2004 Crew 2500 W/ 4" Lift Needs New Shocks

[UTgringo]

I just found some funny feathering on my new tires. It is on the tread about 2" in from the sides and the tire shop said it is the shocks and that they need replacing. The truck has a 4" fabtech on front and 3" blocks on back with 83k miles. What do you think? Do I need new shocks? What are the best shocks for this truck?

[FarmerDave]

Usually, feathering on one side of the tire is caused by excessive toe-in or toe-out. Bad shocks tend to wear the both outer edges. However, there are 2 easy ways to check your shocks. The simplest, push down on your suspension as far as you can, let the vehicle bounce back up, if the truck does more than up -> down -> up you have bad shocks. Too many rebounds are the result of bad shocks, which make every bump cause your tire to flex more, resulting in wear. If you really want to dig in, pull a shock out and just move the rod with your hands, if there is too little resistance to movement the seal probably failed.

 

If replacement is your solution, Bilstein is a good brand to recommend and is what I will use when my shocks need replacement,

[UTgringo]

Usually, feathering on one side of the tire is caused by excessive toe-in or toe-out. Bad shocks tend to wear the both outer edges. However, there are 2 easy ways to check your shocks. The simplest, push down on your suspension as far as you can, let the vehicle bounce back up, if the truck does more than up -> down -> up you have bad shocks. Too many rebounds are the result of bad shocks, which make every bump cause your tire to flex more, resulting in wear. If you really want to dig in, pull a shock out and just move the rod with your hands, if there is too little resistance to movement the seal probably failed.

 

If replacement is your solution, Bilstein is a good brand to recommend and is what I will use when my shocks need replacement,

 

I am getting some vibration and chattering out of the front end and the feathering is not only on the sides, but also in towards the middle. I just had an alignment done when the tires were mounted about 2,000 miles ago, so I think/hope alignment is fine.

 

I am assuming that the shocks are bad, but I will look further.

 

What do you know about RMX shocks? Are they as good as Bilstein?

[AntelopeLTZ]

RMX from Les Schwab? I had them on my Ford and wasn't too impressed. I think they are re-badged Gabriel Max Controls. Seem like they have a true fit which were the ones I had, then ones for lifted vehicles that were real stiff. After a while with them, I ended up getting some Rancho XL9000's. Much better.

[UTgringo]

RMX from Les Schwab? I had them on my Ford and wasn't too impressed. I think they are re-badged Gabriel Max Controls. Seem like they have a true fit which were the ones I had, then ones for lifted vehicles that were real stiff. After a while with them, I ended up getting some Rancho XL9000's. Much better.

 

 

Yep, Les Schwab. They claim that they are identical to Bilstein, but you know how that is. Salesman will tell you anything. I just called on Ranchos and that shop said that the are about $130 insalled and they would recommend XL5000 for a softer ride. Are you familiar with these?

[AntelopeLTZ]

I have never ran the 5000's but I don't see how they would be softer since the 9000 is adjustable. You can adjust then to your liking.