Rear Shock Recommendation

[Roy W]

When pulling my 9200 lb trailer on some highways that have bad expansion joints, I get a bad bobbing up and down of the rear of the truck. My hitch weight is 900 lbs, I have a Reese weight distribution hitch, and the truck and trailer are level. I only have 7500 miles on the truck, but I'm assuming the rear shocks are to blame. I am considering Rancho 9000 shocks, but am not too crazy about having to crawl under the truck every time I pull the trailer to adjust the shock to a firmer setting. Is there a stiff setting I can just leave them on that won't rattle my teeth when empty? Are non-adjustable Bilsteins better than the adjustable Rancho 9000's??

[trbankii]

You can get the controllers so that you can set your shocks from the cab instead of climbing (crawling?) under your truck every time. I'd say that an adjustable shock will probably be the better course of action over a single setting shock if you have divergent loaded and unloaded conditions.

[Kennedy]

Bilsteins and adjustable air bags would be my suggestion. The ability to increase the spring rate will do more than trying to ask the shock absorber to help.

We've been in BO on the Bilsteins for a while, but should have them in soon.

DmaxMaverick could comment on his bags/Sure set from air lift.

[DmaxMaverick]

My 5'er is 13K with a 2000#+ pin weight. With stock springs and shocks, it was awful on the washboards, and CA has no shortage of them. The Bilstein shocks were a huge improvement, but still not enough. I installed AirLift airbags and SureSet compressor/controller system in Sept. Unbelievable improvement. I made the trip to the Rendezvous in SLC, which was mostly on those concrete highways with the combination and it was very smoooooth the whole way. My wife even commented on how the bucking and bouncing went away. An added bonus was the sway control. Before, I intended to install sway bars. With the airbags, the sway control improved so much, the bars are not needed.

The real beaty of the setup is the adjustability, on the fly. When the ride gets a little rough, a slight adjustment will usually smooth it out. The SureSet system is electronic, meaning, there are no airlines to plumb into the cab. Only a single wire harness. The control head monitors individual (L/R) air pressures, and maintains your set pressures.

While the SureSet install isn't for the faint-of-heart, it was straight forward. The AirLift airbag install is about as simple as it could get. 2 hours, both sides, all parts included in the kit. The SureSet kits are very complete, but are designed for a "universal" fit. Some pre-planning is necessary, as is a trip to the hardware store for some minor stuff (electrical connectors, tape, split loom), and possibly more, depending on where you mount the compressor/manifold. Some creativity may be necessary when it comes time for the power taps. The 2001/2002 M/Y's electrical is different than later years.

I had the pleasure of installing a carbon-copy airbag/controller in a friend's 2003 2500HD last week. A couple more, and I'll have it down to a science. He purchased a new toy hauler that was a bit more than he expected. 35', 14K, 3 axle. It is within the truck's capacities (barely), but the weight taxed the rear suspension to the point it was noticeable. The airbags fixed that right up.

I agree with JK. While shocks would be an improvement, I don't think they alone will provide what you want. As far as what brand of shocks, Ranchos are good, but I think adjustability is more of a marketing feature. A well designed shock will do its job, regardless of load. You won't find a better shock than Bilstein, but that doesn't mean the others won't work for you.

Sorry if I got a little long-winded, but it just can't be covered in a one-liner.

[braebyrn]

Interesting info. I installed the airbags, and notice a big difference, but I didn't see where you can get the Sureset. Sounds like a great thing to add.

Where has been a good place to pick up the shocks?
Thanks

[DmaxMaverick]

Originally posted by Rick Henderson:
Interesting info. I installed the airbags, and notice a big difference, but I didn't see where you can get the Sureset. Sounds like a great thing to add.

Where has been a good place to pick up the shocks?
Thanks Look no further than JK's website. He has both, the Bilsteins and SureSet.

The SureSet is an easy addition to any airbag setup, of any brand. The compressor, manifold and controller are independent of the airbags. The airlines just tee into the existing airbag's 1/4" lines, and quick connect fittings are included in the kit. Just cut the existing lines and insert the tees. Only catch is the airbags need to be independent, meaning separate left and right airbags, lines, and valve stems. If you installed the airbags connected, with a single air fitting (NOT recommended, by anyone), you would need to separate them, which would be an easy job.

An added bonus to installing the AirLift airbags and the SureSet, is your airbag warranty will be extended for as long as you own the truck.

[braebyrn]

Thanks for the info. Can you tell me where to find JK's website?
Thanks,
Rick

[DmaxMaverick]

Originally posted by Rick Henderson:
Thanks for the info. Can you tell me where to find JK's website?
Thanks,
Rick www.kennedydiesel.com (http://www.kennedydiesel.com)