Hey guys have a stock 06 Ram 2500 4wd with 70,000 miles and my ride quality was horrible bouncing all over the place, so just replaced my shocks with monroe reflex and a steering stablizer, and im not a happy camper. I know its a hd truck and rides like a truck but just as bouncey if not worse than before. Heard alot of good things about the reflexs but im not impressed. Just wanted some opinions on what is the best comfortable shock for the best value? When I compared my stock shocks to the moroes the stockers were alot heavier. Was looking for an oem that wasnt to pricey and chose the monroes. Now im looking at bilsteins 4600 vs 5100?

 

I have Bilsteins on mine as replacements for the originals and I am somewhat disappointed. They are ok for the most part but don't dampen bumps quite like I thought they would and the biggest complaint I have is whenever I stop the truck, the front end dips and rises once before settling. In order to get the truck to not do that, I have to really adjust my foot pressure on the peddle and time it just right as I back off the pressure to get the truck to a complete stop without the front end dipping. When I spent the extra money on the Bilsteins I was expecting to correct this dipping motion at stops but it feels just like the worn-out OEMs that these replaced. The only difference is when the front end rises after the dip, it stays there instead of dipping a smaller amount a second time. Maybe this is just the price to pay for having smoother-riding shocks...

 

Try the Rancho 9000xl there adjustable.I put these on my 03 Ram after putting a 6in lift and its a way better ride than stock. The shocks cost me about 115$ a piece from oreillys but i have to say they where well worth it and have a really good warranty. My friend had Bilistein on his truck and told me not to buy them. My truck tows better rides better and drives better than when i bought it.

 

My rig rides fine with the Monroe Reflex, however, I've also got a half ton, with soft springs.

I've heard that the Reflex is slightly stiffer than the Gas-Magnums. The valving is more aggressive in the Reflex I believe.

 

Reflex is a good shock for a soft ride on a lighter truck but a 3/4 really needs a firmer shock. But you're right, as a 3/4 ton it's never gonna ride soft.

You should drive a 4th Gen 1500. With the coils on all corners the thing rides better than some caddies I've driven. Of course IMO there is a HUGE trade-off for the comfort...

 

Thanks for the replies. Still undecided. Doing some research looking at bilsteins, kyb, ranchos, was hoping to get some real world feedback.

 

Put some weight in the box if you want to settle down the bouncing.

 

I just hauled a load today and it made no differance. The shocks are crap. Went back to the auto parts store and the manager is going to give me a credit towards an upgrade. The best way to describe my current ride is very bouncey and mushy and when you hit any bumps watch out. Was riding down the beltway doing 70 and hit a patch where i felt like i was gonna lose control, and this is with a little weight mind you.
There was another gentleman there doing the same thing same shocks we both got a laugh, new BRAND NEW WORSE THAN WORE OUT STOCK WTF! So much for being on sale with a rebate. My dad always said buy cheap buy twice. I wouldnt listen. I was like ooh monroes they got to be good, well not on my 3/4 ton. The gas magums probally would have been better, the reflexs said for light duty and suv but i wouldnt listen na they will be fine. Well anybody sees this dont do what i did waste of time and perfectly good money get the upgrades. Im going to see if Bilsteins live up to the hype. I will repost my findings.

 

I have the same problem with my reflexes on my 05 1500. The shocks were ok for two months but went to mush soon after. Gonna try Ranchos next.

 

I'm on Bilstein 5100s made for a 2500 and custom shock mounts on my 1500. Also I have 4 fabtech shocks on the rear axle.

Look into a dual shock kit. Skyjacker makes one for like $50 and then you simply have to buy the extra shocks. With a 2500 you can do the same up front.



That's the kit


A lot of people say that the extended bolt style is sketchy but those 1/2" thick grade 8 bolts have a shear strength of over 10,000lbs. And there's two bolts, both reinforced with those thick steel spacers as well

My leafs look like that because that pic was taken while the truck was like this