new shocks

[rcolston]

I replaced my shocks about 2 years ago on my 05. I did them early but I installed Bilstein 5100's which provided me with a 2" lift for the front. The fronts are probably more expensive due to them having to be able to support the springs and weight of the truck up front. The rears are as simple as doing 2 bolts. The fronts you need a spring compressor for and most auto hobby shops on military bases have them. That is where I did mine. You have to compress the spring, remove a nut and then the shock will drop out of the bottom and you will reuse the spring mounts on the new ones. Like I said, I did mine in an afternoon in the auto hobby shop. I would agree that if you do the bounce test and it passes that you will be fine for a while longer. If I recall correctly I had to disconnect the top of the steering knuckle to get the front shock out but you might have better luck than me.

[ticopowell]

Originally Posted by rcolston

I replaced my shocks about 2 years ago on my 05. I did them early but I installed Bilstein 5100's which provided me with a 2" lift for the front. The fronts are probably more expensive due to them having to be able to support the springs and weight of the truck up front. The rears are as simple as doing 2 bolts. The fronts you need a spring compressor for and most auto hobby shops on military bases have them. That is where I did mine. You have to compress the spring, remove a nut and then the shock will drop out of the bottom and you will reuse the spring mounts on the new ones. Like I said, I did mine in an afternoon in the auto hobby shop. I would agree that if you do the bounce test and it passes that you will be fine for a while longer. If I recall correctly I had to disconnect the top of the steering knuckle to get the front shock out but you might have better luck than me.

Thanks for the info! I already have a leveling kit, but if all I need to do is put in a little longer shocks then I could sell the 3" procomp kit
The shop here does have the spring compressor so that sounds like it would work! thanks again!

[ticopowell]

Originally Posted by rcolston

I replaced my shocks about 2 years ago on my 05. I did them early but I installed Bilstein 5100's which provided me with a 2" lift for the front. The fronts are probably more expensive due to them having to be able to support the springs and weight of the truck up front. The rears are as simple as doing 2 bolts. The fronts you need a spring compressor for and most auto hobby shops on military bases have them. That is where I did mine. You have to compress the spring, remove a nut and then the shock will drop out of the bottom and you will reuse the spring mounts on the new ones. Like I said, I did mine in an afternoon in the auto hobby shop. I would agree that if you do the bounce test and it passes that you will be fine for a while longer. If I recall correctly I had to disconnect the top of the steering knuckle to get the front shock out but you might have better luck than me.

oh and did you put the same ones in the back as the front? thanks!

[jetpilot2]

At least on the 2wd, the fronts are "struts", the rears are "shocks", hence the difference in price. As already stated, the fronts require a little more labor and a specialty tool, so another difference in price. If you can get ahold of a spring compressor (HEAVY DUTY due to the size of the springs), then it is a very simple job and will save you some money.

Not sure if the 4wd has the same set-up, but I do know some of the parts are the same.

[Jackpine]

Originally Posted by jetpilot2

At least on the 2wd, the fronts are "struts", the rears are "shocks", hence the difference in price. As already stated, the fronts require a little more labor and a specialty tool, so another difference in price. If you can get ahold of a spring compressor (HEAVY DUTY due to the size of the springs), then it is a very simple job and will save you some money.

Not sure if the 4wd has the same set-up, but I do know some of the parts are the same.

OK, now that everyone has pointed out how little I know, it all makes sense.

Yes, the fronts are "struts", the rears are "shocks". A strut has to dampen "springyness" like a shock, but also has to resist side forces (and this, of course is because there's no solid axle in the front?). So, it's a bit more complicated than a simple shock. And, it combines the front suspension spring, while on the rear, that part is separate.

But, I stand by my opinion that a shock/strut really doesn't have to be changed immediately just because it's seeping. I don't think they fail catastrophically. And, if the spring portion of the strut were broken, you probably wouldn't want to drive the truck at all, but I doubt that's the problem. So, if it's a seeping shock portion, I rely on the bounce test until I have the money.

- Jack

[ticopowell]

Awesome! and thanks for all the help!

[Jackpine]

Probably worth exactly what you've paid for it! (I learned that in my Air Force days.)

- Jack

[ticopowell]

Originally Posted by JackandJanet

Probably worth exactly what you've paid for it! (I learned that in my Air Force days.)

- Jack

I sure hope it save's me money... but dont expect me to pay anyone what I saved...

[jetpilot2]

Originally Posted by JackandJanet

OK, now that everyone has pointed out how little I know, it all makes sense.

Yes, the fronts are "struts", the rears are "shocks". A strut has to dampen "springyness" like a shock, but also has to resist side forces (and this, of course is because there's no solid axle in the front?). So, it's a bit more complicated than a simple shock. And, it combines the front suspension spring, while on the rear, that part is separate.

But, I stand by my opinion that a shock/strut really doesn't have to be changed immediately just because it's seeping. I don't think they fail catastrophically. And, if the spring portion of the strut were broken, you probably wouldn't want to drive the truck at all, but I doubt that's the problem. So, if it's a seeping shock portion, I rely on the bounce test until I have the money.

- Jack

Jack,

It wasn't meant to prove how much you do or do not know, just provide some info. I also agree with you, no need to replace at this time; just keep an eye on it.

George

[Jackpine]

Originally Posted by jetpilot2

Jack,

It wasn't meant to prove how much you do or do not know, just provide some info. I also agree with you, no need to replace at this time; just keep an eye on it.

George

George - PLEASE don't ever hesitate to correct me when I'm wrong! One thing I do not want to do, is put out bad advice/information. As our friend shotgun is fond of quoting from a talk by Gen Powell: "Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement." Substitute "knowledge" for "judgment", and "mistakes" for "experience" and you understand my philosophy. I don't like to be wrong, but I hate it even more when I'm wrong and don't know it.

I'm always grateful when people take the time to educate me.

- Jack