Forum Discussion

MarkW_'s avatar
MarkW_
Explorer
Jan 29, 2019

Shocks

I just installed a set of airbags to help level the truck a bit when pulling the 40' Fifth wheel and noticed the truck still has the original Dodge shocks. The bushings still all appear to be in good shape, but with over 175,000 I want to replace them. What has been a good shock for 5th wheel towing? I don't pull a trailer daily, but we do tow a fifth wheel and I also pull a tractor on a 20' low boy from time to time. Ride comfort really doesn't bother me either. I have used RS5000's in the past with no complaints, but I haven't' bought shocks in over 25 years and am curious if there's anything new. I am also on a budget, so I'm not looking for the gold plated specials, lol!

Thanks,
Tow Vehicles
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2019
    Search button is your friend. Shocks have been beat to death countless times on this forum.

    175k mi on factory shocks tells me your not even riding on shocks any longer. Just springs. Anything will be an improvement.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jan 29, 2019
    Your shocks are more than TOAST!!!

    Bilstien 4600 or 5100 pick the color or price you like best if truck is at stock ride height. 4600=stock, 5100=stock to 2" lift.
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Jan 29, 2019
    Mark
    Small world I own some farm land in Fairchild.

    As for shocks I believe the Bilsteins will be the most durable.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 29, 2019
    Another vote for the Bils.
    They're great for towing because of the excellent rebound dampening. Keeps the truck from porpoising at all. They also soak up things like expansion joints much better than stock.
  • filrupmark's avatar
    filrupmark
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2019
    FishOnOne wrote:
    Mark
    Small world I own some farm land in Fairchild.

    As for shocks I believe the Bilsteins will be the most durable.

    Smaller World, We have some land off Jeske in Fairchild's also. Go with Bilstein
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2019
    Cummins12V98 wrote:


    Bilstien 4600 or 5100 pick the color or price you like best if truck is at stock ride height. 4600=stock, 5100=stock to 2" lift.

    I switched from adjustable Ranchos last year when I bought the 5th wheel to Bilstein 5100's for my 06 Dodge. I like them but unfortunately no shock in the world makes a 1 ton ride nice when empty. Lol.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jan 29, 2019
    Super_Dave wrote:
    Cummins12V98 wrote:


    Bilstien 4600 or 5100 pick the color or price you like best if truck is at stock ride height. 4600=stock, 5100=stock to 2" lift.

    I switched from adjustable Ranchos last year when I bought the 5th wheel to Bilstein 5100's for my 06 Dodge. I like them but unfortunately no shock in the world makes a 1 ton ride nice when empty. Lol.


    Reducing your rear tire pressure to 35 when unloaded will help.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Jan 29, 2019
    Cummins12V98 wrote:
    Your shocks are more than TOAST!!!

    Bilstien 4600 or 5100 pick the color or price you like best if truck is at stock ride height. 4600=stock, 5100=stock to 2" lift.


    I will disagree and agree with you on this!
    Replaced the shocks on the 2001 Ram at 255,000 miles, and was suprised to find out they were the factory originals! They still worked ok, still charged.
    The Bil’s were far better, 5100’s, on non lifted!

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