Shock options?

sdeeter19555 · July 19, 2015

I know I read a thread on shocks last week, but couldn't find it.

With 61k miles, probably time for new shocks. I'm seeing maybe three options: Bilstein 5100s (pushing $400), Monroe Reflex (around $200), and Rancho 5000s (around $300). I've ran KYB, Gabriel, and others that didn't last.

I know Bilstein was the shock of choice for the HD Dodges, but what is the shock of choice for the HD Silverados? Where is the best place to buy them?

On a side note, has anyone noticed their rear springs losing arch? I can tell my passenger side has lost more arch than the driver's side...

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Chevor · July 20, 2015

Rancho 9000s adjustibility.

ATMINF · July 20, 2015

I put on some 5100 bilstein on mine, and so far so good. Got them from 4wheel parts when they were on sale.

davester · July 20, 2015

Was going to get Bilstein 5100's, but saw some reports that favored the Rancho RS9000XL's over them, so I just ordered these for my '04 Sierra 3500. Amazon.ca had them for about $60 less than 4wheelparts, and, yes, I just have ordered them last month and got the $70 rebate instead...

phillyturbosix · July 20, 2015

I did theBilstein 24-060813 Shock Absorbers on the front. I have air bags in the back with the factory shocks still. I keep about 20psi in the bags. My truck is not used much other then towing my inclosed trailer a few times a year and the occasional joy ride. I have 30K on it now and the front shocks were trash. Every truck I've ever bought over the years you only get about 20 to 25K out of the shocks. Must be the part they all cheapen out on. I like the ride of the Bilsteins a lot. I was able to feel the road. I noticed right away.

karlmg · July 23, 2015

Bilstein offers smooth ride quality while Ranchos are a bit stiff yet they are good for off-roading.

davester · July 26, 2015

Just to follow up, I just received the Rancho RS9000XL shocks for my '04 Sierra 3500 C&C [yay, it's much easier taking out the top shock bolt by removing some wood planks and doing it from the top than from underneath], installed them today and did a couple of test drives. They are adjustable, and since I normally run with a very light load [i'd get a smaller truck, but the flatbed works great for hauling all my snow removal equipement in the winter and every now and then I haul around a couple of tons of landscaping supplies], I set all the shocks to '1' [with available settings of 1 to 9].

It handles both big and small bumps so much better, to me it feels like finally the suspension [particularly the rear] is working properly. It doesn't just hit a bump and then bounce the rear end up into the air, but like it absorbs the bump instead. I would say that it feels like the 1st stage of the rear springs is finally being used, as before the rear felt extremely stiff and you could feel every bump.

Now, I would say that, based on some of the other work the previous owners did [and didn't] do, and they got the truck in '06 with about 30k km on it, the shocks I took off probably were the original shocks [now with almost 200k km], so they likely were totally shot and any new shocks would have been an improvement.

I might try increasing the setting on the front shocks, as now it bounced more, and I still need to see how it handles hauling my trailer around.

I can't say if Bilstein or new OEM shocks would be better or worse, but so far, I'm happy with these RS9000XL's.

sdeeter19555 · July 27, 2015

The adjustable shocks don't do anything for me...

After the recommendations here, I'll get the Bilsteins.

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sdeeter19555 · September 15, 2015

Well, finally got to ordering new shocks...got four from 4 wheel parts for $280 shipped (their four shock deal).

Mine are completely shot, you can tell because the bounce is more pronounced and it's shuddering on bigger hits. It will be interesting to see just how bad they are...

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sdeeter19555 · September 15, 2015

I should clarify that I bought the Bilstein 5100s...

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dcbridgwater · October 4, 2015

sdeeter19555,

How you liking those new 5100s any increase in the harshness of the ride?

Trying to decide between the 4600s and the 5100s.

Dale

MORSNO · October 4, 2015

sdeeter19555,

How you liking those new 5100s any increase in the harshness of the ride?

Trying to decide between the 4600s and the 5100s.

Dale

Either shock is a excellent choice. The 5100's are setup for off road ride and lifted trucks, the 4600's are setup for trucks that haul heavy loads. Personally, I'm going with 4600's when I decide to install new shocks. I carry a 3,000lb camper and tow a 16' trailer with ATV's all summer and snowmobiles in the winter.