Strut mount replacement with new shocks

[dantheman68]

I'm looking to replace my front shocks with Bilstein 4600 units. During this I would like to replace the strut mounts as preventative maintenace, MOPAR 55398091AE is the OEM mount, but it doesn't have the upper spring seat and insulator like the KYB SM5580 parts do. I couldn't find the seat or insulator sold separately. Is anyone using the KYB mounts for long periods of time? I hesitate to replace good OEM parts with 3rd party parts that might wear out sooner than the old part would have anyway.

I have always replaced mounts with the struts when I've done them on other cars, is that the best practice here as well or are the Ram mounts different in that they don't wear out really?

Can I reuse the seat/insulator on the new mount? I assumed those wear out as well.

Any other parts that should be replaced while I am in there?

 

[rzr6-4]

I've never heard of anyone doing that and unless yours is super rusty and you think it could be a potential failure point, idk why you would. I'm all for preventative maintenance but that seems like wasted money.

 

[crash68]

I have always replaced mounts with the struts when I've done them on other cars, is that the best practice here as well or are the Ram mounts different in that they don't wear out really?

You state replacement of the mounts with struts, Ram trucks don't use struts, they have a coil over front suspension.
The main differences is struts are usually involved in part with the steering geometry of the vehicle.
If your so inclined while you have the front end tore apart check the upper and lower ball joints and replace if they are loose.

 

[rzr6-4]

You state replacement of the mounts with struts, Ram trucks don't use struts, they have a coil over front suspension.

I had assumed he was referring to shock mount/tower.

 

[dantheman68]

You state replacement of the mounts with struts, Ram trucks don't use struts, they have a coil over front suspension.
The main differences is struts are usually involved in part with the steering geometry of the vehicle.

Maybe because it's the first time I've done this on a truck, I've changed shocks on 2 cars of mine and replaced the mount, it was a rubber/steel plate unit that over time degraded as the first time I did it mine came apart and i had to replace it.

Sounds like that's not the case here.

 

[DILLIGAF]

I used the KYBs when I did my Bills 6112s , You wont find the bottoms as dodge are ******* and dont sell them separately.

I always change them as those parts are dirt cheap.

Id skip those 4600 and get 5100s its a way better shock.

 

[dantheman68]

I used the KYBs when I did my Bills 6112s , You wont find the bottoms as dodge are ******* and dont sell them separately.

I always change them as those parts are dirt cheap.

Id skip those 4600 and get 5100s its a way better shock.


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Thanks for the information.

I reached out to bilstien and they told me the difference in 46 and 51 is the coating and 51s are longer to accommodate a lift.

 

[caulk04]

That's always been the info I've heard, 5100's have the same construction and valving but have a pretty coating and more height options.

 

[aszumilo]

I'm looking to replace my front shocks with Bilstein 4600 units. During this I would like to replace the strut mounts as preventative maintenace, MOPAR 55398091AE is the OEM mount, but it doesn't have the upper spring seat and insulator like the KYB SM5580 parts do. I couldn't find the seat or insulator sold separately. Is anyone using the KYB mounts for long periods of time? I hesitate to replace good OEM parts with 3rd party parts that might wear out sooner than the old part would have anyway.

I have always replaced mounts with the struts when I've done them on other cars, is that the best practice here as well or are the Ram mounts different in that they don't wear out really?

Can I reuse the seat/insulator on the new mount? I assumed those wear out as well.

Any other parts that should be replaced while I am in there?

I bought the KYB SM5580's for mine. Haven't installed them yet, but, they seem to be a nice quality piece.