When to replace shocks/struts

I have a 2006 DCB with 108,000 miles on it. All on road driving except for maybe the beach. I haven't had any issues with my shocks/struts yet, just checking to see when others are replacing theirs. Just curious.

 

Supposed to be every 50k. Mine have 70-80k and it's like driving a boat

 

My 2006 AC just turned 100k miles and the shocks work just fine. There's a sharp dip in the highway near my house and the truck levels out quickly and smoothly. Bears mentioning that I rarely take it off pavement, usually for 2-3 camping trips per year or hauling the dirt bikes to the staging area 8-10 times per year... nothing that would really wear the shocks. It might ride a *little* better with new shocks, but it's still plenty comfortable and I really don't see the need for replacement right now.

 

Come on, you broke 100k miles! Treat your truck and yourself a set of 5100's .

 

What he said. You can actually break stuff(shocks, coils, leafs, balljoints) and wear tires with worn suspension

 

I forgot my truck has the XSP package, it came with Bilstein 4600 series shocks/struts. They might still be in good shape, truck rides fine. How long do they last? I would be interested in the 5100 with ride height adjustable shocks, that way I could raise it up and try some different wheels and tires.

 

The 4600 are the factory bilsteins right? Yellow and blue? That's what I have, and they suck. I probably have 70-80k on mine. They can't make up their mind whether the want to ride rough like an offroad shock or bouncy like a worn shock. It's a terrible ride

 

I have 111K on my 2006 AC and I just started noticing a little floating feeling. As much as I have in my tires, I don't want to risk it and will start looking for some deals.

 

I have a 13' 4x4 DCSB. I sold my 02' xtra TRD 4x4. I replaced the Blisteins @
about 90K. Big Different with the new Bilsteins!

Off Topic a little...A great place to a good to get shocks is Generalsprings.com/KC
$149 per side + $54 shipping. Old springs almost flat.

 

Is it hard to replace the shocks, I think I could do the rear ones myself, looks like they are easy to get to, but the front ones looks like I might need to see a mechanic. I work on a keyboard all day.

 

The handling at 0 miles and 5000 on my 13 was like coming from 78 Cadillac to a dropped rice eating honda. Do yourself a favor and change your shocks! I read somewhere once that new shocks lose 50 percent of their articulation within 10,000 miles.

 

wow, mine are at 150k on my 2005. I have the trd sport so those are the 4600? what is the difference in the 5100...I will google

 

5100s are adjustable in the front for up to 2.5" of lift. Very good off road shock with great on road characteristics

 

Rear shocks are easy to replace. Just 2 bolts. Front struts are a different story. I've never done that and don't wanna try myself

 

Mine had 125k on them when I changed them out for 5100s. They actually weren't done by that point, but while I was in there doing other things I went ahead and replaced them. There is not a "standard" life for shocks...depending on how you drive they can last 20,000 miles or 150,000 miles. Honestly, a lot of people convince themselves that their shocks are worn so they can justify putting 5100s on when the truck really didn't "need" it.

However...the 5100 is a much superior shock. My truck drives much better with them than the factory TRD shocks (which is what you have).

 

Great info! Thanks, I am going to go with 5100's. So here comes the stupid question: Do I buy 4 to do a complete replacement or are the front and rear different types?

 

Front and rears are different. Most of the vendor websites through here will explain which are front and which are rear, and some have a package deal with all 4. Make sure you get new bushings for the front, for some reason Bilstien doesn't supply those with the shock.

 

Do it this way:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

I did it this way, and it was easier than I thought.

 

Replacing shocks has nothing to do with tire wear.

Lol.... What!?
The last sentence, not true.

 

So you're saying that worn shocks that would put more pressure on tires due to increased body roll and lack of resistance wouldn't wear tres faster?