1996 dually front shock issues

etex211 · November 1, 2016

When I bought my 1996 one ton crew cab dually back in 2000, the left front shock was completely gone from the truck. I put two new shocks on the front.

Since that time, I've paid very little attention to the front end on this truck. It's been a very reliable truck and I've mostly just driven it. Back in March, I felt the brakes starting to grind, so I knew it was time for to turn the rotors and get new pads. While performing that service, I noticed that the top nut, washer, and bushing was missing from the left front shock. I put on a new bushing, washer, and double nuts.

This morning, while checking the air in the tires, I noticed that the bushing was gone. I assume that it was somehow hammered away by the movement of the suspension. My washer and double nuts were still there. I just finished putting a solid steel bushing on there.

Does anybody know what causes the front shock problems on these trucks? When I first bought the truck and discovered the missing shock, somebody told me that it's fairly common for the front shocks to just fall off these trucks. I have no idea what is going on.

Is it possible that some brands of shocks bottom out on these trucks? This truck hasn't been lifted or lowered or anything like that. If spending money on a different brand of shocks would solve my issue, I'd be happy to do it. The shocks on there currently are cheapo Monroe Gas Magnums. Like I mentioned previously, they are 16 years old. When I had them off back in the spring, they still had a gas charge on them. I compressed them manually, and the gas pushed the shaft back out.

Any info appreciated. Thanks.

SierraDually · December 9, 2017

"e truck and discovered the missing shock, somebody told me that it's fairly common for the front shocks to just fall off these trucks. I have no id"

that made me laugh out loud for real. It's kind of true but just the way you put it was priceless.

Ive had a 97 and 99 k1500 both with right front shocks broken off. The original ones are oil filled and leak everywhere when they break. One I had snapped at the top of the piston near the mount and the other was broken when I bought it and was just seized closed and only connected at the bottom.

Now on my 88 Dually C3500, the front suspension is shock absorbers AND coil springs and I have never had a problem. It rides a lot tighter in the front compared to my 97 Yukon. The 4x4 front end suspension is considerably weaker than the rear wheel drive version in my opinion. But it's a trade off you make if you need it 4x4.

Only cost effective solution I've come up with is heavier duty shocks for the front.

"the shocks on our truck just fall off" makes me picture a truck sitting in the drive way and when you slam the door shut there's just nuts and bolts dropping off it everywhere and shocks popping off lol