Alright, first off hello everyone, I've gotten a lot of great info off this forum over the time that i've owned my diesel, but finally decided to make an account.

My truck: 1995 Dodge 2500 12v 4x4 Regular Cab Long Bed Laramie with an Auto on 35's.

My situation: I have searched an found many questions about running larger shocks after a leveling kit. Unfortunately that isn't what my question is. My shocks are in need of replacement, however to this point I have yet to install a leveling kit on my truck. It clears 35's just fine as is and I have no intentions of leveling it in the near, near future. However, I am considering having a steel front bumper fabricated for it this summer which, when installed, could make a leveling kit necessary. I don't know.

I have decided to go with rough country 2.2 shocks because I can get them from a local vendor that I am very fond of for a great price. (I know about the bilstein bias from much of the diesel community, however I have had bad experiences with bilsteins in the past that makes me uncomfortable running them). 2.2's come in either 0-1" of lift or 2-3" of lift.

My question: Would it be good if I ran 2-3" shocks on my current stock setup to allow me the ability to add a leveling kit in the future if necessary? I just can't see a situation where they would bottom out before other things hitting such as tires in the wheel wells or something along that line. I would like to be able to avoid buying 2 sets of shocks if at all possible. Please let me know what you guys know from experience! Thanks!

 

If you run 2-3 inch longer shocks without the lift you risk bottoming out and damaging the shocks. I'd recomend waiting to do shocks when you do the leveling kit, or just go ahead and do the level kit now.

 

Tiremann makes a good point, i'd wait till you do the front end lift.

 

Leveling kits are cheap or you can make your own. Bilsteins will give you a better ride. Nothing fancy about the HD series but they are arguably the best riding shock available.

 

I'm running 5100's that are good stock height to 2" lift... i'm sure rough country or any reputable company will make similar...

not liking bilsteins though?? strange