It's time for new shocks for my 01 R/T, and I've heard good things about Bilstiens. Are they as good as their advertising and worth the $$$ vs. oem or napa stuff? Anyone here have them and how do you like them? I'm looking at about $420 CDN delivered for all 4.

The site shows three different fronts and one rear for 01 Durangos. I think the ones I want are: front-BE5-2790-H0 and rear BE5-6538-H0. Are these the ones I need?

I think I'm going to do the ball joints while I'm at it as when I had them checked about 6 months ago they said they were about 50 thou, and the limit is 60 thou. I'm hoping this will help get rid of some play in the steering that has been getting more noticeable over the last few months. Any particular brands you recommend or to stay away from?
Should I also do the tie rod ends while the front end's apart?

Thanks everybody!

 

the bilteins are well liked by some, i haven't used them so i can't speak for them, or the price for that matter



most sites have a wizard to let you select the correct part by putting in certain info on your vehicle id be very surprised if bilstein didnt have this.

Quote:

I think I'm going to do the ball joints while I'm at it as when I had them checked about 6 months ago they said they were about 50 thou, and the limit is 60 thou. I'm hoping this will help get rid of some play in the steering that has been getting more noticeable over the last few months. Any particular brands you recommend or to stay away from?
Should I also do the tie rod ends while the front end's apart?

Thanks everybody!

balljoints causing steering slop? and only 60 thousand mile life span? are you on crack? the ball joints definitely will fail before their time, but 60k is early even on these trucks, check them, if they are loose replace them, if not, just keep checking them. the steering slop is possibly tie rods(tie rod ends actually)

balljoints could cause alignment issues and i have heard of them 'clunking' going over bumps, and moog brand is the favorite replacement around these parts

 

Shrp- The numbers I posted are from the site's 'selection wizard', but as I said in the OP, It gave me three different fronts:
Heavy Duty Series Front (BE5-2617-H0) 4wd Quad Cab/Non Quad Cab

Heavy Duty Series Front (BE5-2790-H0)

Heavy Duty Series Front (BE5-6460-H0) 2wd Quad Cab/Non Quad Cab

The second one is the number I posted above, I'm just trying to make sure I pick the right one.

"are you on crack?"
No, but I am on my second 151 proof rum & coke!
By 60 thou, I meant .060" of play in the ball joint. I guess I should have been more clear on that, sorry. I will check out the moog bj's.

Thanks for the reply. (And a good chuckle! )

 

My recall ball joints lasted all of 20k miles, they are garbage.



bilsteins are awesome shocks and worth every penny imho. Just be forewarned that the D will feel liike a truck with them.

 

Thanks for the reply MG. Which ones of the three I posted above do I need for the front?

 

I am not sure of the part number but I changed my OEM shocks to Bilstein in MAY 2009 and have had no issues. I got a good deal, check around.. Cost me just a shade north of $200 for all four.. It was something like free shipping, buy three and get one free or combo of the both....something like that.. something like $205 delivered..... Easy to change, rears did not even require jacking... Took me something like less than an hour for the rear and right about an hour for the fronts. Fronts did require wheels to come off but mainly for spacing. I would say less than two hours for all four.

 

from looking at the pictures, those are all rear shocks(unless they just use a generic pic??)

the front shocks have a bolt through the bottom, and threads with a nut on the top

the rear shocks have two bolt holes (one top and one bottom)

http://www.bilsteinus.com/cart/index...id=1211&zenid=

this should be your front shock

F4-BE5-2617-H0

 

Yeah I don't remember part numbers. Just check at a local auto parts store and you can get the right part numbers or go to www.rockauto.com HTH.

 

I don't recall any special tools for removal... I do seem to recall pliers to hold the strut rod.. Since they are coming off I wouldnt worry about gauging them up.....However with the new ones....I would wrap a towel around the threads of the pliers to avoid gauging the strut. Hold the rod steady and tighten the upper nut loosely then tighten the lower bolt and nut.