zookeeper

I need some advice. I need to replace the existing shocks on my 97 3/4 ton extended cab. The ones on it are original (138K) and are rusting away. I know I've read some threads on shocks but my searches are coming up blank. I haven't noticed the shocks going bad or not working, but the ride has always been stiff since I got the truck in 98. I don't mind spending the bucks for quality shocks verses the cheap stuff.

I don't tow anything more than an occasional motorcycle trailer or boat, do very little off-pavement type driving and haven't done any work to the suspension (heavy duty with the tow package) except for larger tires.

Your experiences, thoughts or suggestions on what to use is greatly appreciated.

BlueRam01

I personally like Rancho. I had 5000s on my old Blazer. They were way over 100K and still worked like new. I have 9000s with in cab adjustment on my 96 1500 and I just got a set of 5000s for my 3500. The only thing is, the piant is not that great. I painted the Rancho 5000 steering stabilizer on my 1500 and it still looks good but the 9000s have rust on them. Same as with my old Blazer. The new 5000s are getting a coat of primer and paint before install.

eng208

Hey, I just put new Bilsteins on my 97. Took me about an hour and a half to do all 4. The rear was finished in about 20 minutes and could have been faster if I would of had someone operating the jack to lift the axle just a bit.
The fronts were a little harder just do to more nuts and tighter confines. No problem with either though.
My truck has 75K on it and I felt the front shocks getting pretty weak going over repeated bumps. Had too much "jounce" to it. The new shocks feel much tighter in their dampening and the old ones could be compressed almost like a slide hammer
I think if you go with a name brand you will be fine. I just wanted the Bilsteins because I had them on two other vehicles and liked the performance, I was scared to spend almost as much to try something new.
Any questions contact me.
Chris

jman

I had Ranchos 9000 on my truck for a long time they where a good shock, but when they went out they go out fast, I just installed a set of Bilsteins, I only had put around 200 miles on them so far, but I like them better, I agree with eng208 , any good brand shock would work just fine
jman

jfpointer

If your factory shocks have 138k on them, you're going to be absolutely amazed by just about anything you put on there.

By 30k on mine I couldn't stand the flopping around, and when I took my original shocks off they had about as much resistance as a Slinky. I like my Edelbrocks pretty well, they firmed things up considerably.

Big Deezul

I had IAS on my durango and loved them, but I have only seen them for 1500 Rams...where did you get yours?>

jfpointer

Summit Racing. I had the regular IAS on my 1500 and thought they were great. For this one, I bought the xtreme IAS because I put the D25s on the front and they don't make a regular IAS that's 2" longer. One thing I noticed about the IAS is that they soften up just a bit after 10 or 20,000 miles, and I haven't hit that mark yet on these so they're still pretty stiff. Better that than bouncing all over the place, though.

Eskimo

Get a monotube gas shock like a Bilstein, KYB monomax, or similar.

Rancho's are the same junk as the low end Procomp's, doetsch techs, rough country, etc....

There is NO comparison.