Shock Absorber Question

[Jcol]

I have about 90,000 miles on my 2002 2500 HD 2WD. I've owned the truck for the last 18 months. A few weeks ago I started noticing that when on a very smooth paved road I still feel an almost constant series of minor road bumps. It's not really a vibration because it's not constant and I feel it in the seat of my pants, not so much through the steering wheel. I needed a new set of tires so I replaced them thinking this would take care of the problem. The new tires made it a little better but the roughness is still there. I think this roughness has been there along and I've assumed it was simply the way these trucks ride with E range tires inflated to 65 psi however they just paved my road and it is absolutely smooth and I still feel it. It is minor but its there all the time. I'm thinking something is wrong with the front end. I have jacked up the front end of the truck and the ball joints and tie rod ends seem tight so I have been thinking about the front shocks. The truck doesn't keep bouncing after a bump which I guess it the classic shock test but I'm still wondering if the shocks could worn and contribute to this sensation that I'm feeling on smooth roads. If people think changing the shocks might help is it relatively easy to do? I had a look and they are very accessable with a bolt at the bottom and a nut on top. Is there any trick to changing them or any special tools required? Any advise will be appreciated. Thanks.

[kjresener]

I just changed out all four of my shocks on my 2002 2500HD 4WD on Saturday. Easy job and basic tools only needed. 13/16 open end and socket for the big bolts and nuts, I forgot what the top nut is on the front.

After some research I put on Bilstein HD shocks front and rear. Takes more time to jack up each corner of the truck and take the wheel off than to change the shock. I hit the top and bottom nuts with PB Blaster a day or two ahead of time to loosen any rust and they all came off easy.

I ordereed initially from shockwarehouse.com but after not receiving them after a few days I had to call and then was told they were backordered and wouldn't be in for another week. I cancelled the order and bought them from the Tire Rack and had them in two days.

[Jcol]

Kresen -Thanks for the info on changing the shocks, sounds pretty easy. What symptons did your truck have before you changed them and did the new shocks make much of a difference? Thanks.

[jro909]

my oem shocks were toast on my 1500 when i started noticing the truck would not stop bouncing with a load in the bed...put bilstein hds on and it rides like a truck now

[Shawn T]

I have about 90,000 miles on my 2002 2500 HD 2WD. I've owned the truck for the last 18 months. A few weeks ago I started noticing that when on a very smooth paved road I still feel an almost constant series of minor road bumps. It's not really a vibration because it's not constant and I feel it in the seat of my pants, not so much through the steering wheel. I needed a new set of tires so I replaced them thinking this would take care of the problem. The new tires made it a little better but the roughness is still there. I think this roughness has been there along and I've assumed it was simply the way these trucks ride with E range tires inflated to 65 psi however they just paved my road and it is absolutely smooth and I still feel it. It is minor but its there all the time. I'm thinking something is wrong with the front end. I have jacked up the front end of the truck and the ball joints and tie rod ends seem tight so I have been thinking about the front shocks. The truck doesn't keep bouncing after a bump which I guess it the classic shock test but I'm still wondering if the shocks could worn and contribute to this sensation that I'm feeling on smooth roads. If people think changing the shocks might help is it relatively easy to do? I had a look and they are very accessable with a bolt at the bottom and a nut on top. Is there any trick to changing them or any special tools required? Any advise will be appreciated. Thanks.

The first step I would try is deflating your tires some. Unless you are meeting the maximum weight rating on each, it's overkill. I run 8 ply 285 D range with a higher weight rating than 10 ply 245 E range. They require 65 psi cold for max rating. I run 42 in the front and 40 in the rear, unless I'm pulling my camper, which I inflate the rear to about 50 psi. It's like a night and day difference in the ride quality. As long as you don't run them too low causing excesive heat wear and bad mileage, it takes the sharpness out. IMHO, there is no such thing as a smooth paved road either. The small inperfections can still be felt when your tires are as hard as a rock. I could be wrong but it doesn't cost you a dime and you will find out if your shocks may be going. Good luck.

[04JJHD]

Just out of curiosity how are the new shocks compared to the old ones? As far as fitment, ride, and overall quality?

[kjresener]

My truck just rode soft, and had a lot of lean when I'd take corners. Big bumps seemed to really upset the truck. I have 80k miles on the truck. Now it rides a little firmer without so much floatiness. Biggest difference I feel is probably in cornering, not that I'm hot rodding the truck around but it is noticeably flatter when taking corners. Feels much more in control.

SSTimothy mentions airing the tires down a bit when not towing and I do that too, I run 45 pounds front and rear when not towing.

 

The Bilsteins are a quality product, very well built and fit on there perfectly. Part number for front is F4-BE5-6081-HO and rear is F4-BE5-6082-HO. Got 'em at the Tire Rack for $66 each. That part number is for trucks without quadrasteer.

[the_croz]

My truck just rode soft, and had a lot of lean when I'd take corners. Big bumps seemed to really upset the truck. I have 80k miles on the truck. Now it rides a little firmer without so much floatiness. Biggest difference I feel is probably in cornering, not that I'm hot rodding the truck around but it is noticeably flatter when taking corners. Feels much more in control.

SSTimothy mentions airing the tires down a bit when not towing and I do that too, I run 45 pounds front and rear when not towing.

 

The Bilsteins are a quality product, very well built and fit on there perfectly. Part number for front is F4-BE5-6081-HO and rear is F4-BE5-6082-HO. Got 'em at the Tire Rack for $66 each. That part number is for trucks without quadrasteer.

You will notice after about 9,000 to 15,000 miles you will feel the shaking again.. you need to replace the Rubber lower bushings with polyurethane ones.. Keep an eye on the gromet you will notice it's wearing out and loose..

[Shaners]

Just replaced the shocks on my truck. The stock ones only had 25K miles on them but i was noticing some ride characteristics that just didn't seem right.

 

You don't have to pull the wheels to change the shocks. My buddy and I changed them in 35 minutes for all 4 shocks.

 

If you are going to change them then do all 4. I put Monroe Reflex shocks on my truck and they are onsale now... by 3 get 1 free. There is a noticable improvement in the way my truck rides and handles.