Well, Hammer predicted it was coming, so I may as well post this. For the record, I did do some searching here first, but didn't find any specifics other than get something 2" over stock length. And it's difficult to search parts resources for anything other than stock fitment.

Anyway, 92k on my truck so could probably use some new shocks. Otherwise, I'd probably just use some extensions. But I'm trying to figure out what specs to look for as far as longer front shocks to use in conjunction with leveling the front end approx 2 to 2.5 inches. I don't need anything heavy duty or high performance. But I don't want anything cheap for the sake of being cheap either. I notice that RockAuto has some they classify as "economy" and the next level is "stock quality ride", and then on up from there. Something in the stock quality is fine with me, but how do I find what I'm looking for without just searching via year, make, model of vehicle?

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...fted-rams.html

 

Well I'll be damned Hammer. I guess there is a reason they keep you around here. I owe ya at least a 12 pack and a tin of "crack".

Thanks

If anybody has any firsthand experience with any of these and would like to share opinions, please feel free. I'm still a little unsure based on some of them specifying what size lifts they are for. And at least one I looked up saying it only fits F-150's.

 

The Rancho RS5000s are pretty solid. Good combination of price and durability. Ride is a little firmer than stock, but I've had no problems living with it, even on the crappy, unimproved roads to my favorite fishing spot.

 

I just put the RS5000 on my wife's 04 ram1500. I got them 2" longer then the stock one's and it ride's 100% better.

 

Funny thing about shocks is how different guys view them. I had the RS5000s on my 2nd Gen Ram and liked them. I know quite a few guys who put them on and don't like them at all. I read posts all the time where one guy says they are way too stiff and then a couple of days later a guy will make a post stating he thinks they are too soft.

IMO they are about 25% firmer than the factory shock and with them, the truck feels more like a truck...

 

Any of these closer to making it feel more like it always has more so than softer or firmer?

 

Starting with the 3rd Gens, Dodge liked to put passenger car rated shocks on their 1/2 tons. Probably the closest to stock ride (and personally, I don't know anybody who likes the stock shocks - they sure do get bashed pretty good on this forum), then something along the lines of a Monroe Reflex would be pretty close - but I have no idea on what part number would fit a leveled truck.

I would suspect about any hydrogen filled shock would be fairly close, so look at ProComp ES3000s, Skyjacker Hydro series or Rough Country Hydro shocks. All three are white, generic truck shocks made by Tenneco, so basically whatever you can find the best deal on.

If you don't want your truck to feel like a truck, stay clear of Nitrogen filled shocks (Bilstein 5100 or HDs, Rancho, ProComp 9000, Skyjacker Nitro, etc.) as they are more dense and will give a much firmer ride, although they'll handle off-roading, towing and hauling much better.

I have the ProComp ES3000s on my Jeep, were $27 a piece after figuring in the buy 3 get 1 free deal. A bit firm for a 3800 lb. SUV (I like a firm ride) but would probably be damn close to stock on a 5500 lb. truck with slightly oversized tires.

Of course you could always go adjustable shock (ProComp MX6 or the Rancho RS9000s that I have on my truck) and dial them in right where you want them. With the Rancho's you can even get crazy and do in the cab shock adjustability control and adjust them on the fly if you want to spend the $...

 

Anybody use the pro comp es9000? Im thinking about getting these but I have a new born on the way and dont want a ride thats too harsh.

 

Hammer, I've just always enjoyed the ride of my truck. It's still pretty good on the original shocks but I can tell they are aging a bit. I do a lot of offroading and don't need anything HD. One of the reasons I've enjoyed and kept the truck is because of the ride, especially when I compare it to the blue ovals and bowties I've driven, which include 1/2 ton and HD models. Maybe I can't have it both ways - leveled and stock ride, but my preference would be to keep it as close as possible. I, for one, certainly have nothing to complain about with the stock setup/equipment. Then again, if I bought it looking to play off the pavement a lot, I probably wouldn't like it.