After Market Rear Shocks (Rough Rider)

I feel like this subject has been beaten to death based on the research I've done. But, I have yet to find anything specific to my issue. A lot of us have been unsatisfied with the rough day-to-day ride of the factory Bilstein Heavy Duty rear shocks. And usually this conversation leads into lifts, tire size, so on and so forth. Plenty of factors at play...

I'm not an avid "off-roader" considering my truck is of the Sport package. But I do enjoy some good ol' muddin'. Other specifics of my truck include the Double Cab, Long Bed, Hankook DynaPro ATm P265/70R17 (W/H:10.43 x 31.60 Inches) tires, and currently has 400lbs of sand bags in the bed centered above the rear axle. The longer wheelbase is supposed to provide a smoother ride, yet I still bounce about our harsh weathered highways (Minnesota). All that being said I have no interest in a lift kit. The previous owner purchased a wider rim which basically forces me into wider tires, which I'm okay with because it makes the truck look "mean".

My question to everyone: Is there a specific shock that I can purchase that would give me a happy medium? The 5100 gets brought up all the time, and i'm still unclear whether it actually improves the ride without the lift. It's only the rear that I notice a huge difference. Also to note is that I did have the recall of the rear leaf springs taken care of. And the rear axle seals have been an issue (the driver side needing to be fixed, and the passenger will need to be in the future). I believe this is due o the beating the rear axle takes from the stiff suspension.

 

5100 will calm things down.... the factory crap bucks around on little imperfections and bridge expansion joints.

Also, make sure ur not running max psi in ur tires.

 

Thanks! I guess my other question is do I need to purchase the struts as well? I remember reading that the 5100's are longer than stock.

 

The rears will be fine stock or small lift, you have the 4 leaf pack i assume anyhow since u got the recall done.

I cant recall if the length was same or longer, but dont worry cause the stockers are too short imho and severely limit droop anyhow.

 

Thanks Buddy!