blownbanana

My '03 2wd SWB just hit 40,000 miles and it seems like the little bumps in the road are feeling harder. I still have the OEM shocks and tires. What mileage can I expect out of them and what do you recommend as replacements?

Jason Foster

my 05 just hit 40000 and the bumps all feel the same. Rough as a log truck.

MikeyB

I hear the Monroe Reflex works well on the 2wds.

Here's a little tidbit of information, I noticed after installing the Daystar 1.5" coil spring lift helped in the ride comfort. Really smoothed out the harsh impacts from the front suspension.

MikeyB

D45

Most stock shocks are worn out in 25,000-40,000 miles, depending on how you use the truck........

Foxborough

I replaced my stock shocks at around 36k. I really noticed a difference. I was a little concerned that it was too soon to change them. It felt like the bumps were really moving the truck a lot. By the way I got the Blisteins from Geno's.

Rush Rider

Bilsteins Hevy Duty on my truck with 35 k HUGE IMPROVEMENT
Mike

blownbanana

OK, it appears that the Bilstein's are the shock of choice. I find that the "5100" (silver) is for raised vehicles and the "Heavy Duty" (blue & yellow) is for OEM height trucks. Bilstein shows the part numbers for a stock 2WD '03 as: F4-BE5-C603-HO (FRONT) and F4-BE5-C605-HO (REAR). The best price seems to be Summit Racing at $290.75 delivered for the set of 4 shocks, followed closely by Geno's Garage. Anyone disagree or have more input????

nsxt

Bilsteins $260 shipped from shockwarehouse.

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index....cted_year=2003

Belgrath04

When I got the daystar 2.5" lift for my truck I also got the Pro Comp ES 9000 shocks.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits...3306&t_pl=1820

During the install of the shocks I found myself severely disappointed. The end of the shaft which attaches to the lower control arm came with this dinky little dog bone shaped connector which goes through the rubber bushing and bolts to the two studs on the control arm. The dog bone was a weak little piece of rolled metal, which actually deformed from just tightening the nuts down. In addition to the flimsy nature, it was also too short and could slide to one side and allow the other side to fall off the stud.
I have to say this was the first time that I had ever experienced an aftermarket part where the OEM part is actually beefier and heavier duty.

As if that one part was not enough, the rubber grommets they provide with the shock were too small and could slide through the hole at the upper shock bracket. Additionally, they were too tall and did not allow me to get the nut started. I could have rigged it; however, I really didn't feel like using a part on my truck that seemed weaker than the OEM shocks.

I will be checking tonight to see whether these are the wrong part for my truck or something of that nature, so for now please take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Lastly, (if anyone is still even reading this post) I am inclined to agree with the others on the Bilstein Shocks. I trust Genos Garage, and any parts they offer. I think the fact that they only offer one brand of shocks speaks volumes

Belgrath04

Anyone have any information on the difference between Monotube vs. Twin tube (I belive Monotube is better) or any other shock design.

Advantages, disadvantages, applications typically used for?