Bilsteins or Not

[PaulCW]

I have a 2005 GMC 2500 duramax and I tow a new 303RLS reflection (just got it)

You can see the pic in my profile (excuse the salt on the truck) and it is with my winter tires 245/16's on the truck. You will notice the rig sits quite level. I will be towing with 18 inch wheels which puts the truck up about 1 inch. No lift on the truck.

My question is if I put new Bilsteins on the truck will it cause the truck to stay higher when loaded with the trailer (pin weight is 1600lb) than it is with the stock shocks which are ten years old. If so that puts me out of level and I have to adjust the pin on the trailer.

And which model of shock do I want to smooth out the ride.

Thanks
Paul

[rattleNsmoke]

I removed the 'Rancho' Ford FX4 OEM junk at approx 100,000 miles. The shocks had done their job I thought up until that point. When I compressesd them on the workbench, the fronts did not rebound. Others have found that same issue with the OEM 'Rancho' crapola after only 20-30k miles.

[RockyMt]

124,000 on my Bilsteins. Replaced when truck was new.

[allimax]

Another vote for the Bilstein 5100's here. I'm on my 3rd Silverado and have replaced OEM's with Bilstein on all 3. I can't speak for Ford or Dodge, but they are a huge improvement over GM's shocks.

[rhagfo]

Bamaman1 wrote:
My OEM shocks were replaced with Bilsteins, and they were quite expensive. The Bilsteins didn't last any longer than the Ford heavy duty shocks, however.

I found Monroe Gas Magnums at RockAuto.com for $29 each. I honestly cannot tell any difference in performance, and the price was just great.

Well you could have saved $116 as the Bil's have a lifetime warranty.

[Bamaman11]

My OEM shocks were replaced with Bilsteins, and they were quite expensive. The Bilsteins didn't last any longer than the Ford heavy duty shocks, however.

I found Monroe Gas Magnums at RockAuto.com for $29 each. I honestly cannot tell any difference in performance, and the price was just great.

[kopy_kat]

I installed Bilsteins on my last MH (E450) at 2,000 miles and never had a better or more controlled ride.

For my current '12 F350, I'm replacing the junk OEM shocks at 25,000 miles (way past due) with the Bilstein 5100 shocks and a 5100 series steering damper--best price I found was Amazon with free shipping.

Just saying...Larry

[Coach-man]

Enjoy your new rig! Shocks are one of those things that wear over time so we do not realize that they are no longer functioning. If your current shocks are more than 3 years or 50K miles replace them, Bills are great shocks, and as stated will improve ride and handling! Good Luck!

[N-Trouble]

smkettner wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:

smkettner wrote:
I will take Monomax over Bills next time.

Why would you want to downgrade?

After 100k miles I put the Bills on. Had no effect over the OEM shocks. So IMO Ford OEM is a superior shock or Bills are weak.
Had KYBs on a previous vehicle and they seemed far better than anything else. Softer compression and stiffer on the rebound.
Enjoy the 5100 coolaid...

Coolaid??? People in droves attest to how the Bills greatly improve the ride (regardless of brand). Your the one exception and we're all drinkin coolaid??? That right there is funny:)

[SkiSmuggs]

Bilstein 4600 HD shocks were a tremendous handling and ride improvement on my F150. I don't know if they would make much difference on the SD as it already has HD shocks, but they should make good replacements.

[blkdodge]

on my last truck 2005 Dodge 2500 4X4 5.9. What a big improvement.

[time2roll]

N-Trouble wrote:

smkettner wrote:
I will take Monomax over Bills next time.

Why would you want to downgrade?

After 100k miles I put the Bills on. Had no effect over the OEM shocks. So IMO Ford OEM is a superior shock or Bills are weak.
Had KYBs on a previous vehicle and they seemed far better than anything else. Softer compression and stiffer on the rebound.
Enjoy the 5100 coolaid...

[Norskeman]

Put air bags and Bilstein shocks on my 2005 - Bilstein's were put on the day after I took delivery.

Air shocks will take care of the sag.

Replaced the shocks on my 2011 at 21,000 miles - they were shot.

[Bull_Rider]

I put a set of Bil's 5100's on our 2006 Dmax last Sunday. The factory shocks were worn out, which was to be expected. 114K miles. I haven't had a real chance to road test them, but the ride does seem to be much improved.

I got mine on Amazon, they beat the local parts store by over a hundred bucks for a set of four.

Took two hours to do the change over, but I wasn't in a hurry either.

[tsetsaf]

Agree with the bilstein improves ride statements. Night and day improvement on my truck.