I am looking for shocks for my 2003 Durango SLT 4X4 with the 5.9 V8. I was looking at the Rancho RS5000, Monroe Reflex, or Bilstein? My truck has just over 72,000 miles on it and the OEM shocks have just about had it (pretty good for OEM shocks). I drive mainly on paved roads. I do use the Durango to haul mulch, top soil, etc. for the yard on occasion as well. If anyone has any of the shocks mentioned above, please let me know your likes or dislikes about them.

Also, I have never changed shocks myself. Is it something I can do in a day and save the labor cost or is it worth taking it somewhere? I am ok with tools, but am in no way ready to go to work at a garage!

All responses are greatly appriciated!

 

Bilsteins!!

I would rate it a 2 out of 5 for difficulty. Air tools make it go much quicker but you can do without.

 

Bilsteins have a good ride...not too stiff? The way my front end bounces around after hitting a bump, I can do without that forever! But also do NOT want a car shock on my truck!

 

the monroe reflexes are just fine for light hauling and normal dd use, i have them all four corners of my truck and they are working great and handle well, not an amazing stiff ride, but def a better ride than the stockers would ever give, just stay away from the sens-a-tracs they are POSs

 

I am a Bilstein man but Monroe's are just fine.

 

Ok, so I have pretty much scratched the Rancho RS5000 off of the list. Are the Bilsteins worth the extra coin? I am unemployed at the moment, but I don't want to settle for something either. I also don't want to have to replace these again weeks or months down the road either.

 

You will not be replacing the Monroe shocks in weeks or months, they are perfectly fine and well performing shocks. Reason why I am a Bilsteins person is to me they seem to give just a little better ride. Are they worth the extra money? just depends on what your after. Are you "just settling"? No, you would be getting a well performing shock if you choose to buy Monroe.

 

i got the Monroe Reflex (Truck Shock Absorbers), works great on my Dodge 5.9L.

 

Yes, if you are getting any Monroe I will chime in and say it is a great shock.

 

I love the Edelbrock IAS Performer Series but each to their own......

Go Blistons out of the 2 ....IMHO