Where the hell have I been?? How did I miss this information?? I believe my truck is due for some ProComp ES3000 shocks. Good thing my buddy is friends with the Vice President of 4 Wheel Parts and gets me a good deal on parts. Even better on ProComp parts. More parts to add to the list .

Jim, what did you find that warranted getting the front shocks 1" longer than the initial pair you bought?

Looking at specs, the travel doesn't change between the two:

P/N: 314517
Extended Length: 14.71 Inch
Collapsed Length: 9.56 Inch
Travel Length: 5.15 Inch

P/N: 315517
Extended Length: 15.69 Inch
Collapsed Length: 10.02 Inch
Travel Length: 5.67 Inch

ProComp's site says the 315517 shocks won't fit. I'm sure that's only because they're 1" longer than the OEM calls for.

 

I never realized how much good info was on that sheet which has sat in a file folder since I bought the truck.....

Thanks David....

 

Jimbo,
When I was installing the front shocks I found the shock was not long enough to engage the top bushing.

I did install the ones from the book so I could see what length I needed and I noticed when I jacked up the truck, the suspension would hang from the shocks.

Doetsch Tech DT-3000 is also supposed to be a good hydraulic shock.

I had installed new front spring from Dodge about 10 years ago by now so that should not be a factor, besides you have seen how low my truck sits.

Jim

 

Probably sits a little lower than mine but could only be because of the difference in tire size. You're probably still running the 215s while I have 235s. I put the Moog 7226S springs in mine a little over 6 years ago. Along with 4600 Series Bilstein shocks.

Did the stem protrude through the upper bushing with plenty of thread exposed?

I've wondered about Rancho's adjustable RS9000XL shocks for the rear. Although, they are gas-charged, I've heard good reviews about them improving ride quality. I believe the tech article I read was about an early 90's Ford 1-ton DRW truck too.

Rancho also has a hydraulic shock, RS5000 series.

 

I think they were ok in length but maybe another inch would have been good, I was not sure how much shock I should have had.

I just didn't want to take a dip and have the shocks stop the truck insted of the bump stops.

Nobody could ever explain why my old gas shocks were burned out.

The shafts were burned blue from heat, my thoughts were from overworked suspension from our lousy roads and freeways.

Yes I have 215's all around.

Jim

 

I am late to the conversation, but wanted to say way cool Jim. I am A bit jealous of how much they charged you to install. I spent a solid day putting mine in once upon a time.

 

What would you want for the old set......

 

They are pretty heavy and shipping would probably be a small fortune,
But if you were anywhere nearby to SoCal where you could pick them up,

They would be free.

Jim

 

I am looking into ordering a set of these ES 3000 shocks for the Gauntlet RC project.
I need to modify the rear original 2wd gas Ramcharger leaf spring packs to stiffen it up and add 1 1/2 to 2 inches of ride height to match the front W-250 diesel springs. I can then check out the shock travel I will need.
I don't want to just swap in rear W-250 diesel springs as I fear it will be too stiff for a truck that will never tow or get heavily loaded like my W-250/W350s do.
Thanks for posting all the research and links on this one Jim!

 

Oliver,
Always my pleasure to help with any information I have found.
Jim

 

The D250s are a little lighter and cut different and tapered on the ends of the leaves. Than the w 250s maybe some usable parts there.

 

Thanks again to Jim for testing out these shocks and doing the research on them.
I just ordered a set of the same part #s Jim used for my 2wd '78 Cummins powered Ramcharger build.
I like how they worked only last Cummins powered '89 4x4 Ramcharger build.

 

hmm, I was gonna go bilsteins on the truck this summer, but these look to be similarly priced and probably a better overall option.

 

$167 with Tax and shipping to my door for 4 shocks with boots, I am guessing they are cheaper than Bilsteins.

 

Yeah Id say so, I think I priced Bilsteins at $160 a pair a few months back.