mdbrown

I hope this helps others thinking of upgrading the suspension of their trucks - especially the 2wd folks out there.

I have a 2004.5 3500 SRW CTD Quad Cab Short Bed, 48RE, stock height front and rear - no front leveling, with 60,338 miles. In the past 2 weeks I've installed Bilstein HD shocks all around, and today 5 (incl. spare) new Nitto Dura Grappler 285/75/17tires were installed.

The stock shocks are junk pretty much as they come from the factory. Junk might be a bit strong, but like almost all stock shocks they don't do their jobs very well. The Bilsteins made a VERY NOTICIBLE difference - a very positive improvement over the stockers. The ride is more firm, but the ride is not harsh by any means. Not everyone will agree, I'm sure, but they are an excellent choice as replacements. My only regret is not installing them 5 1/2 years ago.

The tires; 285/75/17. Excellent ride - not harsh - VERY, VERY quiet. I will say this, they fill up the front wheel well, however, no rubbing at all - even without a front leveling kit like Daystar. They look great, but frankly I'm not much into how tires look. I'm more focused on how they perform. Time will tell as far as durability. My first impression - I think I'm going to like them just fine.

Some on this site, when discussing going to 285/75s, express concern about the shift points and possible transmission "gear searching" or lugging the engine during city driving. I can't fully address that question - however, for those of you thinking of going to this size tire and have 4:10 rear end gears like I do, you have NOTHING to worry about. RPMs remain at a level that one can drive at 35 or above without the tranny down shifting out of OD.

Next suspension mods - installation of a Hellwig rear stabilizer bar and poly bushings installed on front sway bar and end links.

Hope this info helps.

Dodgezilla

It is against site rules to make a posting like this............

















Without posting pictures too! Come on now!!!!!

Fiftygrit

Thanks for the info bud, Im going to order some bilsteins some time this month for my 06 2 wheeler, have just been shopping the net for the best price and shipping to AZ, from what ive read you made the right choice for shock`s everyone seems to agree that they work the best, I stuck with the 265`s but got the new Mich. only 6 thou on them so far and pretty happy with the towing RPM with them and ware.

mdbrown

I have noticed that in my haste, I posted this under the wrong heading. Sorry. Wish I could move it to 3rd Generation Accessories or non-drivetrain, but I don't seem to be able to do that.