economydogs
Seattle area
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Joined: 09/23/2011
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So how do you know when the shocks need replaced? I have been told that if they do not appear to be leaking they are still good. Is this true?
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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At 56K & if they're OEM's, I'd replace them, at least the fronts. They don't have to leak to be worn out.
My sort of seat-of-the pants test is to hit an abrupt parking lot speed breaker a bit faster than usual with the front, and brake sharply. The front end will oscillate some anyway, but more & longer if the shocks are worn. The old auto test of pushing down on one fender and releasing doesn't work on something as heavy as this.
IIRC, the OEM shocks are black and unlabelled. The fronts are inside the coil on the 3500's, probably same on the 2500.
Jim, "'What are you up to?' 'My ideal weight... if I was 11 feet tall!'"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
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MikeCaAlaska
Alaska and southern California
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Joined: 10/29/2011
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Hi, I have a 2010 170 Popular that I have used a lot in the 1.6 years since I picked it up at the dealers. I went the 1st year with no mods to the vehicle and noticed how much it was a bit weaving for driving. A couple of months ago I switched over to Bilsteins front and rear, the front at 65 and the rear at 80 psi - sure did improve the ride a lot. Did not seem to rock and roll so much on the road - i.e., stable ride.
A few weeks ago added the airpac 5000 air bags to the rear - wow, with the shocks and air bags - what a difference in ride - comfy even on gravel / dirt roads. Well worth the addition. After 40k miles in the last 1.6 years since retiring, this is fantastic for driving. A note: had my sister here on a visit for a few weeks - her remarks were that my 170 was much more comfy on the road than her van in MI.
Next project is spring replacements in the front - adding a couple of more inches of height - well worth it.
Mike
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booster
Minnesota
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Joined: 10/14/2007
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I think I would start with a good wheel alignment, which should help stability and tracking quite a bit. If it is porpoising, then shocks are a definite need. For "rocking" the shocks will help, but the best cure is a swaybar in the rear (difficult if you have a genny) and/or airbags in the rear and bigger springs in the front.
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