Time for new shocks

[Zoe Saldana]

Rancho 9000XL - they are adjustable.
I put them on my 2500 and the ride is smooth.

Also, get a new steering stabilizer - you will notice the difference.


People who went with Bilstein have reported a harsh ride.

My 2018 2500 with the 4x4 Off-road package has been riding rougher lately. Just crossed over 80k and on a trip from VA to MA, noticed the ride was bone jarring. Jumps out of lane on expansion joints and can't keep the tires planted on really nasty roads.

Is it time for new shocks?

 

[Jas34]

In this thread I posted the answer I got from the Bilstein rep concerning the differences between the 4600 and 5100.

Post in thread 'Question on Bilstein shocks' https://www.ramforum.com/threads/question-on-bilstein-shocks.209537/post-2915361

 

[Flryder]

Just put 5100’s on my ‘16 PW. The stock 4600’s were done. I really like the ride with the new shocks. The truck feels less jiggly on irregular road surfaces and more responsive in general. Took about an hour per corner in my garage to remove the old and install the new.

 

[Flryder]

Also, I put 5100’s on my 98 TJ and my 1500. I had Rancho’s on the TJ previously and the 5100’s were much more to my liking. Here’s some pix of the ones for the PW

 

[HEMIMANN]

Also, I put 5100’s on my 98 TJ and my 1500. I had Rancho’s on the TJ previously and the 5100’s were much more to my liking. Here’s some pix of the ones for the PW

5100's fit in place of stock 4600?

How many miles on the truck when the 4600's wore out?

 

[Flryder]

I have a Power Wagon and the 5100’s I used were the ones for a 2500 with extra lift since the Power Wagon has a factory lift when compared to a 2500 4x4. I bought the truck used with 140k miles and the shock were probably original. None of the 4600’s leaked. The rear 4600’s had similar compression resistance to the new 5100’s but the front 4600’s were significantly easier to compress than the new 5100’s.

 

[Flryder]

I would have put another set of 4600’s in but it seems you can only get the Power Wagon specific 4600’s from a CDJR dealer at around $300 per. So I got the 5100’s in Power Wagon length for $445.99 for all 4.

 

[HEMIMANN]

I think this answers the question, no? Power Wagon is lifted.

My Ram is not.

 

[Flryder]

My factory height 2016 Power Wagon on Anastasia Island about a month ago. Stock size tires, 285 70 17 Maxis Razor AT that measure out at 32.9 inches.

 

[Mattman1]

My 2018 2500 with the 4x4 Off-road package has been riding rougher lately. Just crossed over 80k and on a trip from VA to MA, noticed the ride was bone jarring. Jumps out of lane on expansion joints and can't keep the tires planted on really nasty roads.

Is it time for new shocks?

I’ve got 123k on my 2017 2500 Tradesman Off Road. It’s time for me to replace my Bilstiens, steering damper, and rear center stabilizer shock as well. I’m sure it will help soften the impacts that you’re experiencing.

 

[haleme]

Rancho 9000XL - they are adjustable.
I put them on my 2500 and the ride is smooth.

Also, get a new steering stabilizer - you will notice the difference.


People who went with Bilstein have reported a harsh ride.

I have heard mixed messaging on a steering stabilizer. Some say it shouldn't need to be replace unless the truck has been off-roaded extensively. Others say it wears like shocks, because it it effectively is a shock absorber.

 

[nlambert182]

I had to upgrade the steering stabilizer on my 2012, but it was running 35's and had been on gravel roads most of its life before I got it. I've never had to replace them on either my 3500 or current 2500. I did replace the one on my 3500 because I thought it might tighten things up, but it was exactly the same.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

I was shocked by the difference between the original SS and the new one (made by Hijack?????). With the original going down a straight highway the truck would wander and I had to adjust it constantly. Now, I ALMOST don't need my hand on the wheel. It drives straight.

I also lubed the steering column U joints with Fluid Film. It made the operation silky smooth.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

I just put 5100s on the rear of my jeep wrangler JL. 7k miles and both were leaking and covered in oil. I tried to warranty them as the warranty did not run out till 8/1. No joy, wear item per dealer.

Never seen factory shocks leak at such low mileage. Jeep is a pavement princess driven by the wife. It's most extensive off roading is a speed bump in the Kroger parking lot.

5100s ride great.

 

[stateofdade]

Honestly, I put a set of the Rough Country shocks on mine after I bought it, and they've been doing well since then. I'll probably swap them out soon since they have 60k miles on them now, after 5 years. The price was right, and was pleased with the ride.

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

I prefer pure hydraulic shocks to gas charged.