What about a 96 Dodge 2500 4x4 Heavy Duty (the 8800 GVWR option, which changes the shocks)? According to my 2004 Bilstein catalog, the part numbers are (f) BE5-2549 and ® BE5-2550 for "Standard Suspension". Other shocks are specified for "Lifted Suspension", which I assume means something above and beyond the standard factory lift blocks (6" rear, stock on all 2500 4x4 of that generation AFAIK).

I'm still a week or so [maybe several, the way things are going] from ordering (assuming that 8800 GVWR shocks aren't too much more expensive than Ranger shocks (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) ), this is just for budgeting (ie thinning out the assumptions) while I work on the other vehicles and a tractor that all need repairs at the same time (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/banghead.gif)

This post has been edited by sgarnett: Apr 29 2006, 10:41 AM

I've got the Edelbrock IAS shocks on my '01 2500HD. Huge improvement over stock. I wouldn't have minded getting the Bilsteins, but was curious to try the IAS shocks.

Truck shocks vary in price. That was for his particular truck, yours might be different (possibly less).




I'll check, but if you set aside $300, that'll pretty much cover the 4 and the shipping.... with maybe a bit left over.

I'm very happy with the HD Bilsteins I put on the Trailblazer--and it comes with Bilsteins stock. I talked with Bilstein beforehand to verify valving differences, etc, and they're a completely different animal. Here's a shot of a stock rear Bilstein vs the HD:

(IMG:http://www.jonaadland.com/Trailblazer/Rearshockcompare.JPG)

Moral of the story: Even when GM uses Bilsteins as OEM, they use crappy ones. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Actually the moral of the story is: Even when GM uses Bilstein's as OEM, GM specs the valving and screws it up.

Too true. Just like the valving on the C5 Z06s. The 01s had some real problems with the rear shock valving, they improved it in 02, and then finally got it straightened out with new valving front and rear in 04. So if it takes them 3 years to finally get the valving right on their top of the line sports car, imagine how little attention they pay to something like a truck (since people expect it to ride like a truck).

Thanks. It's hard to know what to expect with a big truck. Some parts, like the giant front calipers, are dirt cheap, while other stuff seems to be made from pure unobtanium (like the fuel pump that just left me stranded).

They are $67.95 each for your truck Sean..... Hell, just round down to $270 + shipping..... which will be under well $300 to the door (probably around $285-287ish).

This post has been edited by Sam Strano: May 1 2006, 08:13 PM

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I placed my order for some Bilstein HDs from Strano.

-John

Just a note about my recent Bilstein shock install on my 2003 2500HD Ext. cab short bed.

Installation was simple, the worst part was getting the upper nut off of the fronts because the shaft was pretty rusty. I applied a fairly liberal coat of grease to the Bilsteins' threads to prevent a repeat of that corrosion. Other than that it just doesn't get much easier. You'll need a 21mm deep socket, everything is pretty much "super-sized" compared to car stuff.

The stock shocks appeared OK (no oil leaking, etc), but they seem to have very little compression damping and tons of rebound damping. Also, the pistons don't retract on their own very much. They are all the same so I'm not sure if they are still operating as designed or if they are worn out. Truck has 50K miles.

I flipped the nut and bolt ends of the rear upper mounts when I installed the new shocks. It was much easier to get a socket on the nut that way.

Initial, no-load impressions are good, the truck feels more in control, I wouldn't call it a drastic change, but definitely noticeable and an improvement. I think the truck sits just a little higher now, especially in the back. I'm sure it'll be a quantum leap when loaded down, though. Will find out on the trip to Topeka next week.

On a related note; damn, checked the brake pads and they are still very meaty. 50K miles doesn't seem right but it stops fine and they look good <shrug>.

Yeah, yeah, rub it in. Now I have two trucks that need shocks.

If it makes you feel better the Bilstein HD's on my Silverado are lacking in hi-speed rebound. (Man I bet nobody ever said that on a truck board) Although you'd be hard pressed to find anything better.

Would my 2004 2500HD Duramax benefit from a shock change? I have a feeling what the answer would be...........

If they're stock yes. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) GM factory truck shocks are no better than the ones on our f-bodies. I've tried a bunch of truck shocks and Bilsteins have been the best.

Same here. Bilsteins were a VAST improvment over the worn out (100K on them) OEM shocks in my Ranger 4x4. The ride went from really bouncy (no rebound in front) to firm and it seems to corner better. Not that I'm really pushing it that hard. Well worth the investment. I don't do any towning or anything, though.

The hardest part was getting the front OEM shocks out. The nut on top was welded on to the shaft with rust. I just twisted the top of the shock shaft off. This seems to be a feature in Rangers, as we had to cut the OEMs off of my brother's truck with a sawzall. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

-John
(edit for speeeling)

This post has been edited by Spooner: Sep 13 2006, 01:18 PM

New Bilstiens made a VAST improvement in ride quality on our '02 2500HD D/A with less than 1000 mi on it. I noted the bouncy-bouncy ride on the way home from the dealer. It was the first mod we did on the truck (thanks Sam) and I will do it again on any new truck I buy, _especially_ GM.

I used to do it on new Ford trucks, but that was to keep the kingpins alive more than ride improvement.

This post has been edited by CrashTestDummy: Sep 13 2006, 05:44 PM

Though my truck is more for "hauling" around an autocross course than hauling stuff behind it, the Bilstein HD's were a great improvement to the ride and handling of my Tacoma Extended Cab. Bilstein HD's are good stuff!

(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)