New shocks and struts!!!

ramu3527 · July 8, 2014

Hey folks, I have a 2008 Sierra with the All Terrain/off road package. It's got about 75,000 on it and I can tell the shocks/struts and showing their age.

I've used Monroe quick struts before and they seemed to be great. I guess my question is, Monroe, factory (more money) or other?

Thoughts?

white1500 · July 8, 2014

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/162524-shock-question/?do=findComment&comment=1474370

/thread

02suburbanZ71 · July 8, 2014

Rancho 9000XL

ramu3527 · July 8, 2014

So, Monroe sucks? That quick strut sure does make it easy doing the fronts...

chupe442 · July 8, 2014

Had Monroes on two different trucks. Both my Ranger and my 2500hd drove like terribly.. Did Ranchos on the 2500 and was very happy. The Ranger, I sold with them on it. Not sure why people fear strut replacement. They are not that bad, just be careful and use the right tools.

efritz · July 8, 2014

Monroes and ranchos are basically the same. Both made by Tenneco. The lower level rancho shock is the same as the lowest level monroe with white paint and a rubber boot and twice the price so dont get it . Your truck came from the factory with gas monotube shocks, it should be replaced with the same or performance will be lower . I like the monroe reflex, because the price is right and they are firm. I believe the OEMs are Bilstien, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

MaverickZ71 · July 8, 2014

My GM service manager told me the OEM shocks and struts on the All Terrain GMC's and Chevy's with the Z71 Appearance package were manufactured by Rancho. Don't know which model, but they are white and red like the lower level Ranchos.

c0boy · July 9, 2014

My GM service manager told me the OEM shocks and struts on the All Terrain GMC's and Chevy's with the Z71 Appearance package were manufactured by Rancho. Don't know which model, but they are white and red like the lower level Ranchos.

Which suck. Bilstein, done.

ramu3527 · July 9, 2014

Which suck. Bilstein, done.

Well, I wouldn't say they suck. That truck had a great ride. It's got 74,000 on it now and they're needing replacing. I can tell by the ride now compared to when it had less miles. I believe the stockers are in fact Ranchos.

That being said, I'm sure the Bilsteins are much better. Worth the money? I don't know. I can get monotube shocks in Monroe for less money. I put those on my F150 (I know, I know...) and they were an improvement over the stockers.

All being said, I'll look into the Bilsteins... Information is free! (usually)

TooTall1 · July 9, 2014

You can either pony up and buy Bilsteins now...or get something second rate(like Monroe) and regret it later.

white1500 · July 9, 2014

262 for all four Bilsteins is too expensive? C'mon...

ramu3527 · July 9, 2014

262 for all four Bilsteins is too expensive? C'mon...

Hmm, No, doesn't seem unreasonable. Where does that number come from? Should I replace the coils while I'm at it?

white1500 · July 10, 2014

Shockwarehouse.com is where that quote is from for my truck and it includes free shipping!

And I would just do the shocks, no need for springs.

c0boy · July 11, 2014

Well, I wouldn't say they suck. That truck had a great ride. It's got 74,000 on it now and they're needing replacing. I can tell by the ride now compared to when it had less miles.

With 20K on the odometer I can tell a difference in ride quality. I don't do any major towing, crazy driving, etc. There is no way you should feel a difference in ride quality in 20K. Besides they are rusting, I don't live in a high rust zone like the Northeast.

ramu3527 · July 11, 2014

I'm looking at the 4600 Bilstein. The Monroe's with the quick strut are about the same price as the Bilsteins without the spring. At that point I might as well get the Bilsteins.

I've looked at spring compressors for $49. Seems to me, I should be able to change out the springs myself. Has anyone done that before? I've never changed out springs on a shock before.

Advice?