Shocks for a "heavy" front

Yeret · Mar 11, 2017

I've been looking into some front-end replacement bumpers for my truck and am looking into getting one in the (hopefully) near future because I've had too many close encounters with deer around here and I still look back on that time when I actually did hit one and was lucky enough to get away with only a busted headlight. Many of these replacements are pretty sweet and weight near or over 200 pounds.

My question is what would be a good choice of shock to use with 200 lbs of weight hanging off the nose? I'm gonna need new shocks in the near future anyway but I want to plan ahead and get something that will hold up well to a bunch of extra weight.

sbarron · Mar 11, 2017

Shocks just control the speed the suspension travels. You need stiffer springs for more weight.

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sbarron · Mar 11, 2017

sbarron said:
Shocks just control the speed the suspension travels. You need stiffer springs for more weight.

Edit: if you want the ride to be the same, you order springs 200# heavier (or the weight difference between stock bumper and your new one).

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Yeret · Mar 11, 2017

Well, with an extra 200 pounds hanging off the nose the suspension is gonna travel a lot faster with OEM-spec shocks, LOL and that's what I want to prevent.

But I see your point. I'll take a look around for stiffer springs as well as "heavier" shocks. They both gotta work together after all.

sbarron · Mar 11, 2017

The shock really won't travel faster because the heavier spring is holding the weight and the compression distance over time is the same. The heavier spring will compress at the same rate with the extra weight. If you are lifting your truck, THEN you need a re-valved shock that travels faster i.e. a greater distance in the same time

Hope that makes sense. Suspension shops would GLADLY upswell you on the shocks using that reasoning!

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dudeman2009 · Mar 11, 2017

Sbarron is right, you'll be fine with stock type shocks, the only reason to change is as mentioned if you lift it, or if you desire/require different ride characteristics.

As for springs, unless you goto a dedicated suspension shop, I don't think you'll be able to get slightly stiffer springs. I've only seen the standard V6/8 and the stiffer v10/Cummins sets.

If you want to see how it will ride with the new bumper, then get someone who weighs about 160-200lbs to sit on the edge of the hood. You can also guess the old bumper weighs about 20-40lbs. That should give you a rough idea.

One idea might be to check out coil springs for the v6/8 that plow kits use.

Yeret · Mar 11, 2017

Well, my sister's bo weighs north of 200. Maybe the next time he's out for a barbecue, I'll feed him a bottle of Jack and get him to sit on the hood while I tear ass down the gravel. I mean, he's probably not gonna go for it but who knows, right? I got plenty of bungee cords and bailing twine.

I'll just ask the obvious then. Will the stock suspension as it is hold up fine to the extra weight? Let's factor in occasional off-roading which would include the occasional pothole/rut that might get nailed at high speed because my possibly-drunken ass might not spot it in time, LOL.

hoe... · Mar 12, 2017

When I fitted my bull bar/side rails the front dropped an inch and a half. The ride was a bit harsh. I fitted some Dobinson +100kg front springs and Bilstein 5100 shocks. Much better ride and back to a bit above standard height.

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sbarron · Mar 12, 2017

hoe... said:
When I fitted my bull bar/side rails the front dropped an inch and a half. The ride was a bit harsh. I fitted some Dobinson +100kg front springs and Bilstein 5100 shocks. Much better ride and back to a bit above standard height.

Probably a great combination for the OP.

The 5100's will ride better and be more durable than the OEM shocks especially under "spirited" driving.

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Yeret · Mar 12, 2017

Dude, who makes that bumper? That thing's SWEET! Even wraps around the sides.

dodge dude94 · Mar 12, 2017

That bumper is slick!

Also, I'd just slap some V10 springs in it and see what she do.

dudeman2009 · Mar 12, 2017

hoe... said:
When I fitted my bull bar/side rails the front dropped an inch and a half. The ride was a bit harsh. I fitted some Dobinson +100kg front springs and Bilstein 5100 shocks. Much better ride and back to a bit above standard height.

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Just keep in mind, you had the v10/Cummins springs to begin with. Just putting your old ones in his truck would lift it as much as your new springs did in your truck. I dare say the springs you have now would be too much for his truck, the shocks however would be fine so long as the length is correct.

dapepper9 · Mar 13, 2017

Having run both front and rear big steel bumpers on these trucks, don't bother. Not enough difference honestly to warrant it. Actually rides better with em

Shocks for a "heavy" front

Yeret

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