I want some new shocks for my 99' 2500 Ram, I think the original ones are ready to be retired.
I haul fire wood so I want something to help out with the load.
My truck has the tow package so I got some extra suspension in the rear already.
I looked at some older posts and rancho shocks are mentioned a lot..
I'm not looking to spend a ton of money, I would like to keep it under $300. Cheaper is better if I can still get good quality shocks.
Thanks..

 

Tell your parents you are pregnant. That should shock them.......


Oh, wait, NOT that kind of shock? Ok, well....... what about air bags? Shocks won't 'help' with the load, they just control how much you bounce. air bags would actually help support the weight, and keep the truck closer to level, regardless of load. They even have varieties with their own on-board air source, but, that would probably go passed your planned budget.

 

Yeah, shocks wont help with increasing load. Just because you have the tow package doesnt mean you have the heavy duty springs. Dont go over the factory payload, if you do, you need a trailer.

I reccomend Bilistiens. I've had them for the past 50,000 miles and 5 years, and love them. When I'm hauling firewood, the truck squats a pretty bit, but I can get to around the crappy (fun) roads at the lumberyard pretty well and have a cushy ride on the way home.

 

Not looking to get the air bags, I don't want to deal with all that comes with them. Though about air shocks and I'm not sure about them either.
Looking at Monroe sensa trac laod adjusting shocks.
If shocks don't help with the load you haul how come some say shock absorbers can maintain ride height when up to 1,200 lbs of additional weight is loaded. If they help level I would think they help support the weight and the amount u haul. I'm not looking to over load the truck just maintain a level truck. And these new shocks will help the with the weight of the dump insert I want to get, with an added 600lbs of weight in the bed.

 

Air shocks will help support weight. Any other type of shock that makes that claim, is lying.

Bear in mind, your shock mounts were NOT designed to support the load. Only to control it. Springs bear the weight.

 

http://www.monroe.com/products/sensa...justshocks.asp I thought about those also hmmmm? but, went with the bilstein 5100 all around, i can load the whole bed with fire wood and no sag , i have 5 leaf and overload IIRC

 

Ah, adding a spring to the shock. Basically, the same idea as an air shock, just not as adjustable.

Still, the shock mounts weren't designed to support weight....... I have had to re-weld the tabs back onto many an axle that had air shocks bolted to them.

 

HeyYou thanks for the info... I think I'm leaning toward the coil over shocks right now.. Gonna do some more reading on them and ask my buddy who owns a garage if he thinks I should go air or coil over shocks. Keep the info coming guys.

thanks.. Bob

 

I would go with air shocks given that choice. The adjustability is helpful as you aren't always loaded.

If you put air shocks on there, I would also recommend reinforcing the shock mounts on the axle......

 

I still wouldnt like the idea of those hacky coils. I'd get some good shocks and these:
http://www.timbren.com/ses-kits.htm
Or just learn to live with it.

Or you could swap in some springs from a HD.