2008 Sierra Denali 1500 Rear Shocks

Boss Lady · January 30, 2017

My 2008 Sierra Denali 1500 is in need of replacement rear shocks. I occasionally tow a 26' boat, and last week I noticed that the rear had dropped with the boat hooked to it, to a point that I could barely get my winch stand on. I'm guessing it's about 2 to 3 inches lower than before. I've only got 67,000 miles on the truck and will probably keep it another year. It being noticeably lower, with my boat attached, tells me for sure the shocks need replacing. Since I don't tow often, I really don't want a stiff shock made specifically for towing, as the ride quality would more than likely suffer. Should I go back with the original AC Delco shocks, or is there a better choice? Thanks!

intheburbs · January 30, 2017

Shocks don't support the vehicle's weight; they just keep it from acting like a pogo stick.

If your shocks need replacement, the truck will bounce up and down repeatedly after a bump. Get someone heavy to stand on the rear bumper and then jump off. The truck should bounce once. If it bounces more than once, you need new shocks.

If the truck is sagging, you need new springs or helper springs. The springs support the weight of the truck (and the weight of the trailer tongue).

muddkatt · January 30, 2017

^^^ X2.

There is a possibility that your boat is either loaded further up on the the trailer and making more tongue weight or the the boat could be waterlogged adding to the weight.

If you just want to change the shocks due to them being worn out, I recommend Bilstein shocks.

two_wheeled · February 17, 2017

I had the same problem when towing my camper trailer with my 2011 Silverado 1500. At 80K miles the stock shocks still performed well, but I needed help keeping the truck level when towing. Also, it would sometimes bottom out when towing at speed and hitting dips or bumps.

I found a set of Monroe air shocks at Oreilly Auto. With minimal air pressure, they feel exactly like my stock shocks around town with no load in the bed. With a load behind me, and pressure in them, they support the towing loads very nicely and still ride smooth. It doesn't feel stiff, nor does it feel like the bouncy air shocks I used 20 years ago. I'm very happy with these. And they were only $60 for the pair. Monroe makes good shocks.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

-Steve in Phx.