Has anyone installed Bilstein shocks on their 03 or 04 yet? Bilstein doesn't list our application on their website, but JackIt is selling kits that they say fit. Before I spend the money and waste my time ordering this stuff, I wanted to find out if this stuff really fits. Here is a link to their site http://www.jackit.com/dodge/dodge_leveling.htm

I was looking at the Deluxe Kit...this is what they say it includes:

"The Deluxe 2" leveling package includes 2" steel front coil spring spacers with hardware, front and rear Bilstein 5100 series shocks (Zinc coated with black boots) and a Procomp steering stabilizer shock and poly tie rod boots"

 

I am not sure if they will fit or not. I checked with Pro Comp, and Rancho and they do not have a shock for our trucks yet, due to it takes a larger valve body then others. They were not able to tell me when they would have one out, just that they were working on it.

 

I just installed a set of bilsteins on my 03. The ride is a lot better. The bouncing I get on the highway is a lot less. Look on Ebay...I paid $180.00 for the set of four.....Good luck

 

[quote author=chrismez link=board=49;threadid=22701;start=0#msg215536 date=1070092556]
I just installed a set of bilsteins on my 03. The ride is a lot better. The bouncing I get on the highway is a lot less. Look on Ebay...I paid $180.00 for the set of four.....Good luck
[/quote]

Do you remember the model and part number of the shocks you purchased? Thanks in advance.

 

There have been a few threads in the past about Rancho shocks. Quite a few guys have Rancho 9000's on their '03's.

 

Second that, can you please give me the part number. I can't figure why I was told they did not have one that would fit our trucks?

 

I can't remember the post, but Mexstan gave me the part numbers for the Ranchos. I'm more interested in the Bilsteins...most likely the 5100 series.

 

Well, this thread seems to have died so I'll see if I can re-ignite it... does anyone have any info on the correct p/n for Bilstein shocks for a 2003 2WD 2500? There's no listing for it that I can find and the Bilstein web site suggests to call a distributor... and all that I've called are pretty worthless... "I don't see an application for that truck"... well duh...

 

I have a 2003 2wd 3500 drw.
I talked to a person at Bilstein yesterday. He said that they were working on shocks for the '03 2wd's. Currently the are running a be5-6447-h5 on the rear of the test vehicle and he said they had nothing currently that would work on the front. He said they were going to have to design a new shock for the front.
He thought it would be at least another month or more before they would have part #'s for the '03 2wd's.
That is the best I could do so far on any info for '03 2wd's. Apparantly if you have a 4wd shocks are available now.
If anyone has any different information on shock's for 2wd '03's I would like to hear what you found out.
Thanks Randy

 

I finally decided to call Bilstein directly to try to get a straight answer and received exactly the same information from someone who seemed quite friendly and well informed. The guy I spoke said that he just researched this issue yesterday so I bet I spoke to the same guy you talked to. In any event looks like we have a few months more to wait.

 

smiller,
I bet it was the same guy, I had the exact same impression of him.
I went ahead and ordered the rear shock he suggested I will let you know how it works out.

 

Thanks, please do post your impressions when you receive them.

 

Does anybody know the Bilstein part numbers for the '03 2500 4x4?

 

Okay, I'm looking at removing the factory shocks on my 04 2500 4x4. I gotta ask, What's the difference between Rancho and Bilstien shocks?

 

The Rancho 9000X series (model closest to performance of the Bilstein) are adjustable if you feel you need or want that feature and there are several internal differences (the Bilstein is a monotube design and I believe that the Rancho are dual) but mostly it comes down to your past experiences with a particular brand, etc. The manufacturers' web sites have tech info on internal construction differences but it's always hard to relate that to real world performance. The Bilisteins have a proven track record of being a top quality shock but the higher-end Ranchos (not the lower end units) are also good performers from all I have read. In the past I have used Bilsteins and have always had good results but again they are not necessarily the only way to go.