I've got the shackles and want to do the 2" T/S lift on my '02 Durango. From what I understand, most people keep the stock shocks with the 2" lift. At 128,000 miles, I also want to change out the stock shocks. Since they are going to be changed, would I be better off going to a longer shock or getting a stock replacement? I had read somewhere that there were issues using shocks for lifted applications when doing the T/S lift. I'm looking at the KYB MonoMax. They list shocks for stock height and for 1"-3" lifts.

Any advice is appreciated...and I'm open to other shock suggestions. I only drive on street and light trails with the occasional run to the beach.

 

Holy **** you have OEM shocks? Doesn't anyone these days take car Maintenance seriously anymore???

While you're replacing those I highly suggest you rebuild the front end. You're going to need it!!!!

 

Apparently not. I've still got an acceptable ride quality and no safety concerns. I was only going to change them as a luxury...not necessity.

 

No no. There is no way a shock has lasted 120k miles. Let alone holding pressure for 12 years... What you're feeling is the rest of your suspension doing all the work to make up for the lack of shocks. I think you fail to see just how much weight and pressure is being placed on those front shocks. They pretty much do all the work keeping the front end up and straight.

And with how ****ty the front ends are designed to start with..

Also check to make sure your half shaft boots aren't torn. If they are replace your half shafts as well.

 

For reference I spent about $1,500 total to rebuild the whole front end all to factory spec.

 

There is no way the stock shocks are still good after this long and that many miles.

 

Okay. I will admit that I bought it with 50k on it. I had no indication that the shocks had been replaced. It's possible that the previous owner replaced them or the dealer I bought it from replaced them before I bought it. Assuming the latter, they have not been replaced in at least the 80k that I've had it. I did have the suspension checked last year when I had a popping sound in the front end which turned out to be the front drive shaft. The shop told me everything was in good, tight working order. I do have some squeaking that I believe is being caused by the sway bar bushings. I'll find that out soon.

Now...back to my original question...shocks. There are plenty on here who have T/S lifts. What shocks do you recommend?

 

Shocks should be replaced every 50-60k miles. Reason why you think they are fine is because you're used to them. Not like they just flat out fail over night. It's a long drawn out process.

Anyway I highly suggest you rebuild your fromt end. And inspect your own axle shaft boots. I'm willing to bet $500 they are torn. The boots hold the grease. Once torn they leak and get contaminated. Its cheaper in labor doing all at once. Plus you'll be amazed how tight the steering is after new tie rods and ball joints.

Lets put it this way. My durango handles corners much better than my new fusion. On a specific on ramp I never take my foot off the gas. I get up to 75mph by the time the curve ends and merges into the highway.

My fusion starts to slide at 60 on the same ramp and feels like it has more body roll.

I have Monroe reflex shocks on my durango. New shocks raised my truck up at least an inch. The front end was sagging a lot then new shocks leveled it out quite a bit. Just food for thought.


Why do you want a 2" lift anyway? You shouldn't run anything bigger than a 33" tire and stock height they fit....

 

Midlife crisis, I think. I've been with her for going on 8 years now. I love her, but my eyes are starting to wander. I thought maybe a little cosmetic surgery would help bring my attention back to her. A little lift here, some new shocks there. I'm a big guy and she fits me like a glove. I plan on having her around for many years to come. I'm prepared to make the investment on the frontend work, tranny, and engine when the time comes. Right now, though, I just want to put some tight-fitting jeans on her and pretend we're still in our prime.

How's that for answer.

 

You say you're a big dude and she fits. The durango is small as ****