ShockWareHouse.com : Blog

Make: Chevy ext cab 4×4 (not z-71)
Model: 1/2 ton 4×4
Year: 2004
Chassis Designation: 1500 4X4 CHEVY
Driving Style:
Vehicle Setup: 4 Wheel Drive
Suspension Type: Regular Shocks or Struts
Question:

I’m interested in replacing the worn out shocks on my 2004 4×4 Chevy (I want Bilsteins like the factory Z-71 and I plan to add Z-71 stickers to the truck)  I pull two wheel heavy utility trailers as well as towing my 18′ boat, so I need shocks that will help with that.

Answer:

That’s a very popular choice.

You want the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks.
BE5-6500 and BE5-2905.

Here’s the link to those in our online catalog -
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3820&selected_year=2004

If you click on the Bilstein part number there it will also show a picture.

Make: Dodge
Model: Ram 2500 diesel 4 door
Year: 2006
Driving Style: Normal Driver
Vehicle Setup: 4 Wheel Drive
Suspension Type: Raised Suspension or Suspension Lift Kit
Question:

I have a Dodge Ram 2500 4dr 4×4 diesel i put a 2.5″ spacer on the front and a 1.5″ leaf on the back.  I know that the truck would ride different, but the truck rides like garbage.  Looking to put on some Bilstein shocks.  Any help would be great.

Answer:

More about ‘ride’ is mentioned on our website here -http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/shock_absorber_myths.cfm

Since the truck has been modified, you need the Bilstein 5100s listed in our online catalog -

Front Shocks -  http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/15089/name/F4-BE5-6681-H7-Bilstein-5100-Offroad-Shock

Rear Shocks – http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm/id/15089/name/F4-BE5-6681-H7-Bilstein-5100-Offroad-Shock

Make: Ford
Model: F350 Superduty
Year: 2000
What is your driving style: Normal Driver
Vehicle Setup: 4 Wheel Drive
Suspension Type: Raised Suspension or Suspension Lift Kit

Question:

What is the best shock for hauling a slide in camper and towing a 4,000 lb boat with my 2000 F-350 truck, 4″ lift, 35 Inch tires.

Answer:

Here are the shocks we carry for the 2000 F350 4WD -http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=4007&selected_year=2000

Since the rear has been lifted 4-inches, you need to use the Bilstein 5100 shock shown there -F4-BE5-6246-H5

Make: GMC
Model: Savana 3500 Conversion Van
Year: 2000

What is your driving style: Luxury Driver
Vehicle Setup: Rear Wheel Drive
Suspension Type: Regular Shocks or Struts

Question:

I am looking for the BEST & most luxurious shocks for a heavy duty conversion van. Thanks.
Answer:

For performance, better handling and control, epecially at highway speeds,
you want to use a high pressure gas monotube design shock.

The Bilsteins are the best monotube shocks we have -
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3809&selected_year=2000

Make: GMC
Model: Yukon XL Denali
Year: 2004
Chassis Designation: 1500
Driving Style: Luxury Driver
Vehicle Setup: All Wheel Drive
Suspension Type: Rear Self Leveling

Question:

My 2004 GMC Yukon Denali XL has over 100k miles and I’d like to replace the shocks with the best option to improve ride and handling (reduce sway)for this truck. I rarely tow or haul anything heavy, mostly family vehicle. thanks.
Answer:

More about ‘ride’ is mentioned on our website here -
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/shock_absorber_myths.cfm

But you want to use a monotube design shock for performance handling.
Especially at highway speeds.

Bilstein shocks are the popular choice, and the best monotube we have.

Online catalog -
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=make&type=T

Make: Dodge
Model: Durango
Year: 2004
Driving Style: Normal Driver
Vehicle Setup: All Wheel Drive
Suspension Type: Stock

Question:

I’m looking for a high end shock that will give me less body roll in my 2004 Durango. I don’t mind the ride quality that I currently have, but I would like a little stiffer. I also tow a lot with it . Usually items ranging from 2000 pounds, up to about 5000 pounds. So I also need something that’s going to perform while pulling. I had my eyes on the KYB MonoMax shocks but I can’t find them anywhere for my application. Thanks!

Answer:

For better handling and control, you want to use a monotube design shock.

We have Bilstein, Edelbrocks and KYB Gasajust, those are all monotube shocks.
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3921&selected_year=2004

Some tech differences are mentioned here -
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/scale.cfm

The Bilstein shocks are the best.

Since you work the vehicle some while towing, the KYB Gasajust shocks would be a good second choice

Make: Dodge
Model: Durango
Year: 2004
Chassis Designation: All Wheel Drive
What is your driving style: Normal Driver
Vehicle Setup: All Wheel Drive
Suspension Type: Regular Shocks or Struts

Question:

I’m looking for a high end shock that will give me less body roll in my 2004 Dodge Durango.  I don’t mind the ride quality that I currently have, but I would like it a little stiffer.  I also tow a lot with it.  Usually items ranging from 2000 pounds, up to about 5000 pounds.  So I also need something that’s going to perform while pulling.  I had my eyes on the KYB MonoMax’s but I can’t find them anywhere for my application.  Thanks!

Answer:

For better handling and control, you want to use a monotube design shock.

We have Bilstein, Edelbrocks and KYB Gasajust, shocks for a 2004 Durango.  Those are all monotubes.
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3921&selected_year=2004

Some tech differences are mentioned here – http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/scale.cfm

The Bilstein shocks are the best.

Since you work the vehicle some while towing, the KYB Gasjust shocks would be a good second choice.

Make: GMC
Model: G2500 Vandura
Year: 1995
Chassis Designation: Conversion Van

Question:

This is a conversion van with 33-gallon gas tank, and a sagging rear suspension.  I need a solution, please, and air bags are a concern.

Answer:

In 1995, GM made two Vans, there is some overlap.

A G-20 Series chassis, and an Express 2500 Chassis.
(which use different shocks).

If the chassis is a G-series, here are those parts -
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=3814&selected_year=1995

If it’s an Express (or Savana) series, here are those parts, starting in
1996 -
http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=30461&selected_year=1996

We recommend the Airlift bag kits (ONE kit per vehicle).
Those will support 5000 lbs

If you still want to replace the shocks, to something durable and for better control and dampening, especially at highway speeds, we recommend the Bilstein Hevy Duty shocks.

Make: Toyota
Model: Tundra
Year: 2006
Chassis Designation: SR5 Double Cab 4X4

What is the difference between Bilstein 6929 and 6024 shocks for the front of a 2006 Toyota Tundra 4X4 SR5 aside from adjustable ride height? Which would best compliment rear 6025’s already installed? (which raised the truck about 1″over the stock black shocks) Thanks.

Answer:

The Bilstein BE5-6929 are height adjustable, meaning you can relocate the spring perch to alter the height. The 5100s series shocks also have a offroad / racing valving (the BE5-6024s have a valving for normal street use).

Like this – http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/bilstein-struts.cfm

The BE5-6024 shocks are for stock height, the spring perch is in the stock location.

The BE5-6025 shocks would not alter the height, the height is determined by the springs. The shocks only dampen vibration and hold the tire in contact the road. (meaning, they cannot support any load).

If you do not plan on altering the front height, the front BE5-6024s would be what to use. If you want to raise the front end some, the BE5-6929 is the way to do that safely.

Make: Ford
Model: F-150
Year: 2005

Question:

I would like to have your recommendation for struts and shock.  I have an 05 f150 that i use to tow a 4500 trailer and I also do a lot of driving on bumpy dirt roads.

Answer:

If you want to use a twin tube shock design, like the original units, the KYB GR2 or Monroes will be ok.

If you want performance, better handling / dampening, especially at highway speeds, you want to use a monotube shock design. The Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks are the best performance monotubes we have. These are all listed in our online catalog – http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=make&type=T

Question 2:
Do you know if I can get an auto repair shop to install shocks I buy from you?

Are there any special tools needed to replace shocks & stuts?

Answer 2:

The 2005 F150s have a strut in the front, so that would probably require spring compressor tool.

The rears are just regular shocks, which haven’t changed much as far as installing them since the ’50’s.

Any shop familiar with suspensions could install both shocks and struts.

You will need to have an alignment done whenever you replace the struts.  An alignment would be needed on at least the front of your truck, so figure that in too.