Hello,

I've got a 2004 QC 1500 4x4 w/ aprox 55K, carrying an Outfitter Pop-up over the cab camper. When I first put on the camper I installed air springs and they run at about 65 psi. That helped out alot with stability and rear sag. Now I'm wondering how much some new rear shocks would help.

Is it okay to just install rear shocks and not fronts?

I'm trying to decide between the bilsteins or the rancho 9000s. The ranchos are quite a bit more $$. My camper will be on the truck year round for at least the next 2 to 3 years so I don't know if I need adjustability.

What do you guys think?

thanks,
Ben

 

go with bilstein HDs or rancho 5000s. if you don't need the adjustability then you don't need the 9000s.

yes you can do just the rear. your rear is obviously going to serve a much different purchase than the front, no need to keep the shocks the same.

 

That's good to know. The 5000s are fairly inexpensive too.

Would you say that the 5000s are just as stiff as the 9000s? The 5000s are pitted for light truck and suv shocks. Would by truck still fit into that category since I'm carrying around 1600lbs in the back of the bed all the time?


Also I know that the rears are ready to be replaced, but how do I figure out if the fronts need to be replaced too?

thanks,
Ben

 

I'm gonna go with the Bilsteins. Nice shock 5100

 

Looks like the 5100s are for lifted trucks only. If your stock like me then the only Bilsteins are the HDs??

 

0-1" lift so they can be used with stock height, however, my airbags lift me up 1" over stock so they will be perfect.
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index....cted_year=2008

 

Got it! Looks like you'll be in good shape. I've got air bags too, but it looks like there's a gap in the compatibility between 2002-2005, I've got the 2004...

 

i'm not sure how 'stiff' they are. man, 1600 lbs on the back of a 1500 for a couple years? that's rough, but I think you'll be okay with the 5000s.

 

I just read this on central4wd.com:

"Does Not Fit Vehicles With Auto Ride or Air Suspension Unless Noted. **Fits Standard Suspension Only."

Can anyone shed some light on this? I've got air bags which makes the back end higher then stock. Will I have any trouble with the Bilstein HDs fitting my 2004?

 

Yah, it is a bit tough on the ole' girl. I treat her nice, that's why I want to beef up the shocks....thanks for the input.