just like the title....can i install shocks (front and rear) without jacking up the truck? 1999 ram slt 4x4 w/4" lift.
i have found a 50/50 split on this issue...but i value the response from DF, you guys haven't steered me wrong yet.

 

I don't see why not.... with the lift, there is plenty of room under there, and the shocks dont really support any weight anyway. If you have gas charged shocks, it might be fun.... (they tend to like to extend....) but, have a friend help, and it shouldn't be a problem.

 

Just did that very thing last Monday, The fronts were easy, the rear I had to push up on the truck a bit to get the new ones in, then again I went with longer shocks.

 

Yep, you just need to drop the spare tire to reach one of the bolts.
If the new shocks don't have a strap on them then you can take some 5/50 cord and push the shock down on the ground and tie it up. Then when you put the shock in there all you have to do is cut the cord and it'll extend to where it needs to be.

 

While we are on the shock issue, does anyone mind telling me whats a good shock for a stock height 4x4 dodge. Perferably one at a parts store.

resaon i ask is my parents used to have a suburban and they put medium grade shocks the parts store had and recommended for the truck and it still bounced pretty good.

I guess what i am sayin is i think parts stores just list what would physically fit not ones that would actually handle the weight of a big truck good.

thanks

 

Monroe gas-matic.
The Sensa-trac shocks aren't worth it.

 

Monroe Gas-magnums are awesome too. A great shock IMO!

 

Yeah you don't have to jack the truck up. I didn't the last time I did the shocks. You just have to lower the spare tire as said.

 

I've had good luck with bilsteins I currently have on now, and they're in a more budget friendly range. Especially if you can find a buy 3 get 1 free Deal.

I also ran a set of edelbrock IAS performer shocks that I loved when they were new. They were the best shocks I'd ever had feel wise. The fronts wore out in about 30K miles though, took them off and my wife could even compress them without much fuss. The rears still had plenty of kick in them. I was a bit pissed about that. It maybe that a longbed is a bit harder on the fronts though. Time will tell with the bilsteins. But those eddys rocked at stopping body roll in hard turns.

 

I have KYB's in my truck and have no real idea on how they ride. Seemed not all that bad when I drove it home last August... hahaha

Should find out next month how they are!