Shocks for '98 Dodge HD 2500 diesel

[Apeiria]

I need to replace the shocks in my '98 Dodge HD 2500 diesel. Before I fire off my ?'s I need to say (and yes this will [censored] some off, so please accept my apology for offending you here), what I don't need is opinions based off of one bad/great experience. Not to say if you & 1K's of others had the same experience, it just I don't want to get in to a debate of (i.e.) Ford vs. Chevy, vs. Dodge because it's all relevant. Some basic info - truck has 265K miles, HD springs, not lifted, used everyday from commuter, rugged terrain(live in NW), heavy loads/hauling. I need to replace them myself. I took it to Les Schwab & they suggested KYB monomax(565018/19), but what little I could find online says they are a lower-end shock, so...
1) Is there a better shock? What makes it so? & a little of the science behind it.

2). I see where I can purchase the KYB online thru kyboutlet for about 1/2 the cost of B&M. Is there really that much of a mark-up or is there something wrong with these?

3) Is there a reliable online store where I can buy replacement parts?

4) Any websites that can give me unbiased reviews of auto parts?

5) Finally the loaded ? are there any shocks/online stores that you absolutely stay away from?

Sorry for the long post & thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[xshoex]

KYB is good. ive often used monroe from o reilly for about 30/ ea

 

[xshoex]

just looked on oreilly they have buy 3 get one free atm

 

[Srt20]

By far the most popular shock is Bilstein. Either the 4600 or the 5100. They are very close. Take your pick.

I have the 5100. No it doesn't make a lumber wagon ride like a caddy, but it helps control the truck.

The Bilstein are the most popular for any brand truck. Dodge, Ford, GM. Google it.

I've never used KYB in a truck application, so no comment. But I will say don't waste your time with Monroe shocks.

4wheeldriveparts.com has sales on Bilstein shocks every so often. I paid $270 shipped for all 4.

Edit, my whole post is strictly talking about 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. Not 1/2 ton.

 

[Apeiria]

Thanks! I checked w/O'Reilly's & they were $104ea w/o tax & about the same at Les Schwab. The kyboutlet was $58. I've never shopped online for my parts & am a bit leery when there is such a huge price difference.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The MonoMax and Gas-a-Just shocks are fine. They're actually a step up from the basic OE replacement GR2. The Monomax is more for truck duty, whereas the Gas-a-just is for better handling.

The best shocks you can buy are the Bilstein HD. You can get them on shox.com for $289

Is your truck 2WD or 4WD?

 

[440Magnum]

I think you've gotten good advice. KYB are excellent. Bilstein are excellent, and I actually doubt much better than KYB for a truck application.

Monroes are really not as bad as some would have you believe- they're a good product in the higher-end of their range. Just don't get the low-end single-acting line.

 

[Apeiria]

It's a 4WD (3/4T HD) sorry about that. Out here if you're going to run around in the mtns. you have to have 4WD

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Originally Posted By: Apeiria
It's a 4WD (3/4T HD) sorry about that. Out here if you're going to run around in the mtns. you have to have 4WD


Cool. Then the set of Bilstein is only $265

 

[expat]

I'm following this thread, I have been interested in getting KYB
GR-2 / Excel-G for my Toyota truck.

 

[C1KLTX]

Bilstein are very popular and for good reason, IMO the best shocks you can get.

My other favorite is the Monroe Reflex. I have them on my 05 Yukon, they are very nice.

My recommendations would be Monroe Reflex, or Bilstein.

I would stay away from the brand that starts with a G.

Also, KYB is nice too just a little too stiff for my liking on a truck/suv.

 

[Apeiria]

Thanks everyone for the advice! So do any of you have a go to website for unbiased reviews for auto parts. I've tried Google & can't really find anything

 

[Jarlaxle]

For trucks, I say unequivocally: Rancho. The RS9000X (9-way adjustable) are superb, especially if you see greatly-varying loads in the truck. I ran them on my J-20, both my F-350's, and my wife has them on her big Blazer.

LINK

 

[SteveSRT8]

If you haven't checked Gabriel Ultras then you missed the best deal in a heavy duty shock.

Cheap, great damping, and lifetime warranted, too. Running them on 9000+ pound service vans and some Silverados here and love them.

 

[ryanschillinger]

SteveSRT8 beat me to it. I don't know why someone previously said to stay away from Gabriel, but the Ultras are by far the best quality shock I have used in a few applications. One was a lowered 64 Chevy C10, the other is the 67 Ford F250 in my signature. Not a harsh ride (I mean it's a 3/4 ton truck after all) but nice control and no bouncing. I'm sticking with the Ultras on anything I replace shocks on that has those as an application.
I got a very good deal by finding the part numbers I needed and searching those numbers on Amazon. Ended up getting about half price and shipped to my door in 2 days.

http://gabriel.com/light-vehicle/products/ultra/

 

[smokingun45]

Rockauto.com has provided a lot of shocks, filters, body parts for my two Dodge 3500 4x4 diesel trucks.
I also use Amazon. I got my last two sets of Timken unit bearings there at a killer price. Helps to have the product name and number as Amazon's internal search sucks.

 

[DoubleWasp]

You can't go wrong with Bilstein. I've had good experiences with the Gabriel and Rancho shocks, but they don't match the ride control and durability of the Bilsteins.

 

[Bgallagher]

Originally Posted By: JBinTX30
Bilstein are very popular and for good reason, IMO the best shocks you can get.

My other favorite is the Monroe Reflex. I have them on my 05 Yukon, they are very nice.

My recommendations would be Monroe Reflex, or Bilstein.

I would stay away from the brand that starts with a G.

Also, KYB is nice too just a little too stiff for my liking on a truck/suv.


+1 Bilstein is one of the best for your application. I have the reflex shocks on my Equinox. Now before anybody says anything, a comfort oriented CUV and a HD truck are different but I wanted to get more trucklike qualities/abilities in my Equinox and the reflex shocks and struts did just that. Still has a smooth highway ride as well.