Dodge Ram DRW
AFE Intake
Edge chipped

2005 Montana Mountaineer - Portable Ski Chalet

rhagfo · 06-03-2013, 09:31 PM

Bilstien 5100's all the way around smoothed me out nicely. I don't have or need bags.

Phermenter · 06-04-2013, 08:55 AM

Thank you Russ & Paula!

Mike

BlindGuyNAR · 06-04-2013, 01:52 PM

I'm going with rancho 9000xl's. Haven't got them yet so can't say how they work, but in case you weren't aware Rancho is running a $100 rebate through end of June if you buy 4.

Javi · 06-04-2013, 02:09 PM

Just my opinion but based on having used both Blistens and Ranchos the Ranchos don't hold a candle to the Blistens

Corbin1357 · 06-05-2013, 06:51 AM

I run the Rancho 9000xl and love them! They adjust so if you don't tow all the time you can set them to what your needs are. I've had them for about a year now and still loving them!

**hankpage** · 06-05-2013, 07:38 AM

I have used both on my trucks since the early '70s and keep coming back to Bilstein. You also have to realize that air-bags will limit the effectiveness of your rear shocks by limiting the travel of suspension. Ask me how I know this. (See sig.) Trying to find a happy medium between a loaded truck and a Sunday drive is tough but I still vote Bilstein. JM2¢, Hank

dankent · 06-05-2013, 08:12 AM

i had the 5100's in my last truck. I will say i like them and they preformed well .. but i have nothing else to compare them too.

ls1mike · 06-06-2013, 09:25 PM

I just put some KYB Mono Max on my truck. I pull a travel trailer, but they eliminated all of my porpising.

BeerCan · 06-07-2013, 05:39 AM

Bilstein or Fox

Phermenter · 06-07-2013, 09:41 AM

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I have Rancho 9000's on now, but they have over 50K on them, and just don't seem to do the dampening like they used to... And it got to be a bit of a pain reaching and turning them up or down, to tell the truth.

I'll look into the shocks you all have recommended, pick one, and when I have them installed, I will report back!

Mike

Phermenter · 06-17-2013, 07:59 AM

Hello,

Following up, as promised. I ordered and installed the Bilstein 5100's. Installation on the front went as expected, with no issues.

The rear was a different story. I found that the upper mounts for the rear shocks were blocked by the frame mounts for the 5th wheel hitch. So while it wasn't rocket science, I did have to dis-assemble some on the hitch mounting rails. Other than that, no issues.

If I still have an account on this forum after the next tow, I'll report back.

Mike

Clanton24v · 06-17-2013, 08:58 AM

How's the ride after the 5100's?

Phermenter · 06-19-2013, 08:36 AM

I've not pulled the trailer yet, but the truck seems to ride the same.

Clanton24v · 06-19-2013, 08:43 AM

Good to know

Riverbound · 06-21-2013, 07:03 PM

I had rancho 9000s and Bilstein 5100s on this truck. Bilsteins are by far the better shock

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BlindGuyNAR · 06-30-2013, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlindGuyNAR

I'm going with rancho 9000xl's. Haven't got them yet so can't say how they work, but in case you weren't aware Rancho is running a $100 rebate through end of June if you buy 4.

Well I got to thinking I don't really want to crawl under truck to adjust the rancho's all the time. I know it's quick, but I'm also lazy! i also heard you have to take apart and clean the adjustment knob every so often. I just assume I'd want to leave and it would need cleaned and delay me.

So i got the 5100's and although I don't have the 9000xl's to compare with they are much better than the rancho's that came factory with my FX4 package. Much more dampening force!! Giving up some adjustablity, but no worries.

Install was quick and I thought easier than removal of old shocks. So easy a blind guy could do it ... Oh wait one just did

Next trip is to IOWA for RAGBRAI at the end of July.

Phermenter · 07-15-2013, 10:00 AM

Follow up after the road test...

We took the trailer over 3 mountain passes last Friday on our way to eastern Washington, and 2 on Sunday on the way home. The shocks were just great. They handled the bumps in the road better than I expected. I could lie, and say I didn't even know that the trailer was back there, but that's just not true when pulling a 12K trailer. Still the porpoising after hitting bumps wasn't there, the truck and trailer settled as good as our family car.

Thanks for the recommendations, the Bilstein 5100's are great shocks!

Mike

rhagfo · 07-16-2013, 07:06 PM

Glad you like them, I know they sure made a difference in my ride hitched up.

concours · 08-11-2013, 07:19 AM

I wanted to give a quick review on OEM and Monroe Reflex Shocks, Our TV is a 2007 GMC 3500 HD LB with 42000 KM the shocks had no sign of leaks but I decided to unbolt the lower mount and do a function check the bottom line was they are worn out so I replaced them With 4 new Monroe Reflex. We have just done a trip from Kelowna BC to Oak Harbor WA and they have made a great improvement to the ride especially on that beautiful I5 surface lol

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