Front shock replacement

rusty01 · August 2, 2012

Well now that I have replaced my rear shocks with Monroe Sensatrac coil overs I am thinking the front shocks have had it as well. What would you recommend for a decent fromt shock for towing applications? Don't want to just replace with some cheap OEM replacement shock. This is on my 2001 GMC Sierra 1500.

jdubub · August 2, 2012

bilstein 5100's

00Silverado4x4 · August 2, 2012

I got the Monroe Reflex's. I think they are great. Probably a little stiffer than stock but that was perfect for my use in the truck. Plus they were reasonably priced so I couldn't go wrong.

rusty01 · August 3, 2012

bilstein 5100's

The 5100's seem to be an off road type shock, no?

rusty01 · August 3, 2012

Will the Monroe Reflex monotube shocks work on my truck? It specifies Z71 package. I do not have the Z71 package. What is the difference between Z71 and non-Z71 shocks? Is one longer then the other?

kstruckcountry · August 3, 2012

I believe there is no difference in length from regular to Z71, same length and fit.

The Bilstiens aren't really off road shocks, unless you buy remote reservoir ($250 a piece!).

I'm happy with mine, and my truck sees worse conditions than 95% of trucks do.

00Silverado4x4 · August 3, 2012

I think yes they are longer than regular 4x4. There is a set listed for both the Z71 and non-Z71...

Z71-Characteristics

http://catalog.monro...adStatus=ACTIVE

Non-Z71 Characteristics

http://catalog.monroe.com/catalogPart/monroePartSearchFromECatalog.do?partKey=467604&partNumber=911151&catalogKey=423&methodName=initialiseMonroe&catalogCode=monroe&locale=EN&loadStatus=ACTIVE

kstruckcountry · August 3, 2012

When I ordered mine there was a "difference" from CC to EC. Beats me.

00Silverado4x4 · August 3, 2012

Beat me too. It's only a matter of 1/8" to a 1/4" difference in lengths but no difference in actual travel. About the same differences on the rears as well. When I first started on this forum there was a thread that talked about the differences in regular 4x4's to Z71's and suppposedly there is no difference, even though they call for different shocks.

rusty01 · August 3, 2012

I think yes they are longer than regular 4x4. There is a set listed for both the Z71 and non-Z71...

Z71-Characteristics

http://catalog.monro...adStatus=ACTIVE

Non-Z71 Characteristics

http://catalog.monro...adStatus=ACTIVE

I don't think .2" would really hurt anything, lol

rusty01 · August 3, 2012

Well I'm gonna go with the Relex mono since it seems like a better shock than the regular reflex.

kstruckcountry · August 3, 2012

I think you'll be happy, lots of people recommended them to me.

00Silverado4x4 · August 3, 2012

I've thoroughly enjoyed mine. Have been holding up for 30k miles, towing, hauling, mudding, dirt, rock, pavement....blah, blah, blah.....can't say enough.